'Spintronics' is a field of technology that exploits both the spin state and charge of electrons. Current materials used for spintronic applications (eg magnetic semiconductors, ferromagnetic materials) do not achieve 100% spin polarisation and have other limitations. Researchers at the University of Wollongong have developed a “gapless” semiconductor material that could revolutionise electronics in a wide range of fields. The electronic properties of the gapless semiconductor material are typically very sensitive to a change in external influences, such as a change in an external magnetic or electric fields, temperature or pressure. SpinGapless combines the advantages of gapless electronic transitions in a semiconductor material with full spin polarisation, opening avenues for new or improved “spintronic” electronic or optical devices.

• Investment partner