Through miniaturization, Intel can now package 1.2 billion transistors on a computer chip in an area of 2.25 square centimeters. Each transistor is less than one-fortieth the diameter of a human hair. But miniaturization involves tradeoffs and increased functionality penalizes battery life. Transistor architecture is reaching a limit where it is increasingly difficult to squeeze faster computation, more functionality or improved battery life. Researchers are thus looking for different and better transistor designs.
Electrical Engineering Program Assistant Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain says: “Last year, KAUST founding class MS student Hossain Fahad, published his MS thesis in the high-impact journal Nano Letters. Fahad demonstrates an ultra-fast nanotube device made of silicon with an architecture that confines all the electrons (current carrier) available in the semiconductor to use for switching. The result is extra-ordinary current enabling ultra-fast computation, unique control and in a much smaller area.
“In Fall 2011, Fahad extended his project, testing the principle in both n- and p-type transistors (a computer needs both). In June 2012, the results were published in Scientific Reports, newest member of the prestigious Nature Group.” A first in semiconductor physics, Fahad and his supervisor Prof. Hussain have shown that a single device can achieve improvement in all three chip parameters: ultra-fast computation, more functionality and longer battery life.
Fahad, a Provost Award recipient, won first prize in KAUST’s Graduate Research Symposium from the Physical Science and Engineering Division. Prof. Hussain humbly makes a point that KAUST students with their dedicated faculty can perform ground-breaking research using campus resources, fulfilling King Abdullah’s vision.