Description

This issue of Microelectronics TOE covers recent developments in organic electronics, electronic cooling mechanism, and spintronics. Innovations profiled include a AC/DC converter for high voltage applications of organic electronics by the Linkoping University, varying distribution of nanoscale structures to achieve enhanced magnetism by the Toyohashi University of Technology, development of electronic cooling mechanisms with graphene by the Rutgers University, a high speed magnetic junction for advanced intelligent systems by the University of Minnesota, and a device for charge and spin measurement of electrons by the Tokyo University of Technology.

The Microelectronics TechVision Opportunity Engine (TOE) captures global electronics-related innovations and developments on a weekly basis. Developments are centred on electronics attributed by low power and cost, smaller size, better viewing, display and interface facilities, wireless connectivity, higher memory capacity, flexibility and wearables. Research focus themes include small footprint lightweight devices (CNTs, graphene), smart monitoring and control (touch and haptics), energy efficiency (LEDs, OLEDs, power and thermal management, energy harvesting), and high speed and improved conductivity devices (SiC, GaN, GaAs).

Miniaturization, a move toward lower power consumption, and the need for enhanced features are driving innovations in the electronics sector. Technology focus areas include semiconductor manufacturing and design, flexible electronics, 3D integration/IC, MEMS and NEMS, solid state lighting, advanced displays, nanoelectronics, wearable electronics, brain computer interface, advanced displays, near field communication, and next generation data storage or memory.

Keywords: Organic electronics, spintronics, electronic cooling mechanism, graphene