Research areas
The piezotronic effect
Piezoelectric semiconductors offer a unique opportunity to control semiconductor devices through application of mechanical stress/strain. This coupling has been coined the piezotronic effect - or, when the semiconductor device is optoelectronic, the piezophototronic effect.
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GaN and related materials are a family of semiconductors which are becoming more and more important in electronics and optoelectronics. They are also piezoelectric. GaN based piezotronic devices have potential electromechanical sensing and transducing.
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There is a Final Project (פרויקט גמר) available in this topic starting Spring 2021 semester. This is a theoretical project, including new analytical and numerical modelling of the piezoelectric problem. The student will gain deep understanding of semiconductor junctions, and the piezotronic effect.
Magnetoelectric coupling
Coupling between electricity and magnetism is achievable through materials properties. This is conceptually and practically different than electomagnetic coupling and is called magnetoelectricity.
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Modern magnetoelectric materials are actually material composites, based on piezoelectric and magnetostrictive materials.
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This coupling, from comprising materials and subsequent applications is a major research topic in the lab.