Researchers have found a way to control the interaction of light and quantum 'spin' in organic semiconductors, that works even at room temperature.
Spin is the term for the intrinsic angular momentum of electrons, which is referred to as up or down. Using the up/down spin states of electrons instead of the 0 and 1 in conventional computer logic could transform the way in which computers process information. And sensors based on quantum principles could vastly improve our abilities to measure and study the world around us.
This level of control over quantum properties can normally only be achieved at ultra-low temperatures. However, the Cambridge-led team has been able to control the quantum behaviour of these materials at room temperature, which opens up a new world of potential quantum applications by reliably coupling spins to photons. The results are reported in the journalAlmost all types of quantum technology -- based on the strange behaviour of particles at the subatomic level -- involve spin.
Organic semiconductors are the current state-of-the-art for lighting and commercial displays, and they could be a more sustainable alternative to silicon for solar cells. However, they have not yet been widely studied for quantum applications, such as quantum computing or quantum sensing. The researchers designed a new family of materials by first determining how they wanted the electron spins to behave. Using this bottom-up approach, they were able to control the properties of the end material by using a building block method and changing the 'bridges' between different modules of the molecule. These bridges were made of anthracene, a type of hydrocarbon.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source of hidden consciousness in 'comatose' brain injury patients found -- ScienceDailyResearchers have identified brain circuits that, when injured, make conscious patients with acute brain injury appear unresponsive, a phenomenon known as hidden consciousness.
Read more »
Dolphins and Whales News -- ScienceDailyWhales and dolphins. Whale songs, beaching, endangered status -- current research news on all cetaceans.
Read more »
Materials Science News -- ScienceDailyMaterials Science News and Research. Read all the latest in materials engineering, chemical engineering, and more.
Read more »
Insects (including Butterflies) News -- ScienceDailyCurrent event articles on insects and butterflies. Read about insect bites, butterfly migration, caterpillar growth, which insects are beneficial and how to deal with pests.
Read more »
Quantum Computers News -- ScienceDailyQuantum Computer Research. Read the latest news in developing quantum computers.
Read more »
Infectious Diseases News -- ScienceDailyRead the latest medical research on the prevention, management, and treatment of infectious diseases. Read articles on HINI, influenza, C. difficile, HIV and AIDS, hepatitis, herpes, STDs and more.
Read more »