Central OC Times

Irvine, Calif., May 6, 2024 – A research team led by chemists at the University of California, Irvine, has made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the interaction of light with matter that could revolutionize various technological fields. The team's findings were recently published in the journal ACS Nano.

Lead author Dmitry Fishman, UC Irvine adjunct professor of chemistry, highlighted the significance of the discovery, stating, "Silicon is Earth’s second-most abundant element, and it forms the backbone of modern electronics." The team's research focused on how photons can obtain substantial momentum when confined to nanometer-scale spaces in silicon, unlocking new possibilities for optoelectronic applications.

Co-author Eric Potma, UC Irvine professor of chemistry, explained the implications of their discovery, stating, "Our discovery of photon momentum in disordered silicon is due to a form of electronic Raman scattering." This new understanding challenges existing knowledge of light-matter interaction and emphasizes the crucial role of photon momenta.

Fishman further elaborated on the impact of their research, mentioning, "This work challenges our understanding of light and matter interaction, underscoring the critical role of photon momenta." He added that this discovery could broaden the applications of optical spectroscopies and lead to advancements in solar energy conversion and light-emitting materials.

Potma expressed optimism about the future applications of this newfound property of light, stating, "This newly realized property of light no doubt will open a new realm of applications in optoelectronics." He emphasized the potential for increased efficiency in solar energy conversion devices and the enhancement of light-emitting materials.

The research team's work represents a significant step forward in the field of optoelectronics, with implications for various industries. The project involved collaboration with researchers from Kazan Federal University and received support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

For more information on UC Irvine's research and initiatives, visit the university's official website.