When a semiconductor is exposed to light, it becomes an electrical conductor

Photo-thermoelasticity theory explores semiconductors’ intricate interactions between light, heat, and mechanical stress. This field studies how light energy can induce thermal expansion and mechanical deformation, allowing for precise control over the behavior of semiconductor materials. Like how optical tweezers manipulate microscopic particles with light, photo-thermoelasticity leverages light-induced thermal effects to influence material properties. The findings in this area are groundbreaking for applications in renewable energy and optoelectronic devices, where optimizing light-material interactions can significantly enhance device efficiency and performance.

Researchers led by Mohamed I. A. Othman at Zagazig University, Egypt, are investigating how these photo-thermoelastic interactions can improve energy conversion processes in semiconductor devices. The team aims to develop more efficient materials for solar cells and other optoelectronic applications by understanding the thermoelastic response to different light wavelengths and studying the stability of all physical variations for more effective solar cells. This research has the potential to advance sustainable energy technologies and reduce the environmental impact of electronic devices. The work entitled “Influence of the homotopy stability perturbation on physical variations of non-local opto-electronic semiconductor materials” was published on Frontiers of Optoelectronics (published on Dec. 6, 2024).