Scientists from Imperial College, London have discovered a new form of light. This research offers a new way to create a new form of light. Scientists say, it is possible by binding light to a single electron by combining both properties.
It allows researchers to analyze quantum physical phenomena, which controls particles smaller than atoms, on a visible scale.
Generally, light collaborates with a complete host of electrons,which is present on the outside and inside the material. Scientists found, it is able to collaborate single electron on the surface by using theoretical physics. Theoretical physics is used to design light behavior and topological insulators. Topological insulators have recently discovered a class of materials.
Thus, it generates a coupling that brings some of the properties of the light and the electron. When light is bounded with an electron, it follows its path by seeking the surface of the material. Dr. Vincenzo Giannini and colleagues design this interaction around a nanoparticle. This nanoparticle is made of a topological insulator and almost below 0.00000001 meters in diameter.
Their design shows, light is taking the property of the electron and circulating the particle. Thus the electron also taking on some of the properties of the light.
When electrons are normally traveling through electrical circuits, they will stop when faced with a defect. Although scientists discovered, electrons are able to move further with the help of light even if there are imperfections on the surface. If this will be used in photonic circuits, they will become more strong and less vulnerable to disruption and physical imperfections.
Dr. Giannini said, “The results of this research will have a huge impact on the way we conceive light. Topological insulators were discovered in the last decade. But they already providing us with new phenomena to study and new ways to explore important concepts in physics.”
“it should be possible to observe the phenomena he has modeled in experiments using current technology, and the team is working with experimental physicists to make this a reality,” he added.
He believes, this new form of light could be scaled up. Thus, the phenomena are observed much more easily.
Currently, quantum phenomena can only be seen when looking at very small objects or objects that have been super-cooled, but this could allow scientists to study these kinds of behavior at room temperature.