A Superatomic Semiconductor Sets a Speed Record
- Columbia University chemists have developed Re6Se8Cl2, a superatomic semiconductor exhibiting ballistic flow, potentially surpassing conventional semiconductors in speed and efficiency.
- This material forms acoustic exciton-polarons that move scatter-free across the material, promising faster and more efficient energy and information transfer.
- Unlike silicon, exciton-polarons in Re6Se8Cl2 pair with phonons, enabling steady, rapid movement without scattering, which could lead to faster processing speeds at room temperature.
- Re6Se8Cl2 is unlikely for commercial use due to the rarity and cost of Rhenium, but the discovery opens possibilities for other materials with similar properties for future technological applications.