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Prof. HAO Jianhua develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development

A research team led by Professor Jianhua Hao, Head of the Department of Physics and Materials, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices, and Associate Director of the PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute, in collaboration with researchers from the National University of Singapore, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Peking University, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design, has developed a novel quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor (TFET) using two-dimensional nanomaterials. Their research findings have been published in the journal Science. The invented transistor overcomes a fundamental limitation of conventional semiconductor technology, known as the “Boltzmann tyranny”, which constrains the energy efficiency of traditional transistors and hinders further progress in high-performance electronics. This breakthrough, published in Science, represents a significant advance towards ultra-low-power, high-performance integrated circuits for emerging artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computing applications.   Press Release: English | 中文 Online coverage: Wen Wei Po 理大研新型量子隧穿晶體管 突破物理極限 助低功耗AI芯片發展 31 August 2026 Hong Kong Economic Times 理大研發新型抗體抑制理大研製全新TFET 突破閘極電壓界限肝癌 (subscription required) 微電子技術｜理大研製全新TFET 突破閘極電壓界限 1 September 2026 Media OutReach PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Siamnews PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Dbpower.com.hk PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 ETNet PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Guandian 香港理工大学研制新型TFET 突破传统MOSFET波尔兹曼极限 31 August 2026 Quamnet PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Sina HK PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development; 香港理工大学研制新型TFET 突破传统MOSFET波尔兹曼极限 31 August 2026 Hkong.hk 理大研新型量子隧穿晶体管 突破物理极限 助低功耗AI芯片发展 31 August 2026 Bastillepost 理大研發量子隧穿場效應晶體管 突破集成電路晶片發展樽頸 PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Eastmoney 香港理工大学研制新型TFET 突破传统MOSFET波尔兹曼极限 31 August 2026 Yidianzixun 香港理工大学研制新型TFET 突破传统MOSFET波尔兹曼极限 31 August 2026 Ifeng 香港理工大学研制新型TFET 突破传统MOSFET波尔兹曼极限 31 August 2026 The Manila Times PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Newsbreak.com Quantum-tunneling field-effect transistor overcomes barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Semiconductor-digest PolyU Develops Quantum-Tunnelling Field-Effect Transistor 31 August 2026 Forever News PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Financialcontent - Post Register PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Financialcontent - The Oklahoman PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Financialcontent PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Chroniclejournal PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Pierrecountry PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 VietNam News PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Westjordanjournal PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Faceacadiana PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 CRWE World PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Channel News Asia PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Apnews PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Observer-reporter PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Chronicle Journal PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Woonsocketcall PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Businessinsurance PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Theeveningleader PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 The Valley City Times Record PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Thesundaily PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Minyanville PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 The Antlers American PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Thailand Business News PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Malaymail PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Mirage News PolyU Unveils Quantum Transistor for Chip Advancements 31 August 2026 Businessintelligence PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Malone Telegram PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Eurekalert PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Morning News PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 The Wapakoneta Daily News PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 The Valley City Times Record PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026    

Prof. LI Mingjie demonstrates controllable quantum light at room temperature

Led by Prof. LI Mingjie, Assoicate Professor of the Department of Physics and Materials, PolyU, and Prof. Susanne F. Yelin of Harvard University, an international research team has engineered perovskite superlattices and published their reserach findings in Nature titled "Chiral Superfluorescence from Perovskite Superlattices at Room Temperature". This breakthrough provides a new way to generate and control coherent quantum light using scalable solid-state materials. The discovery paves the way for applications in quantum communication, quantum computing, ultrafast optical interconnects, spintronics devices and advanced sensing. Unlike many quantum platforms that require complex cryogenic cooling, the ability to operate at room temperature significantly enhances the feasibility of real-world applications. Nature publishes the highest‑quality peer‑reviewed research that drives transformative scientific discovery worldwide. To read the full article, please visit the Nature website.

Prof. ZHU Ye reveals intrinsic polar vortex crystals spontaneously forming in A-site layer-ordered perovskites

Prof. ZHU Ye, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Physics, has recently published his research in Nature, the world’s leading multidisciplinary science journal. The study, entitled “Intrinsic Polar Vortex Crystals in A‑site Layer‑ordered Perovskites,” reports the discovery of an exotic two‑dimensional polar topological structure that forms spontaneously with a periodicity as small as 4 nanometres in a class of perovskite oxide materials. This breakthrough reveals a previously unexplored polar topology with significant potential for next‑generation high‑density data storage applications. The research team further identified the phonon exchange mechanism in complex oxides as the driving force behind the emergence of this novel topological phase, offering new insights into the fundamental physics of functional materials. Nature publishes the highest‑quality peer‑reviewed research that drives transformative scientific discovery worldwide. To read the full article, please visit the Nature website.

AP won prestigious awards at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

We are delighted to announce that our innovations achieved four awards at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, including one Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury, two Gold Medals, and one Silver Medal. These outstanding accomplishments underscore the Department’s strong research excellence and international impact in advancing frontier technologies. The 51st Geneva Inventions Exhibition, a prestigious annual event dedicated exclusively to inventions, attracted over 1,000 entries from around 40 countries and regions worldwide. For further details, please refer to the Appendix or visit the website of the PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office.   List of award wining projects: Project Principal Investigator(s) Award(s) Anti-ageing Beauty and Healthcare via Advanced Microfluidics Dr XIE Fengjia Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Physics; Co-founder, X Beauty Technology Limited (a PolyU startup) Dr TSOI Chi Chung Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Physics; CDO, X Beauty Technology Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Dragonfly Vision: A Mini Camera for Instant 180° Imaging Prof. ZHANG Xuming Associate Head and Professor, Department of Applied Physics; Advisor, Dragon Vision Technology Limited (a PolyU startup) Dr JIANG Heng Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Physics; Co-founder, Dragon Vision Technology Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal A Mechanical Cleaning Method for Semiconductors and Electronics Using Ice Prof. ZHAO Jiong Professor, Department of Applied Physics; Co-founder and Scientific Advisor, Clean2D Co., Limited (a PolyU startup) Dr LIU Haijun Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Physics; Founder, Clean2D Co., Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal Hydrogel Dressing for Drug-resistant Bacterial Infection via Sonodynamic Therapy Prof. HAO Jianhua Head and Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices, Department of Applied Physics; Associate Director, PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute Silver Medal Press release: English | 中文 Online coverage: China Daily Hong Kong delegation excels at Geneva invention expo 16 March 2026 Hong Kong Economic Times 低碳製冰機毛公仔情緒朋友 港校日內瓦國際發明展獲獎(subscription required) 日內瓦國際發明展｜本港六院校奪192個獎項 科大奪62獎破歷年最多 16 March 2026 Oriental Daily News 日內瓦國際發明展 科大奪62獎 本地大學揚威日內瓦國際發明展 多間院校獎項數量創歷年佳績 16 March 2026 Sing Tao Daily 第51屆日內瓦國際發明展本港多間院校獲獎數創新高(subscription required) 16 March 2026 am730 日內瓦國際發明展香港代表團成績亮麗 獲近300獎 破紀錄奪12特別大獎 日內瓦國際發明展 港企勇奪特別大獎 發展局36項創新項目創歷屆新高 16 March 2026 Headline Daily 日內瓦國際發明展港院校奪193獎 第51屆日內瓦國際發明展 本港多間院校獲獎數創新高 16 March 2026 Ta Kung Pao 日內瓦發明展 港代表團奪近300獎 各界港代表獲得的特別大獎 香港代表團揚威日內瓦國際發明展 斬獲近300獎項創歷年佳績 日內瓦發明展 港代表團奪近300獎 16 March 2026 Wen Wei Po 港隊日內瓦發明展破紀錄奪近300獎 孫東：續投資育才建國際創科中心 第五十一屆日內瓦國際發明展 港代表團再創佳績勇奪12個特別大獎 15 March 2026 Hong Kong Commercial Daily 理大於日內瓦發明展創佳績 勇奪36獎項 理大於日內瓦發明展創佳績 勇奪36獎項 孫東祝賀香港代表團在第五十一屆日內瓦國際發明展再創佳績 15 March 2026 HK01 港代表團日內瓦發明展獲近300獎 「百變探哥」奪沙特創新卓越奬 15 March 2026 Bastille PostYahoo HK Hong Kong Delegation Achieves Record Success at Geneva Inventions Exhibition with Nearly 300 Awards.(English) 日內瓦國際發明展本港奪全場總冠軍 另獲近300獎項締造歷史 (Chinese) 15 March 2026 Dot Dot News 香港代表團揚威日內瓦國際發明展 斬獲近300獎項創歷年佳績 15 March 2026 Bauhinia 理大於第51屆日內瓦發明展創佳績 勇奪36獎項 15 March 2026 Hong Kong-Invest 創新科技及工業局局長祝賀香港代表團在第五十一屆日內瓦國際發明展再創佳績 15 March 2026 Yahoo HK 日內瓦國際發明展 港企勇奪特別大獎 發展局36項創新項目創歷屆新高 15 March 2026 Line Today 本地大學揚威日內瓦國際發明展 多間院校獎項數量創歷年佳績 日內瓦國際發明展 港企勇奪特別大獎 發展局36項創新項目創歷屆新高 15 March 2026 Headline for HK 本地大學揚威日內瓦國際發明展 多間院校獎項數量創歷年佳績 15 March 2026 Hong Kong China News Agency 港理大於第51屆日內瓦發明展創佳績 勇奪36獎項 香港高校日內瓦國際發明展獲逾百獎項 15 March 2026

Outstanding Research Postgraduate Alumni Award 2025

We are proud to announce that Professor LI Danfeng has been awarded the Outstanding Research Postgraduate Young Alumni Award 2025. Professor Li is the Associate Professor of Physics and Associate Dean (Research and Postgraduate Education) in the College of Science at City University of Hong Kong. He earned his BEng from Zhejiang University, completed his MPhil at PolyU under the supervision of Professor Ji‑yan Dai, and obtained his PhD in Quantum Matter Physics at the University of Geneva with Professor Jean‑Marc Triscone, followed by a Swiss National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University in Professor Harold Y. Hwang’s group. Professor Li’s research spans condensed matter physics and materials science, with emphasis on atomic‑scale synthesis of complex oxide heterostructures, kinetic engineering of unconventional quantum materials, low‑dimensional superconductivity, and emergent interfacial phenomena. In 2019 he co‑led the discovery of the first nickelate superconductor, a landmark achievement that catalysed global interest in nickel‑based superconductivity and advanced the frontier of quantum materials research. His pioneering work has been recognised internationally, including the 2025 Asian Young Scientist Fellowship, the 2024 Outstanding Research Award in Oxide Electronics, the 2023 AAPPS–APCTP C. N. Yang Award, and selection to the 2021 MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 (China) list.

AP's Borderless Lab Participated in the AI in Education Showcase

The Department of Applied Physics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University proudly participated in the AI in Education Showcase, presenting “Borderless Lab” that is an innovative web-based remote laboratory platform. This solution enables users to conduct experiments anytime, anywhere and has received approximately HK$14 million in funding from the Government’s e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme. It will be available to primary and secondary students for STEAM activities. The initiative supports teachers in enhancing learning outcomes through tailored instruction and aligns with the Quality Education Fund e-Learning Funding Programme.

Prof. CHAI Yang Received Croucher Senior Research Fellowship 2026

We are proud to announce that Prof. CHAI Yang, Chair Professor of Semiconductor Physics, has been awarded the Croucher Senior Research Fellowship 2026. This honor recognises his pioneering work in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) computation at the sensor level. Prof. Chai's innovative research, which focuses on bioinspired computing and semiconductor devices, has led to a disruptive in-sensor computing paradigm, significantly enhancing machine vision capabilities. His contributions include advancements in image recognition, visual adaptation in various lighting conditions, and dynamic motion perception. Prof. Chai highlighted that this achievement reflects the collective efforts of the entire research team. With funding of up to HK$3 million, the fellowship will support further exploration in AI computing, reinforcing AP's commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation.  Congratulations to Prof. Chai for his continuous commitment to research excellence.   Press release: English | 中文   Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao 教育線上/本地三傑出學者獲頒裘槎科研獎 10 December 2025 Wen Wei Po 港三頂尖學者獲裘槎基金科研者獎 表揚基礎科研、應用研究及醫學創新卓越貢獻 10 December 2025 Hong Kong Commercial Daily 本地科研｜三本地學者獲裘槎基金會表揚 最高可獲300萬至480萬元資助深化研究成果  9 December 2025 Ming Pao Daily News 中大學者研妊娠毒血 獲裘槎醫學獎資助 10 December 2025  Sing Tao Daily 3本地大學傑出學者 獲頒裘槎優秀科研獎 (subscription required) 10 December 2025 Headline Daily 裘槎基金會頒發「裘槎優秀科研者獎」及「裘槎優秀醫學科研者獎」予3名學者 9 December 2025 Australian Chinese Daily 港三頂尖學者獲裘槎基金科研者獎 表揚基礎科研 應用研究及醫學創新卓越貢獻 10 December 2025

4 AP Academics were listed as the World’s Most Highly Cited Researchers 2025

4 AP scholars have been recognised as the world’s most highly cited researchers in 2025 by Clarivate Analytics.  This honour certainly served as an acknowledgment of their significant research impact, which is demonstrated by their publication of multiple papers that have been frequently cited by fellow academics. With respect to the production of multiple highly-cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for field and year in the Web of Science citation index over the last 11 years, the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2025” is a well-known indicator to identify the most influential scholars from around the world. Congratulations to Prof. CHAI Yang, Prof. LAU Shu Ping, Prof. WU Tao and Prof. YAN Feng for their contributions to society and the world!

Prof. HAO Jianhua Officially Inaugurated as Associate Director of the PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Advancing the Medical and Health Industry in Hubei and Hong Kong

AP 13 Scholars ranked The World’s Top 2 Percent Scientists by Stanford University

13 PolyU Science Scholars are ranked as the World's Top 2% most-cited scientists for 2025 by Stanford University.   Using the Scopus author profiles as of 19 September 2025, Stanford University released the latest top 2% scientists in various scientific fields. The list was prepared by Prof. John Ioannidis and his team from Stanford University, the updated database (version 8) provides standardized information on citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions, and a composite indicator.  Download the latest database (version 8):  https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/8 Congratulations to our top scientists!     Name of Researcher Subject Field  Prof. Hao Jianhua  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Chai Yang  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Lau Shu Ping  Applied Physics  Prof. Wu Tao  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Yan Feng  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Dai Jiyan  Applied Physics  Prof. Huang Haitao  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Tsang Yuen Hong  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Yang Shengyuan  Applied Physics  Prof. Yu Siu Fung  Optoelectronics & Photonics  Prof. Li Mingjie  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Zhang Biao  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  Prof. Yin Jun  Nanoscience & Nanotechnology