POSTECH Researchers Develop Technique for Electrically Controlling Polaritons, Paving the Way for Advanced Optoelectronic Devices
POSTECH researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of ultra-high-resolution spectroscopy, creating a technique for controlling polaritons—hybridized light-matter particles. This innovative breakthrough, led by Professor Kyoung-Duck Park and integrated PhD student Hyeongwoo Lee from the Department of Physics at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), marks the world’s first instance of electrically controlling polaritons at room temperature.
Polaritons are unique particles that exhibit characteristics of both light and solid matter, offering properties distinct from traditional photons and solid materials. The inability to electrically control polaritons on a single particle level at room temperature has been a major hurdle in their commercial viability. However, the research team’s new method, called “electric-field tip-enhanced strong coupling spectroscopy,” enables the active manipulation of individual polariton particles at room temperature.
This technique combines super-resolution microscopy with ultra-precise electrical control, allowing for stable generation of polaritons in a state of strong coupling at room temperature. Unlike quantum dots used in QLED televisions, polariton particles can emit light in all colors with enhanced brightness and can be electrically controlled, eliminating the need for separate red, green, and blue light sources.
The impact of this research extends beyond academic significance, as it opens the door for the development of diverse optoelectronic devices and optical components based on polariton technology. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the optical display industry, offering key advancements in ultra-bright and compact outdoor displays.
Collaborative efforts with researchers from Sungkyunkwan University, the Naval Research Laboratory, the University of Colorado, and the University of Maryland have contributed to the success of this research. The team’s findings have been published in Physical Review Letters, showcasing the significance of their discovery in the field of physics.
Hyeongwoo Lee, the lead author of the paper, highlighted the importance of this research, stating that it has the potential to drive advancements in various fields, including optical sensors, communications, and quantum photonic devices. With support from the Samsung Future Technology Incubation Program, this research represents a significant step forward in the development of next-generation optoelectronic devices.