Materials that are neither conductive nor dielectric, so-called topological insulators, could make our smartphones and laptops more efficient in the future.
In electronics today, a lot of energy is lost through heat.
Topological insulators are neither conductors nor insulators. It does exist, but it only works if the materials are very cooled.
building blocks
By using topological insulators as building blocks, for example, phones and laptops, the energy loss due to heat can be eliminated.
Scientist Luca Rosa Baumeister received her PhD last week from the University of Twente, where she has developed materials that can act as topological insulators at room temperature.
bismuth barium oxide
One of those promising substances is BaBio3, and bismuth barium oxide. Baumeister traveled back and forth between the Institut Mesa+ in Twente and Paris in a special vacuum box to conduct research there.
contracts
Despite Bouwmeester’s research potential, it is expected that it will take another 20 to 25 years before they become topological insulators in our phones and laptops.
