The incredible shrinking transistor

Article Abstract:

Bell Laboratories physicists, John Bardeen and Walter Brattain commenced a revolution in electronics by putting theories into practice. Their invention was initially conceptualized as an alternative to vacuum tubes which were used as amplifiers and switches in telephone equipment, and radios and other electronic devices. It was later known as the 'transistor.' One lesson learned from the transistor phenomenon is that basic research of a profit-motivated company may pave the way for an innovative valuable turning point in the field of electronics.

Transistors, Technology

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Go for the glow

Article Abstract:

Astronomers at the San Diego State University have used their expertise in making electronic light detectors for telescopes in the search for defects in computer chips. They have built an infrared emission microscope called IREM 1 that can measure the amount of infrared heat emitted by a computer chip. Experts say that IREM 1 can be used by chip manufacturers as an inexpensive test for bad chips which give off more heat than light. It could also improve the design of chips by preventing chronic defects in certain components.

Instruments to measure electricity, Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals, Other Electronic Component Manufacturing, Infrared Sensors & Detectors, Semiconductor Test Equip, Semiconductor industry, Semiconductor chips, Equipment and supplies, Testing, Infrared detectors, Semiconductor test equipment

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Fungi fodder?

Article Abstract:

Fungi could be a possible cause of corrosion of polymer coatings known as polyimides used in integrated circuits. This is the finding of research done by a group of scientists from MIT and Harvard University who discovered that the white matter found on the polyimides were actually fungi. To find out the negative effect of the fungi, they contaminated some semiconductor chips with it. They discovered that the chips have lowered electrical resistance and half of the contaminated samples failed within a month's time.

Integrated Circuits, Research, Fungi, Contamination, Printed circuits, Printed circuit boards

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