Materials for information and communication technology

Modern information and communication technology (ICT), like computers, mobile phones, optical fibre communication lines and satellites, could not have been a reality without very advanced materials technology. The basic building block of present-day computers, the single-crystal silicon chip, is just one of a large number of materials used for processing, transport and storage of information.

SINTEF has a wide expertise within materials for information and communication technologies. SINTEF ICT is engaged in silicon-based microtechnology and microsystems technology (MEMS). SINTEF Materials and Chemistry carries out a number of projects in order to develop materials and components related to ICT. Functional oxide ceramics are of particular interest for ICT applications, e.g. in ultrasonic transducers, optical fibres and memory devices, as well as in more “classical” electronic components such as capacitors, inductors and varistors. Polymers are also particularly relevant for ICT, and are studied by SINTEF in applications like like optical and wireless communication.

Piezoelectric materials provide a powerful and direct conversion between electrical energy (an electrical signal) and mechanical energy (a movement), and are used as the active element in a variety of components.
Functional films (thin films and thick films) have been developed to a large extent for use in microelectronic components and Microsystems. New applications have attained interest over the past years.
High-precision injection moulding of polymers enables cost-effective high-volume production of components for e.g. wireless communication. These components may be metallised for electrical conductivity or optical reflection.
Optical fibre sensors offer fast and precise measurements and characterisation in normal as well as in harsh environments.

Contact person: Senior Scientist Henrik Ræder

Published January 31, 2005