Nanoengineered Optoexcitonic Switch Promises a New Era in Energy-Efficient Electronics

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a nanoengineered optoexcitonic switch that significantly reduces energy loss in electronic devices by utilizing excitons—neutral quasiparticles formed from electron-hole pairs—instead of electrons. This innovation achieves a 66% reduction in energy loss compared to traditional switches and surpasses an on–off ratio of 19 dB at room temperature, matching the performance of the best electronic switches available. The device features a tungsten diselenide (WSe₂) monolayer on a tapered silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoridge, enabling strong interactions between light and dark excitons, which enhances exciton transport and control. The findings were published in ACS Nano on August 31, 2025.

Traditional electronic devices rely on the movement of electrons, which inherently leads to energy loss in the form of heat due to resistance within conductive materials. This phenomenon contributes to the heating of devices such as laptops and smartphones during operation. In contrast, the newly developed optoexcitonic switch leverages excitons—charge-neutral quasiparticles composed of an electron and a hole bound together. Since excitons carry no net charge, their movement does not generate heat, thereby enhancing energy efficiency.

The device's architecture includes a monolayer of tungsten diselenide (WSe₂) placed atop a tapered silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoridge. This configuration facilitates strong interactions between light and dark excitons, leading to a quantum effect that enhances exciton transport by up to 400% compared to existing exciton guides. Additionally, the exciton–light interaction generates a robust opto-excitonic force, creating an energy barrier capable of controlling exciton flow, effectively switching the signal "off" and "on" as needed.

The development of this optoexcitonic switch addresses a longstanding challenge in electronics: reducing energy loss due to heat generation. By utilizing excitons, the switch not only matches but potentially surpasses the performance of current electronic switches while significantly improving energy efficiency. This advancement could lead to the creation of electronic devices that operate with minimal heat generation, reducing the need for cooling mechanisms and enhancing device longevity.

The researchers believe that future excitonic circuits could lead to fanless computers and longer battery life in portable devices. Though challenges remain—such as material development and scalable fabrication—the researchers are optimistic that fully functional excitonic electronics could be realized in decades, potentially revolutionizing computing by solving the persistent issue of heat generation.

The University of Michigan has been at the forefront of research in nanoengineering and electronic devices. The development of the optoexcitonic switch is a testament to the institution's commitment to advancing technology and addressing critical challenges in electronics. The research team, led by experts in electrical engineering and applied physics, has previously contributed to significant advancements in semiconductor technology and quantum computing materials.

The nanoengineered optoexcitonic switch developed by the University of Michigan represents a significant leap forward in electronic device technology. By harnessing excitons to reduce energy loss, this innovation paves the way for more efficient, cooler, and potentially more compact electronic devices. As the technology matures and overcomes current fabrication challenges, it holds the promise of transforming the landscape of electronic devices and computing systems.