• Question: Can you make Computer Chips/IC in a different materials. Like something instead of Silicon

    Asked by anon-182001 on 22 Jun 2018.
    • Photo: Joanne Sharpe

      Joanne Sharpe answered on 22 Jun 2018:

      I am no where near an expert on this, but my understanding is that silicon is used because it is a semi-conductor, meaning it can both allow the flow of electric current (conduct) and stop it (insulate). There are other elements that are semi-conductors, but silicon is the most abundant and the cheapest!

    • Photo: Ashley Akbari

      Ashley Akbari answered on 24 Jun 2018:

      Pretty much what Jo said, it is a very good material that suits the purpose at the right cost

    • Photo: Daniel Rhodes

      Daniel Rhodes answered on 26 Jun 2018:

      yes – other materials can be used such as CIGS, geranium and gallium. In the future we are likely to see much more of these – but as the others said, Si is the cheapest to use right now.

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