Identify the characteristics of band topology in amorphous thin films the team conducted experiments and model calculations on thin films of amorphous iron-tin. In recent years, scientists have studied special materials called topological materials, looking at the nature, that is the topology, of their electronic structure (electronics).
Although it is not really visible, their unusual shape and topological properties create unique properties that can be suitable for the creation of the next devices. It is thought that in order to use the material on the surface, crystalline materials are needed, which are well ordered and arranged in a repeating pattern.
The materials in the amorphous state, that is, where the atoms are destroyed and organized alone at any time in a short period of time, have been considered unsuitable for receiving the special physical properties of topological materials.
Now, a collaborative research team has found that (Identify the characteristics of band topology in amorphous thin films) even amorphous materials can contain these properties.
The team consisted of Associate Professor Kohei Fujiwara and Professor Atsushi Tsukazaki from the Institute of Materials Research (IMR), Tohoku University; Lecturer Yasuyuki Kato and Professor Yukitoshi Motome of the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Engineering and Associate Professor Hitoshi Abe at the Institute for Materials Structure Science of Accelerator Research Organization in high energy.
Details of their findings were reported in the journal Nature Communications on June 13, 2023.
“We found that the concept of band topology, which was discussed in crystals, is also valid and technologically useful in the amorphous state,” Fujiwara said.
To carry out their research, the team conducted experiments and model calculations on thin films of amorphous iron-tin.
They showed that despite the short atomic structure, amorphous material still exhibits the same special effects as crystalline materials, including the negative Hall effect and the Nernst effect.
“Amorphous materials are easier and cheaper than crystals, which opens up new opportunities for the creation of devices using these materials.
This can lead to advances in detection technology, which is important for the creation of the Internet of Things (IoT) where many devices are connected and communicate with each other,” Fujiwara adds.
For the future, the team is eager to discover more amorphous materials and create new devices that use them.
Source: Tohoku University.
