Nov 9, 2011
Photo: Jan-Olof Yxell
The graphene production process needs to be improved and made more
reproducible. The researchers will develop reliable synthesis methods
designed to produce high-quality graphene surfaces. Following that, the
material will be investigated and processed at the nano level,
ultimately to be used for specific components with far better
performance than today's electronic devices.
“We are now achieving critical mass, and will benefit from valuable
cross-fertilization between several research areas, all of which are
involved in graphene,” says Mikael Fogelström, the project coordinator.
“The money will be used for everything from producing graphene to
developing a variety of products, with basic research into experimental
and theoretical physics along the way.”
The Chalmers researchers have already achieved several important
breakthroughs with graphene, despite the fact that the material was
first produced as recently as 2004. One example is a new standard for
the quantum of resistance – a “tuning fork” for calibrating the correct
resistance in electrical instruments and devices. State-of-the-art
resistance standards are based on silicon or gallium arsenide. These are
difficult to manufacture, and the method only works at extremely low
temperatures and in large magnetic fields. A new generation of
resistance standards based on graphene are at least as accurate as those
in use today, while benefitting from being substantially easier to
produce and use.
In another project, Chalmers researchers have produced a graphene
transistor that operates at more than 10 gigahertz. They are now working
on producing one capable of reaching into the terahertz range – in
other words faster than 100 gigahertz. This may become possible thanks
to a large grant that Mikael Fogelström’s research group received
earlier this year from the Foundation for Strategic Research – SEK 28.5
million over a five-year period.
“Graphene has enormous potential in high-frequency electronics, and
Chalmers is at the forefront of this research,” Mikael Fogelström says.
“This material can open up a whole world of new possibilities. One
example is “see-through cameras” that can see through clothes at
security checkpoints. We are also hoping to find new applications unique
to graphene in areas other than high-frequency electronics.”
Now that graphene research at Chalmers has stable financing for
five years, the researchers are thinking of setting up a centre for
graphene.
“It would be a good idea to get together with more graphene
research groups, and perhaps form a national research centre”, Mikael
Fogelström says. “That would be a good step to take for pursuing EU
flagship funds.”
Chalmers has previously gathered together European graphene
researchers for a major research initiative competing for what is known
as “Future Emerging Technology Flagship” funds, providing finance of up
to SEK 10 billion over 10 years. Next year, the EU will decide whether
to convert the pilot project into a flagship. The new research grant
from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation is believed to increase
the chances of that happening.
Source: Chalmers University of Technology
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