Research Bits: May 11

Researchers have developed a non-destructive terahertz inspection technique that allows observation of electrical activity inside semiconductor devices while they are operational, using ultra-sensitive detection systems. Another study introduced a piezoelectric step-down converter that achieved peak efficiency of 96.2% by combining a resonator with small capacitors, potentially offering smaller, more energy-dense, and efficient converters for data centers. Additionally, a silicon oscillatory Ising machine was created by researchers at KAIST, enabling the solution of combinatorial optimization problems using conventional silicon CMOS processes, with potential applications in various industrial fields.