Our research
Tomorrow's Electronic Devices
Researching today what we will need tomorrow
New materials science opens up a future world. We are, today, undertaking research for tomorrow’s electronic devices. In doing so, we are looking to solve some big social and environmental challenges of our time.
Overview
This research theme involves envisaging the world’s technological needs in 10, 20, 30 years’ time. We know our current research has real world applications, such as improving energy consumption, but this same research could also have far reaching applications beyond our immediate imagination.
Our research objectives
Objective 1: Nanoengineered surfaces
Our first objective was to develop nanoengineered surfaces for tailored electronic and optical properties. We need to first understand how and why the surface of a material affects its performance. This then allows us to control the characteristics to find exciting new science or realise a commercial function.
Objective 2: Spintronics
Our second objective is to explore new frontiers in spin polarised and superconducting materials. Superconductors carry electricity with 100% efficiency. Our research into materials that have technological applications in superconductivity and magnetism can greatly enhance existing devices and be used in future new devices.
Objective 3: Computer modelling
Our third objective is to model the behaviour of new and emergent materials. Hand in hand with our materials science are theoretical and modelling projects. These computer-based models allow us to explore the parameter space of electronics and optics and predict future applications and novel materials.
Our materials discovery programme will expand the range and number of New Zealand industries using advanced materials in products and services.
Professor Simon Brown MacDiarmid Institute Principal Investigator Science Leader, Tomorrow's Electronic Devices University of Canterbury
Our projects
Below is an introduction to some of the projects we are working in within this research theme.
Rare nitrides and electrons
Our work on rare nitrides is aimed at developing more efficient electronic devices. One application could be a magnetic field sensor moving along metal pipes probing for cracks, for example gas pipes. If cracks can be detected easily we can stop leaks, save money and the environment. This could have huge positive impacts for large continents like the USA where there are thousands of kilometres of metal pipes transporting gas.
High-temperature-superconductors (HTS)
Our world leading position in the knowledge of high-temperature-superconductors (HTS) has the potential to help many different industries to improve efficiencies and energy consumption. For example, the research could lead to an industrial magnetic resonance imaging machine working on less power at a higher temperature, making it cheaper and easier to use for, say an oil refinery.
Oxide semiconductors
Realising a new generation of optoelectronic devices in the UV spectrum is the focus of our research into oxide semiconductors. The aim is to develop innovations such as invisible self-powered sensors, optical displays and ‘smart glass’ for energy efficient buildings.
Spintronics
Spintronics is the use of an electron’s spin as well as its charge for the development of new materials. Materials used in electronics rely on the charge of electrons within the material, but the emerging field of spintronics also uses the magnetic properties of a material to create new advanced materials. This application can greatly enhance the performance of a device, ie dramatically increasing the storage capacity and power of computers.
Photolithography
Work on photolithography aims to reduce the size of the wires on computer chips from 100 nanometres to just 10 to 20 nanometres. If you can have five times the number of wires in the same space you can reduce the density and size of what you are making. Having electronics smaller and lighter has all sorts of advantages when fuel is needed to move the object. It could be used in something as simple as the modern car or as esoteric as a satellite going into space.
Natalie Plank - creating flexible electronics
Dr Natalie Plank, a researcher at the MacDiarmid Institute and Victoria University, explains how she is growing nanowires that can be manipulated to create electronic circuits on flexible films.
SAVVY Express: Science Media Centre - MacDiarmid Institute
February 23, 2015
More information
If you want to find out more, visit the following sections of our site:
Out of the lab
Since the MacDiarmid Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology opened in 2002, our scientists and their collaborators have developed many exciting innovations to aid our transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. Some have been patented, some are in the field-testing stage and others have gone on to be produced and marketed.
Into the marketplace
The aim of materials science and nanotechnology research at the MacDiarmid Institute is to positively transform people's lives and to benefit New Zealand. We partner with existing businesses to solve their materials science problems and take our innovations into the marketplace
Principal Investigators
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Associate Investigators
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Conceptually, we break down macroscopic materials into their constituent building blocks, and model their various interactions separately; we look at structure, properties, and environmental interactions in separate steps. We are getting closer to being able to put all these things together in order to predict the properties of novel materials – and that is exciting.
Associate Professor Nicola Gaston MacDiarmid Institute Principal Investigator Co-director of the MacDiarmid Institute University of Auckland
In the news
Annual Report
Materials science in the new energy sector
June 11, 2020
In May, the Government hosted the Just Transition summit in Taranaki on preparing for a low emissions economy,
Annual Report
An integrated research commercialisation approach
June 11, 2020
Our efforts towards supporting emerging science entrepreneurs links students, experienced researchers, industry and investors across the country.
Read more about An integrated research commercialisation approach
Annual Report
How can materials science offer a greener future for our planet? - Annual Report 2019
May 28, 2020
In 2019, we focused our annual regional showcase on 'NZ Innovation for Sustainability.'
Annual Report
New Associate Investigators 2019 - Annual Report 2019
May 28, 2020
An overview of the research interests of each of our nine new Associate Investigators.
Read more about New Associate Investigators 2019 - Annual Report 2019
Annual Report
Patents and Spinouts 2019 - Annual Report 2019
May 27, 2020
This article from our 2019 Annual Report provides information about the MacDiarmid Institute's latest inventions, patents and spinouts.
Read more about Patents and Spinouts 2019 - Annual Report 2019
Videos
2017 Lecture Series: Women in nanoscience
February 16, 2019
In the 2017 MacDiarmid Institute Regional Lecture Series: Women in nanoscience, three female MacDiarmid Institute nanoscientists tell their personal stories of life in science. Professors Penny Brothers and Cather Simpson, and Dr Michelle Dickinson (aka Nanogirl) give their own perspectives on what it is like being a woman in the physical sciences (physics, chemistry or engineering).
2018 Lecture Series: MacDiarmid - to Industry and Beyond!
February 16, 2019
In the 2018 MacDiarmid Institute Regional Lecture Series: MacDiarmid - to Industry and Beyond! Associate Professor Ben Ruck and Dr Harry Warring talk about their lives and work.
Read more 2018 Lecture Series: MacDiarmid - to Industry and Beyond!
Alison Downard - hi-tech painting
March 21, 2019
Professor Alison Downard, a researcher at the MacDiarmid Institute and the University of Canterbury explains "hi-tech painting" techniques to develop surface coatings to boost the effectiveness of energy storing devices.
SAVVY Express: Science Media Centre - MacDiarmid Institute
Lasers, Milk and Sperm - Cather Simpson
March 21, 2019
Professor, Associate Investigator, and Director of the Photon Factory, Cather Simpson talks about her work in photonics and how her curiosity about how materials behave at the nanoscale has positive implications on the economy and our health and wellbeing.
MacDiarmid Institute alumna Dr Rebecca Hawke: researching new solar cells
February 25, 2019
Physicist and MacDiarmid Institute alumna Dr Rebecca Hawke talks about solar cells and where science has taken her around the world.
This video includes captions.
1. Where in the world would you study science?
2. What are 5 items you can see around you that materials scientists worked on?
Read more MacDiarmid Institute alumna Dr Rebecca Hawke: researching new solar cells
Podcasts
MacDiarmid Investigators Cather Simpson and David Williams discuss how materials science is changing the way farmers analyse milk – Our Changing World
May 9, 2019
MacDiarmid Investigators Cather Simpson and David Williams discuss how materials science is changing the way farmers analyse milk – Our Changing World.- Follow us on:
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