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Updated: Sep 18, 2025
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Spectral and Angle-Resolved Magneto-Optical Characterization of Photonic Nanostructures
Published on: November 21, 2019
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Motors based on photo-magnetic materials
Boris Kichatov1,2, Vladimir Sudakov1,2, Alexey Korshunov1,2
1Semenov Federal Research Central for Chemical Physics, Moscow 119991, Russia.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|June 23, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed novel photo-magnets that become magnetic when exposed to light. These materials enable the creation of light-driven motors, offering new possibilities in magnetic materials and devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photochemistry
- Magnetism
Background:
- Light absorption typically does not alter magnetic properties.
- Redox reactions on material surfaces under light can induce magnetism if a current loop forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a method for creating photo-magnets, materials whose magnetic properties change upon light exposure.
- To explore the potential of photo-magnets for creating light-driven motors.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a bimetallic plate coated with zinc oxide semiconductor immersed in hydrogen peroxide solution.
- Irradiating the setup with light to generate electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor.
- Facilitating redox reactions in hydrogen peroxide, forming a current loop.
Main Results:
- The photo-magnet generates a magnetic field due to the light-induced current loop.
- The Lorentz force acting on moving charges in a non-uniform magnetic field was demonstrated.
- The potential for creating light-controlled motors based on photo-magnets was established.
Conclusions:
- A new class of photo-magnetic materials has been successfully produced.
- Photo-magnets can function as light-activated magnetic field sources.
- The principles demonstrated allow for the development of novel light-driven motors.
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