Princeton Engineers Create Light-Programmable Semiconductor

Princeton University engineers created a semiconductor a few molecules thick whose properties can be repeatedly changed by light. They built a 1-square-inch sample and arrays of programmable switches; the next step is connecting them into circuits.

• Semiconductor combines light-sensitive molecules that change structure at different wavelengths
• Conductivity and optical response can be programmed, erased, and reprogrammed by light
• A uniform 1-square-inch sample and arrays of switches were created
• Goal is electronics whose properties are tuned after manufacturing