Material Could Unlock New Functionality in Semiconductors

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY

Researchers have designed and synthesized a unique material with controllable capabilities that make it promising for future electronics including cellphones and computers.

The synthesized crystal, shown here, carries both ferroelectricity and chirality. (Image: RPI)

The material — an organic-inorganic hybrid crystal made up of carbon, iodine, and lead — was synthesized and then demonstrated to be capable of two material properties previously unseen in a single material. It exhibited spontaneous electric polarization that can be reversed when exposed to an electric field, a property known as ferroelectricity. It simultaneously displayed a type of asymmetry known as chirality — a property that makes two distinct objects, like right and left hands, mirror images of one another but not able to be superimposed.

This unique combination of ferroelectricity and chirality is advantageous. When combined with the material’s conductivity, both of these characteristics can enable other electrical, magnetic, or optical properties. This type of light-matter interaction is particularly promising for future communication and computing technologies.

For more information, contact Reeve Hamilton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 518-833-4277.