Growth-based monolithic 3D integration of single-crystal 2D semiconductors.

The demand for the three-dimensional (3D) integration of electronic components is steadily increasing. Despite substantial processing challenges, the through-silicon-via (TSV) technique emerges as the only viable method for integrating single-crystalline device components in a 3D format. Although monolithic 3D (M3D) integration schemes show promise, the seamless connection of single-crystalline semiconductors without intervening wafers has yet to be demonstrated.

A streamlined algorithm for two-dimensional bandgaps and defect-state energy variations in InGaN-based micro-LEDs.

Bandgaps and defect-state energies are key electrical characteristics of semiconductor materials and devices, thereby necessitating nanoscale analysis with a heightened detection threshold. An example of such a device is an InGaN-based light-emitting diode (LED), which is used to create fine pixels in augmented-reality micro-LED glasses. This process requires an in-depth understanding of the spatial variations of the bandgap and its defect states in the implanted area, especially for small-sized pixelation requiring electroluminescence.

Machine Learning-Based Cardiac Output Estimation Using Photoplethysmography in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

: Hemodynamic monitoring is crucial for managing critically ill patients and those undergoing major surgeries. Cardiac output (CO) is an essential marker for diagnosing hemodynamic deterioration and guiding interventions. The gold standard thermodilution method for measuring CO is invasive, prompting a search for non-invasive alternatives.

Permanent Strain Engineering of Molybdenum Disulfide Using Laser-Driven Stressors for Energy-Efficient Resistive Switching Memory Devices.

Strain engineering provides an attractive approach to enhance device performance by modulating the intrinsic electrical properties of materials. This is especially applicable to 2D materials, which exhibit high sensitivity to mechanical stress. However, conventional methods, such as using polymer substrates, to apply strain have limitations in that the strain is temporary and global.

Addressing interconnect challenges for enhanced computing performance.

The advancement in semiconductor technology through the integration of more devices on a chip has reached a point where device scaling alone is no longer an efficient way to improve the device performance. One issue lies in the interconnects connecting the transistors, in which the resistivity of metals increases exponentially as their dimensions are scaled down to match those of the transistors. As a result, the total signal processing delay is dominated by the resistance-capacitance (RC) delay from the interconnects rather than the delay from the transistors' switching speed.

Tailoring Dielectric Properties and Dimensional Stability of Poly(Phenylene Ether) Using Bismaleimide Crosslinkers for High-Frequency PCB Applications.

With the increasing demand for high-performance printed circuit boards (PCBs) in the 6G communication era, dielectric substrate materials must exhibit a low dielectric constant (D), low dielectric loss (D), and high dimensional stability. In this study, a series of bismaleimide-incorporated poly(phenylene ether) resins (PPE-BMI) with varying bismaleimide (BMI) crosslinker contents is developed, exhibiting significantly enhanced dielectric properties and dimensional stability, owing to the restricted polymer chain mobility and increased crosslinking density. Dielectric property measurements reveal that the PPE-BMI resins exhibit low D and D values at frequencies above 100 GHz, while maintaining an excellent dielectric performance even after an 85 °C/85% relative humidity reliability test.

Data-Driven Analysis of High-Temperature Fluorocarbon Plasma for Semiconductor Processing.

The semiconductor industry increasingly relies on high aspect ratio etching facilitated by Amorphous Carbon Layer (ACL) masks for advanced 3D-NAND and DRAM technologies. However, carbon contamination in ACL deposition chambers necessitates effective fluorine-based plasma cleaning. This study employs a high-temperature inductively coupled plasma (ICP) system and Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (ToF-MS) to analyze gas species variations under different process conditions.

Graphene SU-8 Platform for Enhanced Cardiomyocyte Maturation and Intercellular Communication in Cardiac Drug Screening.

Cell culture substrates designed for myocardial applications are pivotal in promoting the maturation and functional integration of cardiomyocytes. However, traditional in vitro models often inadequately mimic the diverse biochemical signals and electrophysiological properties of mature cardiomyocytes. Herein, we propose the application of monolayer graphene, transferred onto SU-8 cantilevers integrated with a microelectrode array, to evaluate its influence on the structural, functional, and electro-mechano-physiological properties of cardiomyocytes.

Machine Learning as a "Catalyst" for Advancements in Carbon Nanotube Research.

The synthesis, characterization, and application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have long posed significant challenges due to the inherent multiple complexity nature involved in their production, processing, and analysis. Recent advancements in machine learning (ML) have provided researchers with novel and powerful tools to address these challenges. This review explores the role of ML in the field of CNT research, focusing on how ML has enhanced CNT research by (1) revolutionizing CNT synthesis through the optimization of complex multivariable systems, enabling autonomous synthesis systems, and reducing reliance on conventional trial-and-error approaches; (2) improving the accuracy and efficiency of CNT characterizations; and (3) accelerating the development of CNT applications across several fields such as electronics, composites, and biomedical fields.

Real-time autonomous control of a continuous macroscopic process as demonstrated by plastic forming.

To meet the need for more adaptable and expedient approaches in research and manufacturing, we present a continuous autonomous system that leverages real-time, characterization and an active-learning-based decision-making processor. This system was applied to a plastic film forming process to demonstrate its capability in autonomously determining process conditions for specified film dimensions without human intervention. Application of the system to nine film dimensions (width and thickness) highlighted its ability to explore the search space and identify appropriate and stable process conditions, with an average of 11 characterization-adjustment iterations and a processing time of 19 minutes per width, thickness combination.

Anion Modulation: Enabling Highly Conductive Stable Polymer Electrolytes for Solid-State Li-Metal Batteries.

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are promising ionic conductors for developing high-specific-energy solid-state lithium metal batteries. However, developing SPEs with both high ionic conductivity and interfacial compatibility remains a challenge. Here, we propose a design concept of an anion-modulated polymer electrolyte (termed AMPE) for high-voltage Li metal batteries.

Topological van der Waals Contact for Two-Dimensional Semiconductors.

The relentless miniaturization inherent in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology has created challenges at the interface of two-dimensional (2D) materials and metal electrodes. These challenges, predominantly stemming from metal-induced gap states (MIGS) and Schottky barrier heights (SBHs), critically impede device performance. This work introduces an innovative implementation of damage-free SbTe topological van der Waals (T-vdW) contacts, representing an ultimate contact electrode for 2D materials.

Stretchable Heat Transfer Eco-Materials: Mesogen Grafted NR-Based Nanocomposites with High Thermal Conductivity and Low Dielectric Constant.

Biomass-based functional polymers have received significant attention across various fields, in view of eco-friendly human society and sustainable growth. In this context, there are efforts to functionalize the biomass polymers for next-generation polymer materials. Here, stretchable heat transfer materials are focused on which are essential for stretchable electronics and future robotics.

A Bandgap-Tuned Tetragonal Perovskite as Zero-Strain Anode for Potassium-Ion Batteries.

PIBs are emerging as a promising energy storage system due to high abundance of potassium resources and theoretical energy density, however, progress of PIBs is severely hindered by structural instability and poor cycling of anode material during continual insertion and extraction of larger-sized K. Hence, developing anode material with structural stability and stable cycling remains a great challenge. Herein, band gap-tuned Mo-doped and carbon-coated lead titanate (CMPTO) with zero-strain K storage is presented as ultra-stable PIBs anode.

Hydrophobic modification enhances the microstructure stability of the catalyst layer in alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

Alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFCs) have achieved notable advancements in peak power density, yet their durability during long-term operation remains a significant challenge. It has been recognized that increasing the hydrophobicity of the catalyst layer can effectively alleviate the performance degradation. However, a microscopic view of how hydrophobicity contributes to the stability of the catalyst layer microstructure is not clear.

Large-Scale Mechanochemical Synthesis of Cesium Lanthanide Chloride for Radioluminescence.

Cesium lanthanide chloride (CsLnCl), a recently developed class of lanthanide-based zero-dimensional metal halides, has garnered a significant amount of interest because of its potential applications in scintillators, light-emitting diodes, and photodetectors. Although cesium lanthanide chloride demonstrates exceptional scintillator properties, conventional synthesis methods involving solid-state and solution-phase techniques are complex and limited on the reaction scale. This study presents a facile mechanochemical synthesis method for producing CsCeCl, CsTbCl, and CsEuCl metal halides on a 5 g scale.

Calcium-mediated zoledronate loading onto carbon nanohorns.

Previously, we showed that the anti-osteoclast effect of zoledronate (ZOL), a type of bisphosphonate, is enhanced when it is used as a nanocomposite comprising ZOL, an "oxidized single-walled carbon nanohorn (OxCNH) with a spherical shape" and calcium phosphate (CaP). This nanocomposite, termed , is a potential therapeutic agent for patients with bone fragility associated with metastatic bone cancer. Because contains by-products that comprise CaP-ZOL nanocomposites, the aim of this study was to prepare more sophisticated nanocomposites lacking such by-products; it was achieved by reducing the availability of calcium and phosphate ions during the preparation process.

Quantitative evaluation of particle-binder interactions in ceramic slurries via differential centrifugal sedimentation.

In diverse materials science spanning from fine ceramics to lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells, the particle-binder interactions in slurries play a crucial role in governing the ultimate performance. Despite numerous efforts to date, quantitatively elucidating these hidden interactions has remained a longstanding challenge. Here, we demonstrate a dynamic approach to evaluate adsorptive interactions between ceramic particles and polymeric binders entangled in a slurry utilizing differential centrifugal sedimentation (DCS).