Skip to main content

Scientists use laser beams to turn simple crystals into transparent electronics

Giving us further hope for a future without silicon circuitry, researchers have shown that transparent, photoconductive crystals can become conductors in when exposed to light. So much so in fact, that one test saw researchers use a laser to ‘draw’ an electrical pathway on a crystal that made it capable of electrical conductivity, potentially leading to the creation of transparent electronics in the future.

Although it has been previously shown that photoconductive materials saw an increase in their electrical conductivity following the exposure to light, conditions required to create a viable use for it weren’t exactly pleasant. Tests with simple memory storage devices only worked under extreme cooling, suggesting the practical applications were limited.

Recommended Videos

This latest breakthrough by Washington State University suddenly makes the technology look more viable.

In the test, researchers took an annealed crystal of strontium titanate (STO) and noted that when exposed to light at room temperature, its resistance decreased by three orders of magnitude, and free electron concentration increased by a factor of several hundred (via Nature). In short, it became conductive enough use in electronics.

That improved conductivity was maintained for several days afterwards, even when the crystal was stored in a dark environment.

Taking the experiment a step further, researchers were able to ‘draw’ a path of low resistance on the crystal using a laser beam. That improved conductivity along the ‘circuit’ on the crystal, opens up the possibility for the creation of transparent electronic circuits that could be erased through heating.

Although there was some increase in resistance over successive days, it was marginal, and the light exposure appeared to have a long-term effect on the crystal’s conductivity.

What’s most impressive about this test, is that resistance could be gradually reduced between two points. Exposing the first point to the laser created a noticeable reduction in resistance between the two, but it was only in exposing both of them that resistance really fell. While exposing the path between them had a dramatic effect itself, it was not as effective as exposing the two contact points.

Although this sort of research is still in its very early stages, it shows potential and those behind it believe that it could one day lead to the creation of transparent electronics that could be erased and re-written. If possible, it would offer a rare alternative to silicon.

Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is a freelance evergreen writer and occasional section coordinator, covering how to guides, best-of lists, and…
Google confirms merging Chrome OS and Android into one platform
Google Chrome app on s8 screen.

Why it matters: Google's push to blend Chrome OS and Android could supercharge affordable laptops like Chromebooks, making them more versatile for work and play. This move echoes Apple's seamless ecosystem across iPadOS and macOS, potentially shaking up the PC market where Windows dominates but innovation lags.

What's happening: In a bombshell interview, Google's Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat outright confirmed the company is "combining Chrome OS and Android into a single platform. This follows months of rumors and aligns with Android 16's new desktop-friendly features, like proper windowing and external display support. But then Samat later clarified on X that it's not a full-on merger killing Chrome OS; instead, it's about weaving Android's tech stack deeper into Chrome for better app compatibility and hardware efficiency.

Read more
WeTransfer backlash highlights need for smarter AI practices
A pair of hands using a keyboard on a laptop.

A recent update to WeTransfer’s terms of service caused consternation after some of its customers feared that it meant content from files uploaded to the popular file-sharing service would automatically be used to train AI models.

But the Netherlands-based company insisted on Tuesday that this is not the case, saying in a statement that it "does not sell user content to third parties,” and nor does it "use AI in connection with customer content.”

Read more
Uber shifts gear in the robotaxi race
Uber app.

Uber has inked a deal with Chinese tech giant Baidu to add “thousands” of its robotaxis to the American company’s ride-hailing app.

Baidu has been testing its Apollo Go robotaxis in several Chinese cities since 2019. But the partnership with Uber will involve Apollo Go ride-hailing services outside of China and the U.S., with the first deployments expected in parts of Asia and the Middle East later this year.

Read more