Piezotronics: Researchers create new class of piezoelectric logic devices using zinc oxide nano wires.

Georgia Tech researchers measure the performance of a piezo-phototronic device in which a laser changes the conductance of a metal contact attached to a zinc oxide structure.

"When we apply a strain to a nanowire placed across two metal electrodes, we create a field, which is strong enough to serve as the gating voltage," said Zhong Lin Wang, a Regents professor in the Georgia Tech School of Materials Science and Engineering. "This type of device would allow mechanical action to be interfaced with electronics, and could be the basis for a new form of logic device that uses the piezoelectric potential in place of a gate voltage."

I suggest you read the full article Here!, it is amazing the advances that are taking place in the science world.