Semiconducting Materials

Abstract

Our technologically advanced way of life would not be possible without the semiconductor industry. The first semiconductor device known as a transistor was discovered at Bell Labs in the late 1940s, and was widely used shortly thereafter for radio electronics. Today, transistors are still pervasive in every microelectronic component such as CD/DVD players, cellular phones, modes of transportation (e.g., planes, automobiles, etc.), and computers. In fact, the dual-core chips released by Intel in early 2006 feature over 1.7 billion transistors – all on a surface that is smaller than a postage stamp!