The new technology, called transparent resistive random access memory (TRRAM), has been developed by scientists at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). The new chip is similar in type to an existing technology known as complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) memory — common commercial chips that provide the data storage for USB flash drives and other devices. Like CMOS devices, the new chip provides “non-volatile” memory, meaning that it stores digital information without losing data when it is powered off. Unlike CMOS devices, however, the new TRRAM chip is almost completely clear.
The researchers say that transparency appears to be beneficial because it may make allow electronic devices to be consolidated and stacked in small clear spaces. Seo predicts clear semiconductors could be available in three to four years. He believes that it will be possible to manufacture TRRAM at low cost and that it will not require increasingly expensive rare metals like iridium. Iridium has been trading at around $445 per troy ounce this month, up from around $193 in December 2005.
