Graphene Grid Modulating Electron Flow in Electronic Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently controlling the flow of charged carriers between electrodes due to limitations in grid structures and materials, particularly in micro- and nano-electronic devices, where the inter-electrode dimensions are microscopic, leading to issues with electron emission and flow modulation.

Innovation Solution

The use of graphene material for grid electrodes in multi-electrode electronic devices, which are configured to modulate electron flow between an anode and a cathode, with features such as holes or apertures to enhance transparency and reduce inelastic scattering, supported by dielectric spacer layers to facilitate efficient electron transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional grid materials and structures are used to control electron flow between electrodes, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the electron transmission efficiency is low and energy losses are high due to inelastic scattering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy loss from inelastic scatteringVSAvoidgrid structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metals to graphene, which fundamentally alters the electron interaction properties. Graphene's unique two-dimensional structure and electronic properties reduce inelastic scattering events, thereby decreasing energy loss while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure combining graphene with dielectric spacer layers. This composite approach optimizes both electron transmission (through graphene's high transparency) and structural support (through dielectric spacers), reducing energy loss without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If traditional grid materials are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the electron transmission probability is low due to frequent interactions with grid material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron transmission probabilityVSAvoidgrid fabrication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metals to graphene, which fundamentally alters the electron interaction properties. Graphene's unique two-dimensional structure and electronic properties reduce inelastic scattering events, thereby decreasing energy loss while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure combining graphene with dielectric spacer layers. This composite approach optimizes both electron transmission (through graphene's high transparency) and structural support (through dielectric spacers), reducing energy loss without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Productivity

If conventional grid structures are used in micro- and nano-electronic devices, then the device design is simple, but the control efficiency over charged carrier flow is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron flow modulation efficiencyVSAvoidgrid structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metals to graphene, which fundamentally alters the electron interaction properties. Graphene's unique two-dimensional structure and electronic properties reduce inelastic scattering events, thereby decreasing energy loss while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure combining graphene with dielectric spacer layers. This composite approach optimizes both electron transmission (through graphene's high transparency) and structural support (through dielectric spacers), reducing energy loss without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The graphene grid electrodes effectively control and modulate electron flow, achieving high transmission probabilities and reducing energy losses, thereby enhancing the performance of micro- and nano-electronic devices by minimizing interactions with the grid material.

Implementation Method 1

The graphene material of the control grid may be substantially transparent to the flow electrons from the cathode to the anode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron transmission: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The flow of charged carriers or the emission of charged carriers from the electrode in an electronic device is influenced by proximate structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectField emission: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 3

The control grid may be supported over the cathode by an intervening dielectric spacer layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric support: Dielectric

Implementation Method 4

features such as holes or apertures to enhance transparency and reduce inelastic scattering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInelastic scattering reduction: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS9646798B2Electronic device graphene grid

Publication Date: 2017.05.09 MODERN HYDROGEN INC

AI summary

A device includes an anode, a cathode, and a grid configured to modulate a flow of electrons from the cathode to anode. The grid is made of graphene material which is substantially transparent to the flow of electrons.