A Superatomic Semiconductor Sets a Speed Record | Columbia Quantum Initiative
quantum.columbia.edu
  • Columbia University chemists have developed Re6Se8Cl2, a superatomic semiconductor exhibiting ballistic flow, potentially surpassing conventional semiconductors in speed and efficiency.
  • This material forms acoustic exciton-polarons that move scatter-free across the material, promising faster and more efficient energy and information transfer.
  • Unlike silicon, exciton-polarons in Re6Se8Cl2 pair with phonons, enabling steady, rapid movement without scattering, which could lead to faster processing speeds at room temperature.
  • Re6Se8Cl2 is unlikely for commercial use due to the rarity and cost of Rhenium, but the discovery opens possibilities for other materials with similar properties for future technological applications.
  • ijeff@lemdro.idOPEnglish
    2·
    8 months ago

    They appear to be attempting to give it a distinct name here.

    Rather than scattering when they come into contact with phonons, excitons in Re6Se8Cl2 actually bind with phonons to create new quasiparticles called acoustic exciton-polarons. Although polarons are found in many materials, those in Re6Se8Cl2 have a special property: they are capable of ballistic, or scatter-free, flow. This ballistic behavior could mean faster and more efficient devices one day.

    • TWeaK@lemm.eeEnglish
      2·
      8 months ago

      It definitely is a distinct name, searching for it pretty much only brings up articles about their study.