June 21, 2013 — Researchers at MIT have proposed a new system that combines   
   ferroelectric materials -- the kind often used for data storage -- with   
   graphene, a two-dimensional form of carbon known for its exceptional   
   electronic and mechanical properties.    
   The resulting hybrid technology could eventually lead to computer and   
   data-storage chips that pack more components in a given area and are faster   
   and less power-hungry.   
      
   The new system works by controlling waves called surface plasmons. These waves   
   are oscillations of electrons confined at interfaces between materials; in the   
   new system the waves operate at terahertz frequencies. Such frequencies lie   
   between those of far-   
   infrared light and microwave radio transmissions, and are considered ideal for   
   next-generation computing devices.   
      
   The findings were reported in a paper in Applied Physics Letters by associate   
   professor of mechanical engineering Nicholas Fang, postdoc Dafei Jin and three   
   others.   
      
   http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130621095620.htm   
      
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