Scientists discover material that can convert infrared light to renewable energy

Tribune News Service

Vijay Mohan

Chandigarh, July 5

Scientists have discovered a novel material that can emit, detect and modulate infrared light with high efficiency, making it useful for solar and thermal energy harvesting as well as for optical communication devices. 

The discovery has significant potential in the strategic arena of defence and space as well as the power sector.

“Researchers discovered a material called single-crystalline scandium nitride (ScN) that can emit, detect, and modulate infrared light with high efficiency,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology on Tuesday.

The team comprised experts from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science and the University of Sydney.

Electromagnetic waves are a renewable energy source used for electricity generation, telecommunication, defence and security technologies, sensors and health care services. 

Scientists used high-tech methods to manipulate such waves precisely -- in dimensions that are thousands of times smaller than the human hair, using specialised materials, the statement said.

However, not all the wavelengths of light are easy to utilise, especially infrared light, since it is difficult to detect and modulate.

For infrared light applications, intelligent and cutting-edge materials are required which can manipulate and detect it at the desired spectral range with high efficiency. 

Only a few existing materials can serve as hosts for light-matter interactions in the infrared spectral range, albeit with very low efficiencies. The operational spectral range of such materials does not cover industrially important short wavelength infrared spectral range.

The team, led by KC Maurya, used a scientific phenomenon called 'polariton excitations' that occur in tailored materials when light couples with other phenomena.

They have carefully controlled material properties to excite quasi particles and achieve strong light-matter interactions in the ScN using infrared light.

“From electronics to health care, defence and security to energy technologies, there is a great demand for infrared sources, emitters and sensors. Our work on infrared polaritons in scandium nitride will enable its applications in many such devices,” said Bivas Saha, Assistant Professor at JNCASR.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.