A research group at Nagoya University discovered a phenomenon in which semiconductor crystals exhibit an abnormally large plasticity (shape change ability) in an environment without light, making them less likely to break.It was also clarified that the light environment surrounding the crystal greatly changes the shape change mechanism of the crystal.
It is widely known that the optical environment affects the electrical properties of semiconductor materials.However, little is understood about its effect on its mechanical properties (how it changes shape when a force is applied, how it breaks, etc.).
This time, the research group investigated the deformation behavior of zinc sulfide crystals, which is one of the inorganic semiconductors, at room temperature.As a result, it was discovered that in a light environment, the plasticity is very small as previously thought, and it is fragile and fragile, while in a completely dark room, it is hard to break like metal.
When the crystal after deformation was investigated, the cause was that the dislocations (a type of disorder in the atomic arrangement) existing inside the crystal strongly interacted with the electrons and holes induced by light irradiation, and the deformation mechanism was greatly increased. It turned out to be to change.Examining this mechanism in detail, it is expected that the light environment will affect the deformation mechanism of many substances and materials, and similar phenomena may occur.
With the discovery of this phenomenon, it is necessary to reconsider the mechanism of deformation and destruction of substances and materials that have been constructed so far from the microscopic viewpoint of electronic structure, and at the same time, the manufacture of brittle materials such as semiconductor materials and ceramic materials. It is expected that innovations will be brought about by controlling the optical environment in technology and usage.
Paper information:[Science] Extraordinary plasticity of an inorganic semiconductor in darkness
