technology

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[...] the discovery centers around a new crystal form of gallium oxide called kappa-gallium oxide. Interestingly, this new crystal appears to exhibit ferroelectric properties.

“The ferroelectricity of kappa-gallium oxide remains stable in both everyday and extreme environments, with minimal loss. The exceptionally high cycling durability we measured … confirms this,” Wu said.

Such materials are known to be able to store data and retain state without power (like flash memory). So, in theory, a chip made of such materials could transmit radar signals, store data, and process signals all in one device.

Normally, this requires a set of separate chips to provide the same service. So, a combined chip should enable smaller radar electronics with faster signal processing, fewer failure points, and much improved energy efficiency.

“Introducing ferroelectricity into gallium oxide photodetectors is indeed expected to bring significant performance improvements, making them more energy efficient and effective,” Wu said.