Researchers at the University of Minnesota have released a new paradigm-shifting study. They found that directional charge flow can be controlled with light at room temperature using ultrathin metallic films. The research published this week in the journal Science Advances represents a paradigm shift in materials science. These materials have great potential to further enhance the stability of electrical conductivity. Bharat Jalan, as an internationally recognized leader in the field, acted as the senior author on this breakthrough study.
Under the guidance of lead postdoctoral researcher Seung Gyo Jeong from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, the team has found something pretty cool. In the end, they focused specifically on how these ultrathin organic films could revolutionize the electronic landscape of metals. On August 4th, 2025 this news was originally published on phys.org. The promise of these results has sparked unprecedented excitement across the physics community thanks to their transformative impact on basic physics and real-world applications.
Key Contributors and Their Roles
Bharat Jalan is the prestigious Shell Chair Professor at the University of Minnesota. He has been an associate chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. He exemplifies this by discussing the distinctive properties of ultrathin metallic films, arguing that
“We solved this problem by carefully designing ultra-thin metal layers that interact with light in new ways—something you don’t see in the thicker version of this material.”
His knowledge was a major factor in determining the research team’s approach. Within these crossroads, they honed in on creating materials that demonstrate enhanced conductivity within visible light.
Lead author Seung Gyo Jeong said that this study is a breakthrough in the field. He stated,
“This is the first time anyone has demonstrated tunable, directional ultrafast carrier relaxation in a metal at room temperature.”
This claim belies the importance of their work in upending long-held paradigms in condensed matter physics.
Tony Low, a co-author and Paul Palmberg Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, commented on the broader implications of their findings, saying,
“The findings provide deep insight into how subtle structural distortions—like strain relaxation—can reshape the electronic landscape of metals.”
His observations furthermore illustrate the complex interplay between material structure and electronic properties.
Implications for Future Research
The study, titled “Anisotropic strain relaxation-induced directional ultrafast carrier dynamics in RuO2 films,” focuses on how ultrathin metal layers can be engineered to achieve unprecedented levels of control over charge dynamics. This development creates exciting new possibilities for experimental studies not only in metallic systems but perhaps in other classes of materials as well.
Bharat Jalan further explained the importance of this study, claiming that,
“This work demonstrates that we can now tailor ultrafast conductivity in metals using the same kind of precise control of epitaxial strain, a method previously reserved for semiconductors or insulators.”
This discovery proves the applicability of the same tactics to other materials. Resting on innovations stemming from this approach, we could enable true electronic device breakthroughs.
Graduate student Sreejith Nair and post-doctoral associate Seunjun Lee were both important contributors to the project. Their participation as city co-creators further exemplifies the spirit of collaboration that drove this innovative research. Permanent changes to our understanding and processes. Their collective expertise was key in achieving these results, which are groundbreaking enough to defy decades-old assumptions in the scientific community.