Unlocking the Future with Light

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) are on the brink of a technological breakthrough, using the power of light to unlock new potentials in computer chips, photovoltaic cells, and beyond. Led by physics professor Moussa N'Gom, Ph.D., and materials science professor Edwin Fohtung, Ph.D., this innovative team is merging optics and materials science to reveal unknown properties that could redefine a multitude of devices.

Twisted Light: A Game Changer in Material Manipulation

Their recent findings, published in the journal Advanced Materials, illustrate a startling discovery: by modulating the polarization of ferroelectric materials with twisted light—light featuring a spiral waveform—they can significantly control the material's internal electric field. "This method offers a finesse similar to using a wrench, allowing precise manipulation of specific atoms or ions within a crystal," N'Gom explains.

A New Era of Memory Storage Technology

This technique paves the way for cutting-edge non-volatile ferroelectric random-access memory (FeRAM), poised to revolutionize how data is stored by making devices smaller, faster, and more efficient. According to Fohtung, "Using twisted light represents a powerful strategy for next-generation FeRAM devices, making it possible to store more data in lesser space while enhancing security."

Seeing is Believing: Real-Time Imaging of Nanocrystals

In an exciting advancement for clean energy applications, the team has successfully captured real-time 3D images of atomic changes within individual nanocrystals. This breakthrough, achieved through Bragg Coherent Diffractive Imaging (BCDI), allows unprecedented visibility into how materials like bismuth tungstate react to heat, gases, and light during operation. "Imagine having X-ray vision into a nanocrystal as it performs; that's what we've accomplished," Fohtung said.

Catalysts Under the Microscope

Through their experiments, researchers observed bismuth tungstate undergoing structural transformations due to exposure to light—dramatically increasing its surface area and enabling a shift from a metallic to a semiconducting state. This clever manipulation allows them to essentially control the catalytic process at will.

A Brighter Outlook for Energy Efficiency

N'Gom highlights the importance of photocatalytic materials, which harness light energy to facilitate chemical reactions. They aim to enhance this activity under visible light through structured light manipulation, ultimately improving efficiency in energy applications.

The Future is Bright at RPI

Gyorgy Korniss, a professor and head of RPI's physics department, praises the interdisciplinary approach to their research, stating, "Advanced imaging techniques not only unlock fundamental properties of materials but also lay the groundwork for revolutionary technologies like computer chips and advanced memory storage that will enrich our lives in the decades to come."