KAUST Assistant Professor Xiaohang Li has won the 2018 Harold M. Manasevit Young Investigator Award for his work in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth of semiconductors. Li will receive the award at the 19th International Conference on Metalorganic Vapor Phase Epitaxy in Japan. The award recognizes Li's contributions to deep UV lasers, B-III-N alloys, III-oxides, and blue and green emitters. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing prominence in advanced semiconductor research and its potential impact on the optoelectronics industry.
KAUST researchers collaborated with TSMC to review the potential of 2D materials in overcoming silicon limitations for microchips. They find that while 2D materials show promise, performance degrades when using scalable fabrication techniques like chemical vapor deposition. 2D materials have been integrated into some commercial products like sensors, but high-integration-density circuits are still a challenge. Why it matters: This research highlights the ongoing efforts and remaining hurdles in utilizing novel materials to advance semiconductor technology in line with industry roadmaps.
KAUST researchers developed a crystallization process for organic molecules with potential applications in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food. They produced "strained organic semiconductors," which can lead to high-performance, low-cost, flexible, and transparent electronic devices. The team combined X-ray beams with high-speed cameras to record the crystallization process, revealing that quick evaporation and nanoscale thinness play a role in producing ideal crystal lattices. Why it matters: This new method offers unprecedented control over crystal formation, potentially revolutionizing the production of plastic electronics and impacting other industries relying on specific crystal structures.
A KAUST research team led by Prof. Osman Bakr developed a novel antisolvent vapor-assisted crystallization (AVC) method to grow high-quality, crack-free MAPbX3 perovskite single crystals at room temperature. The resulting crystals exceeded 100 mm3 in volume and exhibited exceptionally low trap-state density (approximately 10^9 – 10^10 cm-3). The crystal quality is comparable to high-quality single crystal silicon, but grown at much lower temperatures. Why it matters: This breakthrough allows for more accurate characterization of perovskite photovoltaic properties and can accelerate improvements in solar cell efficiency.
Areej Aljarb is a Ph.D. student in material science and engineering at KAUST, researching 2D materials within the KAUST 2D Materials Research Lab under Professors Lain-Jong Li and Xixiang Zhang. Her research focuses on the controlled growth and fundamental phenomena of two-dimensional atomic layer thin materials, specifically controlling the orientation of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Aljarb aims to achieve single-orientation epitaxial monolayer 2D TMDs to fully utilize the potential of these materials. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering local talent and contributing to advanced materials research with potential applications in various technology sectors.
KAUST has acquired a BM Pro plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) reactor from AIXTRON for wafer-scale deposition of graphene and carbon nanotubes. The reactor, capable of handling up to 4-inch substrates, will be used by Professor Pedro Da Costa's research team initially, before being opened up to other researchers at KAUST. AIXTRON's VP highlighted the system's uniformity, scalability, rapid heating, and plasma-based processing for growing graphene and nanotubes. Why it matters: This advanced tool enhances KAUST's research capabilities in carbon nanostructures, positioning the university as a leading center for materials science and nanotechnology research in the region.
KAUST researchers have integrated a hexagonal boron nitride sheet into CMOS microchips, creating a hybrid 2D-CMOS microchip. This integration leverages the electrical and thermal properties of 2D materials, resulting in circuits that are smaller, more energy-efficient, and have longer lifespans. The KAUST Imaging and Characterization Core Lab contributed to the observations in this study, which involved researchers from six countries. Why it matters: This achievement represents a significant advancement in microchip miniaturization and performance, potentially impacting various electronic applications.
KAUST researchers led by Dr. Muhammad Hussain have developed a flexible, transparent silicon-on-polymer based FinFET inspired by the folded architecture of the human brain's cortex. The team created a 3D FinFET on a flexible platform without compromising integration density or performance. They aim to demonstrate a fully flexible silicon-based computer by the end of the year. Why it matters: This research could lead to the development of ultra-mobile, foldable computers and integrated circuits, advancing the field of flexible electronics in the region.