Recently, University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland announced a collaboration with the Tyndall National Institute to develop low-cost sensors using 2D semiconductors. The partnership, supported by a 1.2 million grant from the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Future Frontiers program, aims to conduct an "Intelligent Manufacturing Project for 2D Semiconductor Pulsed Laser Annealing for Nanoelectronics." The project aims to significantly enhance the scalability, functionality, performance, and energy efficiency of electronic devices while maintaining compatibility with existing large-scale production technologies.
The project will be jointly led by Dr. Ray Duffy, Principal Investigator at the Tyndall National Institute, and Professor Ger O'Connor from University College Cork. They will conduct fundamental and applied research on novel functional materials applicable to sensors, nanoelectronic, and optoelectronic components. Potential applications include electronically activated sensors in low-cost smart medical devices and improved and more durable technologies for consumer smartphones. The project will focus on early-stage development of this technology to meet these needs.
Dr. Ray Duffy, the Principal Investigator and co-leader of the project, stated, "This project alliance is built on the shared expertise and collaborative enthusiasm of international experts in complementary scientific domains. The SFI Future Frontiers program has enabled us to assemble a multidisciplinary team to address major challenges in semiconductor material systems and make an impact on real-world nanoelectronic applications. I am delighted and honored to be part of this team."
Professor Ger O'Connor from University College Cork expressed, "We are truly excited to have the opportunity to investigate how ultrashort light pulses lasting just a billionth of a second can accurately reposition atoms in 2D materials that are only a few layers thick, thereby enabling new technologies for the benefit of humanity."
Georgios Fagas, Senior Responsible Officer for EU projects at the Tyndall National Institute, stated, "This is an excellent opportunity to articulate in detail our research project on 2D materials and their applications in future electronic devices. We are very pleased to collaborate with University College Cork in addressing the most challenging issue of material quality during growth by large-scale deposition methods. The project brings together world-class expertise to unleash the application potential of 2D semiconductors."