Colloquia

Ultrahigh-density dynamic random acess memory, hyperscaled field-effect transistors, and field-effect-induced superconductivity at 117 K in fullerenes are examples where high-performance thin film dielectrics play a pivotal role in science and technology. In the past, only a small set of materials (SiO2, Al2O3, (Ba,Sr)TiO3, etc.) have been considered for these structures. We have assessed a wide range of dielectric systems using a high-throughput, composition-spread approach. This has lead to the discovery and development of dielectrics with extremely high performance, as well as the identification of unexpected physics by careful investigation of systematic trends. I will discuss the scientific and technological issues, our approach to discovery, and the interesting materials and materials physics we have uncovered.