Spontelectrics

When laid down as thin films tens to hundreds of molecular layers thick, a range of materials spontaneously generate large electric fields. These fields can be greater than 10⁸ V/m.

These films have rather special properties.They represent a new form of the solid state called spontelectric.^[1] Spontelectric behaviour is intrinsic to the dipolar nature of the constituent molecules.

The detection of spontaneous electric fields in numerous solid films prepared by vapour deposition raises fundamental questions about the nature of disordered materials.^{[2][3][4][5][6]}

David Field played a major role in the discovery of spontelectrics.

External links

• Spontelectrics, or the solid state continues to surprise us
• Fysikoverraskelse: Elektrisk spænding opstår spontant i tyndfilm af lattergas
• Another way to sponteletrics.

References