Introduction to Weyl Semimetals

Weyl semimetals are a relatively new type of material that was discovered in 2015. They are a class of three-dimensional (3D) materials that exhibit unique electronic properties, including the presence of Weyl fermions. Weyl fermions are massless particles that behave like a cross between electrons and photons. They are responsible for the unusual properties of Weyl semimetals, including their high mobility and ability to conduct electricity without resistance.

Properties of Weyl Semimetals

Weyl semimetals have several unique properties that make them attractive for use in advanced electronics and other applications. One of the most noteworthy properties of Weyl semimetals is their high mobility, which allows electrons to move through the material with minimal resistance. This makes them ideal for applications that require high-speed data transmission, such as in computer processors and other electronic devices. Additionally, Weyl semimetals exhibit a phenomenon known as the chiral anomaly, which allows them to generate an electric current in the presence of a magnetic field.

Applications of Weyl Semimetals

Weyl semimetals have a range of potential applications in fields such as electronics, photonics, and quantum computing. For example, they could be used to make more efficient computer processors that generate less heat, or to develop new types of sensors that are more sensitive and accurate. Additionally, Weyl semimetals could be used to create new types of photonic devices that manipulate light in unique ways, or to develop new quantum computing technologies that rely on the behavior of Weyl fermions.

Example of Weyl Semimetal in Action

One example of a Weyl semimetal in action is the recent development of a new type of transistor that uses a Weyl semimetal instead of conventional materials such as silicon. This new transistor was developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and is expected to be faster, more efficient, and more durable than traditional transistors. The transistor works by using the chiral anomaly to generate an electric current in the presence of a magnetic field, allowing it to switch on and off with incredible speed and accuracy. This breakthrough could pave the way for a new generation of electronic devices that are faster, more energy-efficient, and more reliable than ever before.