Graphene memory tech could cut data centre energy use

Cambridgeshire-based Paragraf, a UK company pioneering the mass production of graphene-based electronics with standard semiconductor processes, has been awarded the grant of £419,419 to produce a proof-of-concept prototype memory technology using a new class of ferroelectric materials complemented with graphene on a silicon platform.

The joint grant will also see Professor Judith Driscoll’s research group at Cambridge University’s Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy receive £299,198 to develop processes for depositing ferroelectric materials on top of Paragraf’s transfer-free graphene to produce novel memory devices, including a graphene-ferroelectric field effect transistor (G-FeFET).

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According to Paragraf, this is expected to lead to power savings of an order of magnitude relative to existing memory device technology, which is key to saving power in data centres and consumer devices.

“Working with Paragraf on an important project like this is an exciting prospect, particularly in light of their connection to this department,” Prof Driscoll said in a statement. “The chance to develop such an important, next-generation memory device here in Cambridge, with a company so deeply tied to the area, is important to maintaining this region’s – and the UK’s – leadership in the tech industry in the 21st Century.”

Paragraf’s proprietary graphene deposition process was originally developed at the Department of Materials Science when the company’s now-CEO, Simon Thomas was a researcher under Prof Sir Colin Humphreys, another Paragraf co-founder and the company’s chief scientific officer.

After spinning out from the university, the company established its first manufacturing facility in Somersham and has since added facilities in Huntingdon and San Diego, California.

“The future of computing and fields such as AI will require storage solutions that conserve energy and reduce heat output. Graphene is uniquely positioned to fulfil those requirements, so the development of these devices, created alongside Prof Driscoll’s talented team of scientists, is key,” said Thomas. “We are encouraged that UK has been forward-thinking enough to recognise this massive opportunity and to invest accordingly.”