New semiconductor materials for energy-saving computers
In the Zeppelin project, Munich University of Applied Sciences and partners are investigating the semiconductor materials hafnium and zirconium oxide for the production of energy-saving components in which the switching processes are carried out by polarization of these ferroelectric materials (see p. 671). Richard Ganser is working on the project as part of his doctorate.
What is your contribution to the Zeppelin project?
My task is to simulate the influence of the crystal structure, the atomic interactions and the doping on the material properties in order to understand the physical processes. Our partner at TU Dresden carries out practical experiments so that findings from simulation and practice can be combined.
Mr. Ganser, how does the simulation method you use work?
A neural network is fed with material data derived from quantum mechanics. This allows the atomic interactions to be simulated with high accuracy, statistics and simulation time.
What results has the simulation produced so far?
We were able to show under which conditions a change from the dielectric to the desired ferroelectric phase occurs and how the manufacturing processes could be adapted to enhance the desired effects.
In which directions must further research be conducted?
One of the main focuses of future research will certainly be on the long-term stability and therefore the service life of these components.
