Silicon transistors are vital components in electronic devices like smartphones and cars, but physical limits prevent silicon transistors from operating effectively below a certain voltage, impacting the energy efficiency of devices, particularly with the growing demands of AI technologies.

To address this issue, researchers at MIT have engineered a new type of transistor using gallium antimonide and indium arsenide. These materials permit leveraging quantum tunneling, where electrons can pass through barriers more easily, allowing the transistors to switch on and off with less energy. This innovation means the transistors can function efficiently at lower voltages.

The researchers describe the methods and results of this project in a paper published in Nature Electronics.

The researchers built these new transistors on a very small scale, with nanowires just a few nanometers wide. According to the researchers, these are among the smallest transistors built to date.

At this size, quantum effects come into play, altering the electron behavior and material properties to allow for high current flow at low voltages. Additionally, by designing the transistors in three dimensions, they could fit more onto a chip, promising more powerful and energy-efficient electronics.

These transistors not only switch at lower voltages but also outperform similar devices in other tests.

The researchers are now focusing on improving the uniformity of these transistors across an entire chip. When working at the nanoscale, even tiny variations can affect performance. They are also experimenting with different transistor shapes to enhance consistency and efficiency.

Replacing silicon with more energy-efficient alternatives

This advancement could revolutionize electronics by replacing silicon with more energy-efficient alternatives. This is particularly important as the demand for faster and more efficient computing continues to grow, driven by technologies like AI.

“This is a technology with the potential to replace silicon, so you could use it with all the functions that silicon currently has, but with much better energy efficiency,” says researcher Yanjie Shao in an MIT press release.

“With conventional physics, there is only so far you can go… conceptually, it really is a breakthrough,” adds lead researcher Jesús del Alamo.

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