Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the future of semiconductor technology, emphasizing the transition from traditional silicon-based materials to two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor materials as a key focus for innovation and development in the industry [2][12][53]. Group 1: Industry Trends and Predictions - IMEC predicts that by 2039, the second generation of 2D Field Effect Transistors (2DFET) will become mainstream, highlighting the growing importance of 2D materials in semiconductor technology [4][53]. - The global market for 2D semiconductor materials is expected to reach $1.8 billion in 2024, with graphene being the largest segment, accounting for 45% of the market share [16]. - The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24%-26.5% from 2025 to 2030, driven by demand in 5G communication, AIoT, and high-performance computing [16]. Group 2: Material Innovations - The transition to 2D semiconductor materials is seen as a solution to the challenges posed by traditional silicon-based devices, which face physical limitations such as quantum tunneling and short-channel effects [5][12]. - 2D materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), offer unique electrical properties and the potential for higher integration densities, with vertical field-effect transistors (VFETs) achieving densities ten times that of FinFETs [6][14]. - Research has shown that 2D materials can be engineered to exhibit a wide range of electronic properties, making them suitable for various applications, including neuromorphic devices and quantum computing [9][12]. Group 3: Industrial Applications and Developments - Companies like TSMC, Intel, and Samsung are investing heavily in the research and integration of 2D semiconductor materials, pushing the industry from laboratory experiments to large-scale production [16]. - The first domestic engineering demonstration line for 2D semiconductors has been launched, aiming to develop commercial production lines within three years [17]. - Significant advancements have been made in the development of flexible integrated circuits based on 2D materials, with successful demonstrations of medium-scale circuits that integrate over 100 transistors [45][50]. Group 4: Challenges and Solutions - The integration of 2D materials into existing semiconductor processes presents challenges, including the need for compatible substrates and the management of high-temperature growth processes [54][57]. - Researchers are exploring various methods to overcome these challenges, such as using low-resistance source/drain contacts and alternative doping techniques to enhance the performance of 2D devices [58][59]. - The industry is also focusing on developing heterogeneously integrated chip technologies that leverage existing silicon ecosystems while incorporating 2D materials [59].
芯片产业的下一个颠覆性突破!