Researchers in UKZN’s School of Chemistry and Physics have developed a semiconducting artefact that may find application in lower consuming electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, spintronic, diodes, transistor technology, thermoelectric generators and other industrial use.
Traditionally, the time reversal symmetry is normally broken by surface coating a topological insulator with a thin magnetic film to create an energy gap. In large organic semiconductor or composites, electron-photon coupling does not cause perturbations but forms quasiparticles, the polarons.
Composite composition creates novel change carrier characteristics and consequently unique topological electrical conductivity properties. Composite film presents long-range conductivity, a potent feature suitable for topological computing and radio frequency phase modulation application.
This technology provides a novel approach in realizing anomalous quantum Hall effects on graphene-based composition and means to electrically control topological states which is necessary for cutting edge nano-electronics and optoelectronics. It is also aimed at providing a composite that can be useful as a transport layer in diodes for complementary logic, circuity and thermoelectric generator.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Bice Martincigh
