Carbon Nanotube Transistors Outperforming Silicon Varieties
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison claim to have created the first graphene-based transistor that exceeds the capabilities of the best silicon-based devices available today. While not the first transistors created using carbon nanotubes or CNTs, these new semiconductors have higher current capabilities, greater switching speeds and promise to provide next-generation electronics with higher-performance while consuming far less power.
Created from single-atom sheets of graphene rolled into tubes, CNTs enable the creation of a three-dimensional structure from a single-dimension sheet of carbon. Specifically turning these CNTs into field effect transistors. Based on measurements performed by the researchers on single nanotube transistors, these devices should be able to operate at speeds five times greater or use five times less energy than silicon transistors in the same applications.
According to the researchers, their breakthrough could result in carbon nanotube transistors eventually replacing silicon transistors, and provide the on-going performance gains needed to meet consumer demand.
SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Could this research make silicon transistors a thing of the past? Tell us what you think by leaving your comments below.
Testing The Autonomous Truck That Could Revolutionize The Mining Industry
Volvo unveiled their self-driving construction truck earlier this year, proclaiming that it could help revolutionize the mining industry.
Well, last week the automaker released footage of this presumably revolutionary truck operating underground.
This research project is aimed at improving the vehicle’s safety and productivity in mines or other similarly controlled environments. Testing in a Swedish mine, Volvo says the autonomous truck’s six sensors include LiDAR, GPS and radar to help the vehicle continuously navigate its surroundings. Even better, the truck’s smart tech allows it to further refine and inform the steering, speed and gear changes with each visit along the same route.
Volvo says that its truck could help optimize mining logistics, because the trucks would be able to operate continuously. This means eliminating congestion and reducing the time needed to load and offload the trucks.
SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Could you imagine this massive trucks autonomously navigating in a mine? What problems do you imagine occurring?
