Scientists use light to control electric currents without wires in groundbreaking study

A new method for controlling electric currents without wires has been developed by researchers at MIT and the Max Planck Institute. The breakthrough, published in Nature in January, uses light to steer electrons in a magnetic material. This could lead to devices that consume far less power than current technology. The team focused on ultrathin materials, just a few atoms thick, which form a magnetic quantum material called a moiré Chern ferromagnet. In this material, electrons move freely along the edges without resistance, unlike in standard electronics where resistance creates heat.

By applying circularly polarised light, the scientists could switch the orientation of the material's magnetic field. This change in direction alters the path of the electrons, allowing precise control over their flow. The method is both fast and accurate, eliminating the need for physical wires to guide electricity. Large computing centres currently spend heavily on cooling systems to manage heat from resistance. The new approach could cut these costs by reducing wasted energy. Researchers are also exploring whether the technique can improve the stability of quantum information processing.

The innovation offers a way to direct electric currents optically, with potential applications in low-power electronics. Further testing will determine its effectiveness in real-world devices. If successful, it may transform how energy is used in computing and quantum technologies.