posted on 2025-04-25, 08:44authored byGiuseppina Simone
Semiconductors underpin modern technology, enabling applications from power
electronics and photovoltaics to communications and medical diagnostics.
However, the industry faces pressing challenges, including shortages of critical
raw materials and the unsustainable nature of conventional fabrication processes.
Recent developments in quantum computing and topological quantum
materials offer a transformative path forward. In particular, materials
exhibiting non-Hermitian physics and topological protection, such as topological
insulators and superconductors, enable robust, energy-efficient electronic
states. These states are resilient to disorder and local perturbations,
positioning them as ideal candidates for next-generation quantum devices.
Non-Hermitian systems, which break traditional Hermitian constraints, have
revealed phenomena like the skin effect, wherein eigenstates accumulate at
boundaries, violating bulk-boundary correspondence. This effect has recently
been observed in semiconductor-based quantum Hall devices, marking a significant
milestone in condensed matter physics. By integrating these non-
Hermitian topological principles into semiconductor technology, researchers
can unlock new functionalities for fault-tolerant quantum computing, lowpower
electronics, and ultra-sensitive sensing platforms. This convergence of
topology, quantum physics, and semiconductor engineering may redefine the
future of electronic and photonic devices.