Nanowerk January 31, 2020
The bulk photovoltaic effect is a way to convert light into electrical current. An international team of researchers (USA – Boston College, UCLA, Germany, Switzerland) developed microscopic devices based on the Weyl semimetal tantalum arsenide. They had larger bulk photovoltaic effect than seen before. The devices they developed absorbed mid-infrared light, an important wavelength for devices that conduct chemical and thermal imaging as well as waste heat recovery. The observed magnitude and wavelength range of the shift current advances our fundamental understanding of the effects of topology in materials. It also demonstrates the utility of Weyl semimetals for broad range of practical applications…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
When tantalum arsenide absorbs light, it generates electricity, like a solar cell. When researchers varied the polarization of infrared light, they discovered it created unusual effects in this material. (Image: Kenneth Burch, Boston College)