A quantum effect occurs when nature behaves differently from normal, in the world of atoms and smaller particles. Scientists at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, and colleagues, believe a quantum effect could eliminate batteries.
The international team proposes that an unusual quantum phenomenon could someday help power devices without batteries. This could take electricity-harvesting into a new world, where it becomes truly independent of human effort.
Delving Into The Science of This Quantum Effect
The particular quantum phenomenon is a ‘Non Linear Hall’ effect, able to convert electrical signals into direct current. This means that energy from wireless transmissions, or other ambient sources, could potentially transform into usable electricity.
This particular quantum effect could potentially eliminate batteries in this way, as well as conventional diodes and other bulky electronic components.
“The Non Linear Hall is a sophisticated quantum phenomenon in condensed matter physics” explains Prof Qi. ‘It allows us to convert alternating signals straight into direct current, which is what we need to power electronic devices.
“In principle, this means sensors or chips could operate without batteries, drawing energy from their environment.”
Stable Performance Could Eliminate Batteries
Of course, this is all somewhere out in the future, and unlikely to affect us anytime soon. Nonetheless, we need to understand how it works. The Queensland University of Technology and their colleagues examined a material with a reputation for unusual electronic behavior.
Their experiments demonstrated that the Non Linear Hall effect remains stable even at room temperature. They view this as ‘an important step toward practical applications outside the laboratory’.
Their report, which we link to below, confirms their work provides new insights into how quantum materials behave. This information suggests that yes, a quantum effect could indeed eliminate batteries, by replacing them with ‘more energy-efficient technologies harvesting power from their surroundings’.
More Information
First Working Quantum Battery Tested
Quantum Batteries And Energy From Light
Preview Image: Scattering-Induced NLHE
