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New Materials from Tiny Explosions

Australian scientists recently announced the discovery of at least two (and possibly up to six) new materials that were created by blasting tiny cavities in solid silicon using a laser. The new method could allow for large-scale manufacturing of exotic silicon derivatives that previously required the use of techniques that are more expensive and less industrially-friendly.

Creating new materials using high pressure is not a novel concept, however, current methods require the use of tiny diamonds to poke or squeeze the materials. On the other hand, the new method uses ultra-short lasers to generate much higher pressures than diamonds can produce, and can modify thousands of zones in a matter of seconds.

The explosions create entirely new crystal arrangements (or phases) within the silicon. Although such phases are often unstable under normal conditions, the small size of the structures created using the laser method allows them to cool more quickly, solidifying before they can decay. Some of the new crystals have lasted for over a year.

Guided by a thorough understanding of how the lasers will interact with the materials, the team has discovered crystal structures that repeat at different intervals, including every 12, 16 or 32 atoms. The ability to manipulate the complexity of silicon atoms opens up the possibility for new, unusual and unexpected properties to emerge. In a multi-billion dollar industry, the impact could be huge.

For information: Andrei Rode, Australian National University, Laser Physics Centre, Research School of Physics and Engineering, Building 58, John Carver Building, Acton  ACT 2601 Australia; phone: +61-02-6125-4637; email: Andrei.rode@anu.edu.au; Web site: www.anu.edu.au    

 

   

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