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Tuesday, 13 October 2026dailybeirut.com
Tech & Science
Researchers at Empa demonstrated that barium zirconium sulfide emits light more effectively than prior data indicated, highlighting potential for optoelectronics.
A new experimental study confirms that chalcogenide perovskites possess superior light-emission capabilities compared to earlier estimates. This finding reinforces the viability of these materials for next-generation solar cells, photodetectors, and other optoelectronic applications.
Mirjana Dimitrievska led the research team at Switzerland’s Empa institute. Collaborators included scientists from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie and additional partners. The group focused on barium zirconium sulfide, a specific chalcogenide perovskite whose emission properties had not been experimentally verified by Empa until now.
The investigation uncovered a significant disparity in results. Single crystals exhibited robust light emission, whereas thin films suffered from suppressed output due to defects introduced during synthesis and processing stages.
Perovskites are categorized by crystal structure rather than a single chemical formula. While halide variants dominate solar cell discussions, chalcogenide perovskites offer alternative optical and electronic traits alongside enhanced stability and abundant crustal elements.
Validating theoretical predictions through measurable performance has proven difficult. Empa noted that experimental proof of light-emission efficiency in this material class was previously absent.
To assess the material, researchers applied advanced spectroscopy to measure photoluminescence in a barium zirconium sulfide crystal grown at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin. Photoluminescence involves energy absorption followed by light emission. The study appeared in Advanced Optical Materials.
Data revealed strong emission from the single crystal, aligning with theoretical models. Thin films, however, showed markedly weaker photoluminescence. This distinction is critical because practical devices require synthesized and processed structures.
Defects arising during manufacturing can interfere with electronic processes essential for efficient emission. Consequently, while the intrinsic potential remains promising, production techniques require further refinement to overcome these hurdles.
Scientific interest in chalcogenide perovskites extends to solar cells and photodetectors. Their stability and element availability position them as attractive candidates for optoelectronics, though the field remains in early developmental phases.
These measurements allow researchers to separate inherent material limitations from those caused by fabrication issues. Spectroscopic analysis identifies whether poor performance originates from internal defects or prototype device problems, guiding future improvements.
Empa stressed that substantial development work lies ahead before practical application becomes feasible. Current results demonstrate promising emission in single crystals but do not yet indicate commercially viable solar cells or improved conversion efficiency.
A secondary discovery emerged from the synthesis process. Producing chalcogenide perovskites from constituent elements sometimes yields tiny needle-like structures with hexagonal cross-sections alongside the target crystalline material.
Once viewed as unwanted byproducts, these structures exhibit unusual optical behaviors, including distinct polarization, refraction, and light conduction. They also show potential as superconductors and quantum materials.
Dimitrievska’s team collaborates with Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany to examine these formations. Supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation’s international Weave program, they aim to refine synthesis methods and deepen understanding of the structures’ properties.
The ultimate goal involves integrating these needle-like materials into initial photonic and electronic components. These parallel research directions illustrate how detailed material analysis can unlock new optoelectronic possibilities.
Although engineering challenges persist for chalcogenide perovskites, confirming their light-emission properties experimentally establishes a firmer basis for determining where continued development efforts should focus.
