Single-crystalline scandium nitride(ScN): New material discovered can convert infrared light to renewable energy

Source: The post is based on the article “New material discovered can convert infrared light to renewable energy” published in PIB on 5th July 2022.

What is the News?

Scientists have discovered a novel material called “Single-crystalline scandium nitride(ScN)” that can emit, detect and modulate infrared light with high efficiency.

Background

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

Scientists use high-tech methods to manipulate such waves precisely. This is done in dimensions that are thousands of times smaller than human hair using specialized materials. 

However, not all the wavelengths of light (electromagnetic waves) are easy to utilize, especially infrared light, since it is difficult to detect and modulate. 

For infrared light applications, intelligent and cutting-edge materials are required which can enable excitation, modulation and detection at desired spectral range with high efficiencies. 

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

What have the scientists discovered?

Scientists have discovered a material called “Single-crystalline scandium nitride(ScN)” that can emit, detect and modulate infrared light with high efficiency.

This material can be used for solar and thermal energy harvesting and for optical communication devices.