Semiconductors and the Information Revolution

CHAPTER 6. Quantum Theory and Quantum Practice

The Nanostructure Revolution

One of the dominant characteristics of the solid-state revolution has been a dramatic reduction in the size of semiconductor devices, when compared to their predecessors, the vacuum tubes, klystrons, magnetrons, etc., of the early twentieth century. Here was an example where ‘small’ really was beautiful. Valve dimensions were measured in inches, transistors in microns – the contrasts were almost beyond belief. Suspend belief altogether, then because we are about to embark on an exciting journey into the ultra-small where dimensions are recorded in nanometres (10⁻⁹ m). Semiconductor films are now to be grown in thicknesses made up of literally a few atoms. The early years ...