The rise of semi-metal electronics

Abstract

Semi-metals present unique transport properties due to their distinctive band structures and topological properties, leading to an emergence of semi-metal-based electronic applications. Specifically, these properties include intrinsic low density of states at the Fermi level, the linear dispersion electronic structure and the symmetry breaking in the momentum space, which can be harnessed for improved functionality, energy efficiency and form factor in electronic devices. In this Review, we examine the fundamental properties and devices based on semi-metals and their heterojunctions for electronics applications. We then discuss advanced logic, analogue, memory and interconnect technologies enabled by the physical properties of semi-metals and benchmark them against the state-of-the-art technologies. Finally, we outline the remaining challenges and future perspectives of practical applications of semi-metal heterojunction electronics. This Review examines the unique electronic properties of semi-metals and their microelectronics applications, highlighting recent advancements, challenges and future prospects for semi-metal-based technologies in logic, memory, interconnects and high-frequency devices.