In the January issue of Latvian monthly popular scientific journal Ilustrētā Zinātne (Illustrated Science) article "New materials illuminate the world" is published, in which new materials created at the Institute of Solid State Physics are described.
In the frame of project “New transparent oxyfluoride nanocomposite materials for optical applications" researchers from ISSP UL have created materials that emit visible light under the influence of various types of electromagnetic radiation. These materials could have a very wide range of applications in the future. For example, a material that emits white light under the influence of ultraviolet rays could replace luminous substances currently used in white LEDs that lose performance at high temperatures. But materials capable of converting infrared radiation into visible light of different colours could be used in optical sensors or infrared visualizers.
Researchers believe that the practical use of new materials is not the only benefit – a fundamental understanding of the characteristics of the various elements opens opportunities for knowledge and capabilities that have not been imaginable.
Article available: Illustrated Science, January 2021 (182)
