Electronics
Neutron scattering provides insight into ways to tailor the structures and properties of electronic materials – making them smaller, better, and more efficient.
Neutron scattering is greatly expanding the range of study in materials science, such as electronics. How physical properties of materials are influenced by a reduced size is a growing area of interest because such understanding offers a new way to tailor material properties to best fit the needs of various industries.
The advanced capabilities of SNS and HFIR are making it possible to study much smaller samples, such as those contained in today’s electronic devices (e.g., MP3 players and video-capable wristwatches). These smaller electronic components will be used to improve laptop computers, video recorders, and telecommunications applications, such as cellular phone networks. Neutron scattering is also an important tool for studying semiconductors, which are used in the electronics industry.
Neutron scattering has helped in the development of thin films that are used for nonvolatile memory, extending the life of laptop computer batteries.
Neutron scattering capabilities at ORNL are enabling scientists to probe small samples such as those used in superconductor microwave devices for cell phone networks.
