Applied Materials(US:AMAT) 半导体行业观察·2025-08-02 02:13Core Viewpoint - The future of microelectronics hinges on the miniaturization of chips, with a focus on developing smaller and more energy-efficient semiconductors to meet the demands of AI and smart devices [2][4]. Group 1: Emerging Technologies - Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors are emerging as a groundbreaking technology that can surpass the limitations of traditional silicon, offering unprecedented speed, efficiency, and miniaturization [4][5]. - These materials, only a few atoms thick, allow for stacking chips like paper, enabling engineers to integrate more processing power in smaller spaces [4][5]. Group 2: Research and Development - The research team, led by Professor Tongay, is exploring atomic-scale materials to create, test, and optimize new semiconductor materials, aiming to prove that 2D materials can compete with and even exceed the performance of established silicon technologies [4][5]. - Advanced methods such as Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) are being utilized to grow these ultra-thin materials with high precision [6]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The work being done addresses a critical industry challenge: how to expand advanced chip capabilities while reducing power consumption, with future AI processors potentially consuming over 10 kilowatts [5][6]. - The collaboration between Arizona State University and Applied Materials Inc. aims to bring these innovations from concept to practical application, potentially transforming the microelectronics industry [6].