Laser Manipulates Electronic Properties
June 20, 2016 | Department of Energy, Office of ScienceEstimated reading time: 1 minute
A new semiconducting material that is only three atomic-layers thick has emerged with more exotic, malleable electronic properties than those of traditional semiconductors. These properties come from electrons, like a ball rolling down a hill to a valley, that prefer the lower energy levels at the bottom of electronic energy “valleys.” Now, the valley depth can be shifted optically and with extreme speed with sculpted laser pulses.
The Impact
Layered materials where electrons are constrained to two dimensions can be engineered into novel electronic structures with unique electronic and optical properties. Optical manipulation of electrons can lead to new modes of energy conversion and computational devices such as electronics based on energy valleys states instead of conventional electronics based on charge flows and accumulation.
Summary
A new ultra-thin semiconducting material (tungsten disulfide or WS2) consists of three atomic layers in an “atomic sandwich” configuration with a heavy metal tungsten atom layer between lighter element sulfur atom layers. The material is quasi-two dimensional, just three atoms thick, and exhibits a unique electronic structure with subtle differences depending on the direction relative to the repeating atomic bonds in the layer plane. The differences create two distinct but similar valleys in the electronic structure, where electrons can accumulate with different directions, but with associated energy levels and gaps that are equal. Adding a specific type of laser beam, where the polarization direction (the direction of interacting electric forces) rotates as the light propagates, creates a new type of electron energy structure that can be probed and manipulated. The electron structural landscape, which began with two similar valleys, can also be made to have different distinct valleys with different energy depths. The valley depth can now be manipulated with light to encode information like zeroes and ones for conventional data. Additionally, changing the energy of the valleys with light allows for fast manipulation without the need for contact with complex electrodes as in conventional electronics.
Suggested Items
Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics
04/24/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn our fast-changing, deeply competitive, and margin-tight industry, factory analytics can be the key to unlocking untapped improvements to guarantee a thriving business. On top of that, electronics manufacturers are facing a tremendous burden to do more with less. If you don't already have a copy of this book, what follows is an excerpt from the introduction chapter of 'The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics: Unlocking Efficiency Through Data Insights' to whet your appetite.
Listen Up! The Intricacies of PCB Drilling Detailed in New Podcast Episode
04/25/2024 | I-Connect007In episode 5 of the podcast series, On the Line With: Designing for Reality, Nolan Johnson and Matt Stevenson continue down the manufacturing process, this time focusing on the post-lamination drilling process for PCBs. Matt and Nolan delve into the intricacies of the PCB drilling process, highlighting the importance of hole quality, drill parameters, and design optimization to ensure smooth manufacturing. The conversation covers topics such as drill bit sizes, aspect ratios, vias, challenges in drilling, and ways to enhance efficiency in the drilling department.
Elevating PCB Design Engineering With IPC Programs
04/24/2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCIn a monumental stride for the electronics manufacturing industry, IPC has successfully championed the recognition of the PCB Design Engineer as an official occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This pivotal achievement not only underscores the critical role of PCB design engineers within the technology landscape, but also marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward nurturing a robust, skilled workforce ready to propel our industry into the future.
Winner of The Science Show Rakett 69 Receives Incap Scholarship
04/24/2024 | IncapThe winner of the Rakett 69 science show, Andri Türkson, who stood out as an electronics enthusiast, received a scholarship from Incap Estonia, along with an internship opportunity in Saaremaa.
Alternative Manufacturing Inc. Awarded QML Requalification to IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610
04/24/2024 | IPCIPC's Validation Services Program has awarded an IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 Qualified Manufacturers Listing (QML) requalification to Alternative Manufacturing Inc (AMI).