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영어로 읽는 과학기사 Korean scientists have developed for the first time in the world a light-emitting device(LED) that can be freely attached to circuit boards as needed.
The related study was conducted under the leadership of Prof. Lee Kyu-chul of Seoul National University with support from the Leader Researcher Assistance Program(Creative Research), which is managed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology(Lee Ju-ho, Minister) and the National Research Foundation of Korea(Kim Byung-guk, Acting Chairman). The study was published in the October 29 issue of the journal Science.
Long after Thomas Edison's development of a light bulb in 1879, the LED is now drawing attention as a next-generation light emitting device due to its low power consumption and long lifespan. Currently, LED technology is widely used in mobile handsets, lighting sources for LCD(liquid crystal display) displays, and indoor or outdoor lighting.
The production of quality LEDs requires the use of a single crystal board, which is expensive and presents a narrow light-emitting surface, among other drawbacks. Scientists around the world have sought to fuse high performance-lighting devices onto diverse circuit boards, including glass, plastic and metal, but such materials are distorted or burned down at high temperatures, posting barriers to production.
Producing high quality semiconductor thin film on graphene layer
Prof. Lee's team manufactured high quality semiconductor thin film on a graphene layer by using a unique method that had never been tried before, and for which nano material is used as the middle layer; the team successfully developed an LED by easily detaching the thin film from the board, and then freely attaching it onto a board as needed.
The graphene layer, which was used as a circuit board in the study, is made up of a hexagonal carbon compound that drew keen attention for the 2008 Nobel Prize for physics. The material constitutes a next-generation electronic substance that allows for the production of computer chips that are hundreds of times faster than existing chips. Graphene is easily detachable, among other advantages, but it was difficult to use the substance as a circuit board for the production of high quality thin films. However, Prof. Lee’s team however successfully generated a high quality GaN semiconductor thin film on a graphene layer, for which zinc oxide nanomaterial was used as the middle layer, and developed technology that enabled them to conveniently transplant the thin film onto a circuit board of their choice.
New technique allows for production of high quality semiconductor material on diverse circuit boards
Prof. Lee's study has opened up the possibility to apply LED, display and solar cell functions onto a graphene layer, which is being highly sought after as a next-generation material due to its flexibility and strength. The research team completed registration of a domestic patent for the technology, and is taking steps for patent registration overseas, including the U.S., and Japan, and is also planning on technology transfer.
Prof. Lee said, "The study has presented a new paradigm that high quality semiconductor materials can be produced on diverse circuit boards, while overcoming the conventional wisdom that quality semiconductor thin films can only be produced on single crystal boards" adding, "The study is expected to serve as a foundation for the development of a new fundamental technology that will enable Korea to keep its status as a semiconductor powerhouse."
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저작권자 2010.11.23 ⓒ ScienceTimes
