Materials for computers and communications
The basic function of computers and communications
systems is to process and transmit information in the
form of signals representing data, speech, sound,
documents, and visual images. These signals are created,
transmitted, and processed as moving electrons or
photons, and so the basic materials groups involved are
classified as electronic and photonic. In some cases,
materials known as optoelectronic bridge these two
classes, combining abilities to interact usefully with
both electrons and photons.
Among the electronic materials are various
crystalline semiconductors; metalized film conductors;
dielectric films; solders; ceramics and polymers formed
into substrates on which circuits are assembled or
printed; and gold or copper wiring and cabling.
Photonic materials include a number of compound
semiconductors designed for light emission or detection;
elemental dopants that serve as photonic
performance-control agents; metal- or diamond-film heat
sinks; metalized films for contacts, physical barriers,
and bonding; and silica glass, ceramics, and rare earths
for optical fibres.
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