Computers Made From Pencil Lead?
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Computers Made From Pencil Lead?
14.02.2011

The silicon transistor, one of the most important inventions of the 20th century, is the fundamental component of electronic technology. Since 1947, transistor performance has doubled every two years. According to Dr Brenda Long who will deliver the next lecture of the Annual College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) Public Lecture Series on February 16th 2011 at UCC, we are now reaching limits in our ability to improve it further and scientists are exploring alternative materials for making transistors.

One class of materials under investigation have nanoscale dimensions (where a nanometer is ~50,000 times than the width of a human hair).  Graphene, a component of graphite, the material used in pencil lead, has demonstrated potential as a silicon replacement.  The electronic properties of graphene far surpass those of silicon and it represents real potential for future electronics. 

Brenda Long was awarded her PhD in Chemistry from the UCD in 2003.  She spent two years as a postdoctoral researcher in Italy during which time she was a visiting scientist at Harvard and MIT in Boston for 6 months.  In 2005 she returned to MIT for 3 years.  She is currently a research scientist in Tyndall National Institute, UCC studying nanomaterials and their potential as hybrid or replacement materials in future electronic technology.

The lecture will be delivered on Wednesday, February 16th 2011 at 8pm in Boole II Lecture Theatre. The lecture series is organised by Professor William Reville, Public Awareness of Science Officer, SEFS.

Full details of the lectures can be consulted by visiting website http://understandingscience.ucc.ie/Lecture2011.pdf

Admission is free, and as always, members of the public are invited to attend.

Picture:  Dr Brenda Long



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