What is Nano Semiconductor?

1. Definition

Semiconductors: materials with electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators. Their conductivity can be adjusted by doping or external influences such as heat, light, or magnetic fields.
Nano semiconductors: semiconductor materials engineered or applied at the nanometer scale (1–100 nm).
👉 At this scale, they exhibit new properties due to the quantum effect, altering electrical, optical, magnetic, and thermal characteristics — even enabling the emission of energy waves such as far-infrared rays (FIR).

Early 1900s: First electronic devices (radios, diodes) used germanium and selenium.
1947: William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain (Bell Labs, USA) invented the transistor, marking the official birth of the semiconductor era.
1950s–1970s: Silicon became the dominant semiconductor material, replacing germanium, powering computers and information technology.
1990s: Advances in nanotechnology allowed scientists to study semiconductors at scales of a few nanometers, revealing unique quantum effects.
2000s: Applications of nano semiconductors expanded to solar cells, LEDs, sensors, biomedical devices, and energy systems.
Today: Taiwan, the US, Japan, South Korea, and Europe are leaders in nano semiconductor research and production.

Quantum effects:
- At the nanoscale, electrons are confined in extremely small spaces, causing quantized energy levels and new behaviors.
Optical–electrical–magnetic applications:
- Nano semiconductors can emit light (quantum dots), improve energy transfer, and enhance absorption.
- This underpins QLED displays, optical sensors, and FIR-emitting materials.
Discovery of FIR (Far-Infrared Rays):
- Scientists observed that certain nano semiconductor materials (germanium, alumina, tourmaline) could emit FIR in the 8–14 μm range — the “biological window” naturally resonating with the human body.
- This became the foundation for medical, energy-saving, and environmental applications.
Taiwanese innovation:
- A Taiwanese professor successfully developed stable nano semiconductors sized 18–25 nm, capable of strong FIR emission.
- Applications:
  - Engines: Ensures complete fuel combustion, reduces CO/HC/smoke emissions, saves 10–20% fuel, and improves engine lifespan.
  - Human health: FIR waves are harmless and beneficial, enhancing blood circulation, reducing stress, and supporting cellular recovery.

Nano semiconductors = semiconductors at the nanoscale.
Foundation: William Shockley and colleagues’ transistor invention (1947).
Milestones: From silicon dominance (1950s) → nanotechnology breakthroughs (1990s) → FIR applications (2000s) → Taiwan’s advanced nano semiconductor technology today.
Value: A dual role — powering electronics, AI, and clean energy, while also delivering practical benefits in engines and human health.