New open-source software predicts energy transfer between tiny defects in solid materials

by Amber Rose, Argonne National Laboratory

edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan

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Add as preferred source Scientific illustration of energy transfer between atomic-scale defects in a solid, as modeled by the open-source PyRET software developed by Argonne and UChicago researchers. Credit: Argonne National Laboratory. The performance of many next-generation devices depends on controlling how energy flows at extremely small scales. In the field of microelectronics—where devices continue to shrink and new materials are introduced—small imperfections in solids can strongly influence how a material stores, transfers or loses energy. Those processes can either be used to improve device performance or create problems such as energy loss, information loss, signal disruption or reduced reliability.