New method of creating ultra-responsive thin films will boost electronics performance and next-generation connectivity

SINGAPORE – A research team from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National Technological University (NTU), and Shanghai Jiaotong University, as well as their international collaborators, has developed a new method that could greatly enhance the responsiveness of thin films. This approach has the potential to lead to advancements in wireless communications, electronics and other advanced technologies.

The research, led by Dr Liu Huajun from A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (A*STAR IMRE) and Professor Lam Yeng Ming from NTU, was published in Nature on 11 September 2024.

Innovative thin film material strategy with potential for wide applications

Thin films are widely used across various fields such as electronics, sensors and telecommunications, due to their unique ability to generate electrical charges in response to physical stress from the environment, and vice versa. However, many existing thin films struggle with limitations in responsiveness, which can restrict their effectiveness in critical applications.

To address this challenge, the research team developed a new method that could enhance the responsiveness of thin films by five to ten times compared to conventional techniques. This increased responsiveness could potentially resolve technological bottlenecks in the rapidly growing industry for radio-frequency microelectromechanical systems, projected to be approximately worth SG$28.3 billion by 2030¹.

To achieve such responsiveness, the team employed a key modification: inducing extreme instability within the material of the thin film. By using sodium niobate (NNO) at room temperature, they can create two coexisting but competing (or unstable) phases that react significantly to small disturbances. Additionally, by applying an external electric field, the level of responsiveness can be adjusted.

These high-performance thin films have the potential to pave the way for next-generation technologies, including 5G and emerging 6G networks. By increasing data transmission speeds while reducing latency, they address the need for faster and more reliable connections in an increasingly digital world.

The enhanced responsiveness that they offer also extends to various applications beyond telecommunications. For instance, in autonomous driving, the ability to process information quickly is essential for split-second decision-making. The ultra-sensitive thin films are also poised to improve electronics that require high precision and advanced sensing capabilities. They enable medical sensors to detect even the smallest changes in temperature, pressure, or movement, leading to more accurate health data collection.

“Our innovative approach to thin film materials not only enhances responsiveness but also opens doors to transformative applications across industries. By overcoming the limitations of existing technologies, we are taking significant steps toward enabling faster, more reliable devices that can keep pace with the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” said Dr Liu Huajun, Principal Scientist, A*STAR IMRE.

Building on this work, the research team is looking to collaborate with industry partners to scale up the technology for wider adoption.
 

¹ Research and Markets (2024, November). Radio Frequency (RF) MEMS - Global Strategic Business Report.
https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/rf-mems-market

For media queries and clarifications, please contact:

Tay Shu Chian
Manager, Corporate Communications
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Tel: +65 9726 3652
Email: tay_shu_chian@hq.a-star.edu.sg
 

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.

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