Superwicking with silicon
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Because most computer chips and transistors are made of the semiconductor silicon, the element is key to the microelectronics industry. A serious barrier with silicon, however, is keeping components cool. Until now, computer chips have been air-cooled, but air’s limited capacity to absorb heat has been a hurdle in the quest to design ever-faster computer chips. That obstacle may soon be overcome, thanks to scientists at the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics, whose...