Hydrogen-terminated diamond-like carbon becomes more electrically responsive near its surface, unlike silicon, which weakens at the edge. The unusual boost appears to come from nearly free electrons that extend beyond the carbon surface and shift easily in an electric field. Atomic-scale maps could help researchers design thinner electronic materials, although the link between these surface electrons and the electrical boost still needs more study. The surface of diamond may hold a hidden electrical advantage that could shape future electronics. Researchers at the University of Electro-Communications have developed a new way to map how materials respond to electric fields in three dimensions, down to the atomic scale. Using that method, they found that diamond-like carbon films behave in a surprising way near their surface. Most materials lose some dielectric strength at their outer edge. Silicon, the material used in many computer chips, follows that pattern. But hydrogen-terminated diamond-like carbon showed the opposite effect. Its surface response increased beyond the value expected from bulk diamond. That unexpected boost came from unusual surface electrons. These electrons behave almost …