High sensitivity refractive index sensor based on simple diffraction from phase grating

We present a technique for refractive index sensing using a phase grating structure. A grating under normal incidence can be designed such that the 1st order diffracted light travels at a diffraction angle of 90o with respect to the 0th order. The diffracted light which is along the direction of periodicity can further get diffracted from the grating and interfere with the 0th order light. Under this condition, the π phase difference that arises between the two interfering beams results in a transmission dip. We can tune this dip wavelength for senor applications, based on the grating equation. Both simulation and experimental data are presented in the paper which shows good agreement with each other

High-performance near-infrared photodetector based on nano-layered MoSe2

In recent years, the integration of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, especially transition metal chalcogendies (TMCs) and dichalcogendies (TMDCs), into electronic devices have been extensively studied owing to their exceptional physical properties such as high transparency, strong photoluminescence, and tunable bandgap depending on the number of layers. Herein, we report the optoelectronic properties of few-layered MoSe2-based backgated phototransistor used for photodetection. The photoresponsivity could be easily controlled to reach a maximum value of 238 AW–1 under near-infrared light excitation, achieving a high specific detectivity D∗ = 7.6×10** cmHz*/1W3* . Few-layered MoSe2 exhibited excellent optoelectronic properties as compared with those reported previously for multilayered 2D material-based photodetectors, indicating that our device is one of the best high-performance nanoscale near-infrared photodetector based multilayered two-dimensional materials

Doping graphene films via chemically mediated charge transfer

Transparent conductive films (TCFs) are critical components of a myriad of technologies including flat panel displays, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells. Graphene-based TCFs have attracted a lot of attention because of their high electrical conductivity, transparency, and low cost. Carrier doping of graphene would potentially improve the properties of graphene-based TCFs for practical industrial applications. However, controlling the carrier type and concentration of dopants in graphene films is challenging, especially for the synthesis of p-type films. In this article, a new method for doping graphene using the conjugated organic molecule, tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), is described. Notably, TCNQ is well known as a powerful electron accepter and is expected to favor electron transfer from graphene into TCNQ molecules, thereby leading to p-type doping of graphene films. Small amounts of TCNQ drastically improved the resistivity without degradation of optical transparency. Our carrier doping method based on charge transfer has a huge potential for graphene-based TCFs

Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Nano-Grating Guided-Mode Resonance Biosensors

Biomolecular detection systems based on monitoring changes in the refractive indices of functionalized surfaces are promising for applications as chemical and biological sensors. Here, we describe the design and figures of merit of our refractive index-based guided-mode resonance (GR) biosensor consisting of thin film silicon nitride sub-wavelength nano-gratings. The sensitivity of our nano-grating GR sensor was experimentally determined to be 59.3 nm per refractive index unit. We describe how the wavelength for maximum intensity of diffraction (peak wavelength) of nano-gratings was affected when functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were attached onto GR sensor surfaces. Moreover, we demonstrate with avidin-biotin model experiments that attaching MNPs to sensor surfaces enhances the dynamic range of detection of the GR system detection. The peak wavelength value (PWV) shifted by 0.35 nm in the case of avidin with a concentration of avidin 400 nmol/L immobilized on the sensor surface. In contrast, we achieved a 1.41 nm PWV shift after adding 5% MNPs to the solution of avidin. Not only did the MNPs enhance the dynamic range of detection, but also magnetically induced interaction of avidin-biotin significantly reduced the detection time

Wide wavelength range tunable one-dimensional silicon nitride nano-grating guided mode resonance filter based on azimuthal rotation

We describe wavelength tuning in a one dimensional (1D) silicon nitride nano-grating guided mode resonance (GMR) structure under conical mounting configuration of the device. When the GMR structure is rotated about the axis perpendicular to the surface of the device (azimuthal rotation) for light incident at oblique angles, the conditions for resonance are different than for conventional GMR structures under classical mounting. These resonance conditions enable tuning of the GMR peak position over a wide range of wavelengths. We experimental demonstrate tuning over a range of 375 nm between 500 nm˜875 nm. We present a theoretical model to explain the resonance conditions observed in our experiments and predict the peak positions with show excellent agreement with experiments. Our method for tuning wavelengths is simpler and more efficient than conventional procedures that employ variations in the design parameters of structures or conical mounting of two-dimensional (2D) GMR structures and enables a single 1D GMR device to function as a high efficiency wavelength filter over a wide range of wavelengths. We expect tunable filters based on this technique to be applicable in a wide range of fields including astronomy and biomedical imaging

Global snapshot of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research activities of materials scientists between Spring and Autumn 2020

We conducted a global survey on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the research activities of materials scientists by distributing a questionnaire on 9th October 2020 with a response deadline of 23rd October 2020. The questions covered issues such as access to labs, effectiveness of online conferences, and effects on doctoral students for the period covering the first lockdowns until the relaxation of restrictions in late September 2020 in many countries. The survey also included online interviews with eminent materials scientists who shared their local experiences during this period. The interviews were compiled as a series of audio conversations for The STAM Podcast that is freely available worldwide. Our findings included that the majority of institutes were not prepared for such a crisis; researchers in China, Japan, and Singapore were able to resume research much quicker—for example after approximately one month in Japan—than their counterparts in the US and Europe after the first lockdowns; researchers adapted to using virtual teleconferencing to maintain contact with colleagues; and doctoral students were the hardest hit by the pandemic with deep concerns about completing their research and career prospects. We hope that the analysis from this survey will enable the global materials science community to learn from each other’s experiences and move forward from the unprecedented circumstances created by the pandemic