Researchers at MIT have developed a perovskite-based device that merges electronic and photonic properties, allowing for the direct control of exciton-polariton pairs—quasiparticles that combine light and matter. This innovation could lead to advancements in computer chips and room-temperature quantum computing within the next 5-10 years. By sandwiching perovskite flakes between mirrors and stimulating them with lasers, the team could manipulate the quasiparticles’ momentum. This technique overcomes the inefficiencies found in traditional electronic systems and the complexity in purely photonic systems by leveraging improved interaction capabilities of exciton-polaritons.
The study highlights how perovskites, particularly phenethylammonium lead iodide, effectively convert light into electronic states, making them suitable for scalable production of innovative technologies. The researchers also explored the creation of optical cavities to trap photons and possibly form Bose-Einstein condensates at higher temperatures, paving the way for room-temperature qubits. While practical applications may take time, this breakthrough also hints at developing advanced light-emitting devices with electronic control. The research is documented in the journal Nature Communications and involves contributions from various MIT researchers and international collaborators, supported by notable research programs.
