Silicon Collection (page 4)

MEMS production, hot embossing
MEMS production. Hot embossing machine being used to produce MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) devices. MEMS devices are constructed on a microscopic scale using technologies such as wet

MEMS production, quality control
MEMS production. Microscope being used to carry out quality control checks on a silicon wafer of MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) devices

MEMS production, flip chip bonding
MEMS production. Flip chip bonding apparatus (lower right) being used to mount MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) devices

MEMS production, external connections
MEMS production. Bonding machine and microscope being used to add the external connections to MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) devices

MEMS production
MODEL RELEASED. MEMS production. Clean room technician lifting a container of silicon wafers being used to produce MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) devices

Brain on a chip

Neural chip. Conceptual computer artwork of a neural network (centre) on a microchip. This could represent hardware which mimics such networks, or contains actual nerve cells

Macrophoto of silicon chips (linear motion effect)
Integrated chips. Macrophotograph of high- performance microprocessor silicon chips, seen with a blurred " linear motion" effect

Coloured SEM of surface of an EPROM silicon chip
EPROM silicon chip. Coloured Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of the etched surface of part of an EPROM silicon chip. Here

View of two silicon wafers with their chips

False-colour SEM connector wires on silic
False-colour scanning electron micrograph of a TM 2716 integrated circuit, or silicon chip, show- ing 2 connecting wires bonded to terminal pads on the edge of the device

Silicon wafers and chips. View of two processed silicon wafers (upper right and lower left). The wafers contain dozens of identical microcircuits, which appear as squares

Coloured SEM of a single-electron transistor
Single-electron transistor. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a single-electron transistor. Like the larger transistors it is designed to replace, it has three parts

Fabrication of integrated circuit wafers
Visual inspection of a photomask used in the fabrication of integrated circuit wafers at Seagate Microelectronics Ltd, Livingston, Scotland

Visual inspection of photomask

Computer memory chip. This is a 144 pin SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random access memory) chip

Solar cells. Close-up of the surface of solar (photovoltaic) cells, which convert light into electrical energy. Cells are made from a semi-conductor such as silicon (as here)

Ultra-high vacuum nanoprobe. Central sample area for a UHV (ultra-high vacuum) nanoprobe machine. This machine uses four scanning tunnelling microscopes to ensure the precision placement of

Microprocessor chip, artwork
Microprocessor chip, computer artwork

Microprocessor chips

Microprocessor chip, computer artwork
Microprocessor chip (black, upper right) in a circuit board, computer artwork. Microchips, solid-state silicon semiconductor components that can process large amounts of data

Microprocessor chip in a circuit board

Solar cell, micrograph
Solar cell. Micrograph of the surface of a solar (photovoltaic) cell, which converts light into electrical energy. The cell is made from silicon, a semi-conductor

Silicon, macrophotograph
Silicon. Close-up of the metalloid element silicon (Si). Silicon has a vast variety of uses, including in electronic components, cosmetic breast implants, waterproofing products

Piece of crude silicon rock
Silicon. Sample of crude-refined silicon. Silicon is a semiconductor group IV metal, with atomic number 14. It is not found as a native element

Friedrich Wohler (1800-1882)
German chemist. Wohler discovered the cyanates and, in 1828, he attempted to synthesis ammonium cyanate, but instead synthesised urea

Graphene transistor, SEM
Graphene transistor. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a transistor composed of a graphene wire (centre), gold electrodes (dark yellow) and silicon (blue)

Circuit board components
Printed circuit board components. Electronic components soldered into a printed circuit board (PCB). The black squares are microprocessor silicon chips

Chloride chemistry

Silica microspheres, SEM
Silica microspheres, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). These tiny spheres are made of silica (silicon dioxide)

Diatom algae, SEM
Diatoms. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of two unidentified diatoms (round). These planktonic unicellular algae have silica in their cell walls (frustules). Magnification unknown

Atomic surface of a silicon crystal
Clearest-ever view of silicon. High resolution transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of the atomic surface of a silicon crystal. The surface is made of triangular subunits which consist of 3 layers

Quark structure of silicon atom nucleus
Visualisation of a silicon nucleus. This image represents the nucleus of a silicon atom. The nucleus is made of 28 particles, called nucleons (14 protons and 14 neutrons)

Silicon. Lump of silicon, a chemical element with the symbol Si. It is a semi-metallic element, and belongs to group 14 of the periodic table

Period 3 elements. From left (in their periodic table order) they are: sodium (Na); magnesium (Mg); aluminium (Al); silicon (Si); phosphorus (P)

Visualisation of quark structure of silicon
Quark structure of the silicon nucleus. Computer visualisation of the nucleus of a silicon atom. The most common isotope, silicon-28, consists of 14 protons and 14 neutrons

Talc crystal structure, molecular model. Talc is the name for the mineral hydrated magnesium silicate (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2). Silicate ions comprise a central silicon ion (pink)

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Silicon, the versatile element that shapes our technological world. From its mesmerizing crystal structure to its vital role in microchips and solar panels, silicon is truly a marvel of nature's ingenuity. In the depths of Earth's crust, silicon forms intricate crystals that captivate with their beauty. Under the lens of a light micrograph, these structures reveal themselves as delicate masterpieces, reminiscent of jasper or agate bowls adorned in shades of grey and white. But it is not just aesthetics that make silicon so remarkable. Its practical applications are boundless. In the realm of technology, we find silicon at the heart of every microchip connecting wire. Examined under an electron microscope (SEM), this tiny wire becomes a gateway to innovation and progress. Harnessing the power of sunlight, silicon finds another purpose in solar panels basking in the sun's rays. As photons strike its surface, electrons are set into motion, generating clean energy for our ever-growing needs. Even within teletext boards lies hidden artistry - an X-ray reveals a complex network etched onto a silicon chip. This intricate design represents countless lines of code and information flowing through circuits unseen by our naked eye. Venturing beyond technology, we discover stunning mineral formations where copper dances with quartz amidst Cornwall's rich landscapes. Cuprite with minor quartz from Gwennap showcases nature's ability to create harmonious compositions while chalcopyrite with quartz and minor sphalerite unites elements in perfect balance. The Cooks Kitchen Mine brings forth chalcocite alongside quartz – a testament to Mother Nature’s artistic prowess deep within England’s soil. Galena intertwined with quartz from Derbyshire adds an air of mystery as its exact origin remains uncertain. Lastly, copper embraces quartz at South Caradon Mine while chalcopyrite adorns dolcoath mine – both sites serving as reminders that beneath Earth’s surface lie treasures waiting to be discovered.