Coating a solar cell component in ceramics makes it more heat resistant, which could boost overall efficiency of the cells, say researchers. The component converts heat from the sun into infrared light, which can be absorbed by solar cells to make electricity-a technology known as thermophotovoltaics. Unlike earlier prototypes that fell apart before temperatures reached 2200°F (1200°C), the new thermal emitter remains stable at temperatures as high as 2500°F (1400°C).
The Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC), Abu Dhabi, have launched the ATIC-SRC Center of Excellence for Energy Efficient Electronic Systems (ACE4S). ATIC will dedicate over $4.7 million to the project over the next three years, which will be matched collectively by Masdar Institute and Khalifa University for a total budget of more than $9 million.
GreenCentre Canada, Kingston, Ontario, has recently incorporated its third spinoff company, Precision Molecular Design Corp., to commercialize a metal deposition technology that allows manufacturers to generate circuit interconnects in successive layers one atom at a time. This will allow the semiconductor industry to develop the next generation of smaller microchips that can be produced with less waste and lower power consumption.
The Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology division of Zeiss, Germany, offers MeRiT HR II, a photomask repair tool with a significantly higher degree of automation and increased flexibility in the repair of transparent and opaque defects. After a short setup routine, the tool is able to seamlessly repair numerous defects without the need for human interaction. In case of any doubt, a security interlock consults the operator, who can intervene when necessary.
Allegheny Technologies Inc., Pittsburgh, has extended its long-term titanium products supply agreement with the Boeing Co. It covers value-added titanium mill products and provides opportunity for greater use of ATI’s next-generation and advanced titanium alloys in both long product and flat-rolled product forms. For example, ATI 425 titanium alloy is a continuously processed alpha+beta alloy with strength comparable to Ti 6-4 and improved formability.
