Scientists have developed a new method that creates chips with three-dimensional nanostructures. The new method allows large-scale production of photonic crystals, which capture light, according to a study at the University of Twente, in the Netherlands.

This new development enables electronic chips to have new and additional features, which could revolutionize the functions of electronic devices. The researchers made the discovery while they were working on creating new types of photonic crystals

"Our method makes it possible to combine an endless variety of features on a chip, such as electronics, optics, magnets and microfluidics," Professor Willem Vos, co-author of the study, said in a news release.

Traditional methods for building 3-D nanostructures could be a tedious and limited process, which entails stacking layers on a silicon chip. Also, as layers are far apart, it alters the chip's efficiency.

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