A recent study by Japanese researchers found that metal platinum can have semiconductor-like properties such as silicon when it is made of ultra-thin films that are only 2 nanometers thick. The researchers believe that this discovery challenges the traditional perception of semiconductor materials and helps drive Related field development.
Traditionally, metals and semiconductors are strictly distinguished. Metals generally have good electrical conductivity. Semiconductors are interposed between insulators and conductors. Conductivity can be controlled. Transistors made from common semiconductor materials such as silicon are widely used in various electronic devices. .
The Kyoto University research team found that when a heavy metal platinum is made into a super thin film of only 2 nm thick on a magnetic insulator called 'yttrium iron garnet', it can be controlled by an external voltage like a semiconductor.
In addition, the researchers also found that platinum can greatly regulate and control the effect of 'spin-orbit coupling'. Spin-orbit coupling refers to the interaction between particle spin and orbital motion, and plays a key role in spintronics research. Role. Research in semiconductors or other new materials often involves this effect.
The research team said the findings are inconsistent with traditional solid-state physics and will contribute to the development of electronics and spintronics. The research has been published in the new British journal Nature.
