NSF Convergence Accelerator Track I: Advancing Sustainable Topological Material Prototype Devices for Energy-efficient Applications

在当今技术先进的世界，能源可持续性和电子效率的挑战比以往任何时候都更加紧迫。6G+移动平台的出现，可能终结摩尔定律的瓶颈，以及计算过程中产生的大量废热，都是计算中的重大障碍。2016年诺贝尔物理学奖认可的拓扑材料已经成为一种突破性的解决方案。该项目由一组敬业的研究人员和行业合作伙伴领导，深入研究拓扑材料的创新领域，以应对这些广泛存在的行业挑战。通过加强理解和建造相关设备，该项目不仅寻求推动科学知识的边界，而且还寻求开发与环境和社会需求相协调的技术和知识产权，以满足下一代计算需求。该项目也是教育和多样性进步的催化剂，为来自不同背景的学生提供从事开创性研究的机会。归根结底，这一倡议意味着对未来的承诺，在未来，技术进步和可持续发展交织在一起，以加速应对根本的社会挑战。该项目将利用拓扑材料在量子研究中的开创性潜力，建立在第一阶段成功创建的16,000多种环境可持续拓扑材料的综合数据库的基础上。第二阶段的目标是开发环保的拓扑原型器件，用于微电子和能源收集的高级应用。该项目的多方面方法包括整合太赫兹整流，为微芯片构建拓扑互连，以及为可穿戴能源设备开发高效热电材料。主要交付成果包括完善的数据库功能、太赫兹波探测和无线能量采集技术、微电子互连，以及芯片热管理和可持续微电子的创新解决方案。该项目的基础是符合联邦法律的强大的知识产权管理计划，确保联合创新的合作所有权和许可。来自学术界的PI和来自三大公司的行业领袖之间的合作旨在将拓扑材料从实验室规模的奇迹转变为大规模生产的、行业可行的解决方案。通过将智力优势与更广泛的影响相结合，该项目寻求为下一代微电子和能源设备的可持续、环境友好的未来铺平道路，同时促进科学界的包容性和多样性。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

In today's technologically advanced world, the challenges of energy sustainability and electronics efficiency are more pressing than ever. The advent of 6G+ mobile platforms, the bottlenecks that may end Moore’s law, and the significant waste heat generated during computation processes represent significant hurdles in computing. Topological materials, recognized by the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics, have emerged as a groundbreaking solution. This project, led by a team of dedicated researchers and industrial partners, delves into the innovative realm of topological materials to address these widespread industrial challenges. By enhancing the understanding and building related devices, the project seeks not only to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge but also to develop technologies and intellectual properties that are in harmony with environmental and societal needs for next-generation computing needs. The project also serves as a catalyst for educational and diversity advancement, providing opportunities for students from varied backgrounds to engage in pioneering research. Ultimately, this initiative signifies a commitment to a future where technological advancement and sustainability are interwoven and converged, addressing fundamental societal challenges in an accelerated manner. This project will leverage the groundbreaking potential of topological materials in quantum research, building upon the Phase I success in creating a comprehensive database of over 16,000 environmentally sustainable topological materials. Phase II aims to develop eco-friendly topological prototype devices for advanced applications in microelectronics and energy harvesting. The project's multifaceted approach involves integrating THz rectification, constructing topological interconnects for microchips, and developing efficient thermoelectric materials for wearable energy devices. Key deliverables include refined database capabilities, THz wave detection and wireless energy harvesting technologies, interconnects for microelectronics, as well as innovative solutions for chip heat management and sustainable microelectronics. The project is underpinned by a robust IP management plan compliant with federal laws, ensuring cooperative ownership and licensing of joint innovations. The collaboration among PIs from academia and industry leaders from three major corporations aims to transition topological materials from lab-scale marvels to mass-produced, industry-viable solutions. By combining intellectual merit with broader impacts, the project seeks to pave the way for a sustainable, environmentally-friendly future in next-generation microelectronics and energy devices, while fostering inclusivity and diversity in the scientific community.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.