Graphene based chips could pave way for faster data transfer

Washington, Mar 24 (ANI): Using a material called graphene, scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created new superfast chips which can lead to cell phones and other communications systems that can transmit data much faster.

Graphene is a form of pure carbon that was first identified in 2004.

The MIT researchers built an experimental graphene chip known as a frequency multiplier, meaning it is capable of taking an incoming electrical signal of a certain frequency and producing an output signal that is a multiple of that frequency.

In this case, the MIT graphene chips can double the frequency of an electromagnetic signal.

The new graphene system has just a single transistor and efficiently produces a clean output that needs no filtering.

Tomas Palacios, assistant professor in MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science said: "In electronics, we're always trying to increase the frequency, in order to make faster and faster computers and cellphones that can send data at higher rates."

For example "It's very difficult to generate high frequencies above 4 or 5 gigahertz," but the new graphene technology could lead to practical systems in the 500 to 1,000 gigahertz range, he said.

He added: "I believe this application will have tremendous implications in high-frequency communications and electronics."

By running several of the frequency-doubling chips in series, it should be possible to attain frequencies many times higher than are now feasible.

"Graphene will play a key role in future of electronics. We just need to identify the right devices to take full advantage of its outstanding properties. Frequency multipliers could be one of these devices," said Palacios.

The findings are published in a paper in the May issue of Electron Device Letters. (ANI)