American developments in miniature capacitors

Miniaturization of capacitors in America comprises a large effort and a wide variety of techniques and materials. In ceramics, major programmes directed toward reducing film thickness are approaching the 1 mil range. Thin-film studies are contributing evaporated dielectrics and the basis for anodic-film printed capacitors. A thermal oxide with excellent properties can be grown on silicon. Silicon nitride and reactively sputtered dielectrics are in the exploratory stage. Extension of solid-electrolytic capacitor designs is providing relatively large capacitance in small volume, both for the micro-module programme and as hearing-aid types. Progress is being made in realizing the intrinsic capability of organic polymers. The future holds promise of significant accomplishments both by application of ingenuity to the older materials and by realizing the potential of thin-film technology.