According to the researchers, nanoplatelets are adjustable in their structure, but also in their optical and electrical properties. This makes them interesting for applications in solar cells and computer circuits.
Nanoplatelets are currently used in the background lighting of the latest generation of flat panel displays. They are also used in other fields of application, including for medical diagnosis and treatment.
"The findings are particularly valuable as it was demonstrated for the first time that basic effects of electric spin transport are also possible in wet-chemically generated nanomaterials," says Christian Klinke. "This raises hope that also other interesting phenomena can be observed in these materials, which will contribute to improving our understanding of their properties."
The team demonstrated the Rashba effect in 2D lead sulphide nanoplatelets. This effect is not normally observed due to the high crystal symmetry of the nanoplatelets. Only by the influence of an effective electric field is the symmetry broken and a current measurable.
By varying the layer thickness of the nanoplatelets, the character of the light used, and the intensity of the electric fields, the effect could be controlled. This allows the conditions to be adapted specifically to the targeted applications, enabling the external manipulation of the electron spin. The experimental observations were supported with simulations of the electronic structure of the materials.