Filamentary crystals in microelectronics

Recent progress in filamentary crystal (whiskers) technology is reviewed. The superiority of whiskers over the conventional single crystals is demonstrated. Detailed attention is given to current applications of whiskers in microelectronics, including fabrication of resistance strain gages, temperature-sensitive elements, thermocouples (thermal emf of up to 80 microvolt/deg), hot-wire anemometers, Hall devices, magnetoresistors, diodes, and autoelectronic emitters (whiskerized cathods). Potential applications of alkali-halogen whiskers in ionizing radiation dosimetry and computer technology are pointed out. Characteristics of main materials and methods of fabrication of whiskers are summarised.