New
'metamaterial' practical for optical advances
(May 16, 2012) Researchers have taken a step toward overcoming a key
obstacle in commercializing "hyperbolic metamaterials," structures
that could bring optical advances including ultrapowerful microscopes,
computers and solar cells.
The
researchers have shown how to create the metamaterials without the traditional
silver or gold previously required, said Alexandra Boltasseva, a Purdue
University assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Using the
metals is impractical for industry because of high cost and incompatibility
with semiconductor manufacturing processes. The metals also do not transmit
light efficiently, causing much of it to be lost. The Purdue researchers
replaced the metals with an "aluminum-doped zinc oxide," or AZO.
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