![]() In 2005, another discovery opens new perspectives. Teams of Andre Geim (Manchester University) and Philip Kim (Columbia University) succeeded in synthesis of graphite monolayers - known also as graphene sheets. A material has only two dimensions (length and width), whose thickness is of one graphite atom i.e. a few Angstroms. The physics goes down below nano-scale devices, opening the way for a new electronics, in which carbon could substitute silicon. The US military research agency (DARPA) is initiated a research program called CERA (Carbon Electronics for Radio Frequency Applications). having the objective to produce a film of graphene of size 50x50 mm. Andre Geim, made another step in making the first graphene transistor: basic component of microchips in the era of graphite? The producers of silicon chips: Intel and IBM are ahead of these research. And Igor Lukyanchuk joint this trend which gives to his discovery the chance to participate in a revolution. Michel Alberganti 06.07.08, (translated from French) |
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