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Samsung is looking beyond today’s semiconductor technologies. The company supported research into 2D superconductors, which could play a role in future electronic and quantum devices. The research was recently published in the journal Nature Communications.
2D superconductors could open new possibilities for future quantum devices
According to a report from ETNews, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) studied the electrical properties of niobium diselenide (NbSe₂). This 2D superconducting material was made extremely thin, with a thickness of just a few atomic layers.
Samsung Electronics supported the research through its Samsung Semiconductor Research Fund. The study received support from U.S. government agencies, including the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Department of Energy (DOE). Meanwhile, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science also contributed to the research.
Superconductors are materials that can carry electrical current with zero electrical resistance. When a superconducting material is reduced to just one or a few atomic layers, it is called a two-dimensional (2D) superconductor. However, making a material extremely thin can change how electrons behave. One important effect is kinetic inductance.
The researchers found that NbSe₂ showed high kinetic inductance while maintaining its superconducting properties, even when reduced to a single atomic layer. The material reached a kinetic inductance of around 1.2 nanohenries per square.
Higher kinetic inductance could help researchers make smaller components without losing the demanded electrical performance. As a result, more components could fit in the same area for denser circuits.
Samsung’s support suggests the company is exploring 2D superconductors as a long-term technology. While the research does not lead to an immediate commercial product, these materials could eventually be useful for ultra-small electronic components and quantum devices.
Samsung and MIT recently held a joint workshop to discuss future semiconductor research. The workshop focused on connecting fundamental academic research with industry needs and exploring new directions for semiconductor innovation.
Written by
Binay KonwarBinay Konwar started his blogging journey in 2014 and has since written plenty of tech articles. At present, he is working as a News Writer at SammyGuru, covering everything about Samsung. He holds a Master's degree in Mathematics, but his real passion lies in tech and writing. In his free time, he enjoys playing chess and watching movies.
