Strain Engineering
Science & Technology
- PYQs2
- Articles1
Background
This concept is fundamental to advancements in materials science and engineering, directly impacting the development of faster, more efficient computing and data storage technologies, which are critical for India's digital infrastructure and economic growth.
Strain engineering is a materials science technique that involves applying mechanical stress to a material at the atomic level to intentionally alter its physical properties, such as electrical conductivity, magnetic characteristics, or optical responses.
Facts & tables
- Mechanism
- Involves applying mechanical pressure (squeezing/stretching) to atomic lattices.
- Purpose
- Aims to modify material properties like electrical conductivity or magnetic information storage.
- Frequency Requirement
- Crucial for achieving terahertz (THz) frequencies needed for next-generation technologies.
- Driving Force
- Recent research highlights electron pressure, rather than heat, as a dominant driving force for atomic motion.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Materials Science |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
- Manipulates atomic lattice via mechanical stress.
- Alters electrical, magnetic, optical properties.
- Aims for terahertz (THz) frequencies.
- Electron pressure drives atomic motion.
- Key for next-gen computing and spintronics.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2025 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
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Materials Science
Conceptual area
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Prelims 2025
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
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Prelims 2026
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
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Laser strums atoms trillions of times in search for better computers
A technique in materials science that manipulates atomic lattices through mechanical stress to precisely alter a material's properties, essential for developing high-frequency devices like those used in spintronics.
See also
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In the news
Laser strums atoms trillions of times in search for better computers
A technique in materials science that manipulates atomic lattices through mechanical stress to precisely alter a material's properties, essential for developing high-frequency devices like those used in spintronics.
Try these PYQs
Which of the following statements with regard to stealth technology is/are correct ?
1. Stealth objects have a very small radar cross-section and are coated with Radar Absorbing Material.
2. Stealth objects can be detected using specific frequencies.
3. Stealth objects are coated with metamaterials to increase the scattering of electromagnetic radiation.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Correct: The primary goal of stealth technology is to minimize an object's Radar Cross-Section (RCS), making it appear as small as a bird or insect on enemy screens. This is achieved through geometric shaping (to deflect waves away from the source) and by coating the surface with Radar Absorbing Materials (RAM), which absorb electromagnetic radar energy and dissipate it as heat. Statement 2 is Correct: Stealth objects are not completely invisible. Their shapes and RAM coatings are typically optimized to defeat high-frequency radars (like X-band) used for precise weapons targeting. However, they can often be detected by low-frequency radars (such as VHF and UHF bands). The longer wavelengths of these specific frequencies resonate with the aircraft's physical dimensions, allowing detection, though they lack the resolution required for a missile lock. Statement 3 is Incorrect: Metamaterials are artificially engineered structures with unique electromagnetic properties. In advanced stealth applications, they are used to decrease or eliminate radar scattering, not increase it. They achieve this by either perfectly absorbing the electromagnetic radiation or by bending and redirecting the waves smoothly around the object (electromagnetic cloaking) so that no signal scatters back to the radar receiver. Increasing scattering would make the object highly visible, defeating the purpose of stealth. Therefore, the correct option is C.
Consider the following statements:
Statement I:
Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors.
Statement II:
Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
✅ Statement I: Correct
Rare earth elements like europium, terbium, and yttrium are essential in flat TV screens and monitors due to their role in producing vibrant colors and enhancing display quality. ✅ Statement II: Correct
These elements exhibit phosphorescence—absorbing energy and slowly emitting light—which is key to their use in color reproduction and brightness in displays. Relationship:
Statement II explains why rare earth elements are crucial in displays, confirming the reason behind Statement I. Therefore, both statements are correct and related.