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| At Keio University, questioning a student
who has just finished a thesis (1984). |
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The study of amorphous solids holds
much promise for useful technological applications. Probably the most important
of these is the development of semiconductors for use in solar cells, which
convert solar energy into electricity. Solar cells are used today not only
for watches, calculators, and radios but also for satellites, planetary
probes, and space stations.
Solar cells are made of both crystalline and amorphous semiconductors, but
amorphous materials are fundamentally more efficient at absorbing light
energy because their atoms are not arranged in a regular pattern. By layering
various amorphous materials that absorb different parts of the solar spectrum,
one can create a cell that uses solar energy more efficiently. The amorphous
semiconductors also allow one to build a larger solar cell more cheaply.
At the moment, however, I'm doing research on liquids, particularly those
that share some of the characteristics of solids or gases. As a result of
a three-year project, my research group was able to determine the properties
of substances that are midway between liquids and gases. An example of a
liquid that shares some of the properties of solids is the liquid crystals
used these days for some television screens and other displays. These have
the fluidity one associates with that state, but they also have optical
properties similar to those of crystals. There are all kinds of substances
in this general category, including some that only become liquid crystals
within a certain temperature range and some that become liquid crystals
by interacting with other liquids.
Polymers--long chains of atoms that form the proteins, nucleic acids, sugars,
and other organic molecules found in the body--are also a type of liquid.
Research in theoretical physics doesn't usually result in practical applications
overnight. However, my hope is that research into the physical properties
of these special liquids may eventually shed light on the mystery of life
itself. |
