Silicon under pressure: even GaN takes stick

IEDM 2005 will take place in Washington, DC, in early December. It is one of those great shows, a spell-binding, amazing silicon circus. In the big top are packed the pressured performers, having to master new acts of ever increased agility, stability and endurance. Silicon shows the strain in its need of other material assistance. And a host of side shows, big dippers, swings and roundabouts, put compound semiconductors and MEMS devices through paces that lend lustre to the whole performance.