A new study shows that tiny defects and internal vibrations in a promising quantum material can be used to control an unusual electrical effect, potentially enabling smaller, faster, and more efficient energy-harvesting technologies.
An international team led by Professor Dongchen Qi from the QUT School of Chemistry and Physics and Professor Xiao Renshaw Wang from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore investigated the mechanism behind the nonlinear Hall effect (NLHE).
Unlike the classical Hall effect, this quantum phenomenon allows alternating electrical signals, such as those from wireless or ambient sources, to be converted directly into usable direct current without requiring diodes or bulky components.
“The NLHE is a sophisticated quantum phenomenon in condensed matter physics where a voltage is generated perpendicular to an applied alternating current, even in the absence of a magnetic field,” Professor Qi said.
“This effect allows us to convert alternating signals straight into direct current, which is what’s needed to power electronic devices. In principle, it means sensors or chips that could operate without batteries, drawing energy from their environment.”
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