Researchers from Rutgers University in New Jersey have invented a new method for controlling light, involving the use of rare crystal semiconductors. Scientists believe this innovation could pave the way for advanced electronics, including more efficient and powerful solar cells. In addition, this technology could be used to improve devices activated by light, including sensors and novel electronic displays.
Scientists discovered this revolutionary way to control light thanks to hybrid perovskite crystals. These are made up of organic and inorganic materials, and have properties that overlap between metals capable of conducting electricity, as well as non-conducting insulators. Their abilities as semiconductors have made them incredibly useful in a vast array of different electronics — and now scientists believe they have found a way to take advantage of their light tuning properties.
When the hybrid crystal perovskites are excited by a laser, they produce light. The intensity of this light can easily be adjusted up to 100 times just by adjusting the voltage applied to an electrode that is placed on the surface of the crystal. During their research, scientists also learned that light emissions are dramatically reduced by defects in the crystals; however, if they apply voltage to the crystals they can easily restore the intensity of photoluminescence.
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the photoluminescence of a material has been reversibly controlled to such a wide degree with voltage. Previously, to change the intensity of photoluminescence, you had to change the temperature or apply enormous pressure to a crystal, which was cumbersome and costly. We can do it simply within a small electronic device at room temperature.”
Hybrid perovskites have other advantages as well; they are easier and cheaper to fabricate than standard silicon-based solar cells that are currently commercially available. They are also far more efficient, leading to a more reliable and effective source of solar power.
Scientists will next take a deep dive into investigating a variety of different perovskite materials. They believe this could help to create more efficient and powerful materials in the future, allowing them even greater control of photoluminescence that requires a distinctly smaller voltage.
