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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Transistors May Migrate to Paper

Circuit-carrying cellulose undercuts silicon on price

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(Newser) – The future of electronics may be etched on paper, reports the Economist. Researchers have found a cheaper, easier way to make transistors using cellulose, paper’s key ingredient. Paper could soon replace silicon as a surface on which to mount transistors, which control the flow of electric currents and power most gadgets.

Traditionally, transistors are linked on silicon chips to form “logic gates.” But cellulose-based transistors could be used to cheaply tag items such food labels, banknotes and postage stamps. Paper transistors won’t replace the silicon chips in computer microprocessors until they can be miniaturized.

When linked together on the surfaces of silicon chips, transistors form the
When linked together on the surfaces of silicon chips, transistors form the "logic gates" that do the calculations in computers, mobile phones and TV sets.   (AP Photo)
A scientist holds a thinned wafer of silicon computer circuits ready for bonding to another circuit wafer.
A scientist holds a thinned wafer of silicon computer circuits ready for bonding to another circuit wafer.   (AP Photo/IBM)
The silicon in a transistor performs as a semiconductor when doped with small amounts of other elements and can be penetrated by an electric field, but not an electric current.
The silicon in a transistor performs as a semiconductor when doped with small amounts of other elements and can be penetrated by an electric field, but not an electric current.   (Shutter Stock)
The cellulose approach allows transistors to be both flexible and cheap. They can be made at room temperature, unlike a silicon chip, and paper is a lot less pricey than electronics-grade silicon.
The cellulose approach allows transistors to be both flexible and cheap. They can be made at room temperature, unlike a silicon chip, and paper is a lot less pricey than electronics-grade silicon.   (Shutter Stock)
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