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Ali Rostamian, Ehsan Madadi-Kandjani, Hamed Dalir, Volker J. Sorger, Ray T. Chen
April 7, 2021
Article number: 000010151520200576
Abstract
Thanks to the unique molecular fingerprints in the mid-infrared spectral region, absorption spectroscopy in this regime has attracted widespread attention in recent years. Contrary to commercially available infrared spectrometers, which are limited by being bulky and cost-intensive, laboratory-on-chip infrared spectrometers can offer sensor advancements including raw sensing performance in addition to use such as enhanced portability. Several platforms have been proposed in the past for on-chip ethanol detection. However, selective sensing with high sensitivity at room temperature has remained a challenge. Here, we experimentally demonstrate an on-chip ethyl alcohol sensor based on a holey photonic crystal waveguide on silicon on insulator-based photonics sensing platform offering an enhanced photoabsorption thus improving sensitivity. This is achieved by designing and engineering an optical slow-light mode with a high group-index of n g = 73 and a strong localization of modal power in analyte, enabled by the photonic crystal waveguide structure. This approach includes a codesign paradigm that uniquely features an increased effective path length traversed by the guided wave through the to-be-sensed gas analyte. This PIC-based lab-on-chip sensor is exemplary, spectrally designed to operate at the center wavelength of 3.4 μm to match the peak absorbance for ethanol. However, the slow-light enhancement concept is universal offering to cover a wide design-window and spectral ranges towards sensing a plurality of gas species. Using the holey photonic crystal waveguide, we demonstrate the capability of achieving parts per billion levels of gas detection precision. High sensitivity combined with tailorable spectral range along with a compact form-factor enables a new class of portable photonic sensor platforms when combined with integrated with quantum cascade laser and detectors.
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Wenhao Wang, Lucas V. Besteiro, Peng Yu, Feng Lin, Alexander O. Govorov, Hongxing Xu, Zhiming Wang
April 7, 2021
Article number: 20210069
Abstract
Hot electrons generated in metallic nanostructures have shown promising perspectives for photodetection. This has prompted efforts to enhance the absorption of photons by metals. However, most strategies require fine-tuning of the geometric parameters to achieve perfect absorption, accompanied by the demanding fabrications. Here, we theoretically propose a Ag grating/TiO 2 cladding hybrid structure for hot electron photodetection (HEPD) by combining quasi-bound states in the continuum (BIC) and plasmonic hot electrons. Enabled by quasi-BIC, perfect absorption can be readily achieved and it is robust against the change of several structural parameters due to the topological nature of BIC. Also, we show that the guided mode can be folded into the light cone by introducing a disturbance to become a guided resonance, which then gives rise to a narrow-band HEPD that is difficult to be achieved in the high loss gold plasmonics. Combining the quasi-BIC and the guided resonance, we also realize a multiband HEPD with near-perfect absorption. Our work suggests new routes to enhance the light-harvesting in plasmonic nanosystems.
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Ki Young Lee, Kwang Wook Yoo, Youngsun Choi, Gunpyo Kim, Sangmo Cheon, Jae Woong Yoon, Seok Ho Song
April 2, 2021
Article number: 20210024
Abstract
The topological properties of photonic microstructures are of great interest because of their experimental feasibility for fundamental study and potential applications. Here, we show that robust guided-mode-resonance states exist in photonic domain-wall structures whenever the complex photonic band structures involve certain topological correlations in general. Using the non-Hermitian photonic analogy of the one-dimensional Dirac equation, we derive essential conditions for photonic Jackiw-Rebbi-state resonances taking advantage of unique spatial confinement and spot-like spectral features which are remarkably robust against random parametric errors. Therefore, the proposed resonance configuration potentially provides a powerful method to create compact and stable photonic resonators for various applications in practice.
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Tianqi Niu, Qifan Xue, Hin-Lap Yip
April 1, 2021
Article number: 000010151520210052
Abstract
Low-dimensional metal halide perovskites have emerged as promising alternatives to the traditional three-dimensional (3D) components, due to their greater structural tunability and environmental stability. Dion-Jacobson (DJ) phase two-dimensional (2D) perovskites, which are formed by incorporating bulky organic diammonium cations into inorganic frameworks that comprises a symmetrically layered array, have recently attracted increasing research interest. The structure-property characteristics of DJ phase perovskites endow them with a unique combination of photovoltaic efficiency and stability, which has led to their impressive employment in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, we review the achievements that have been made to date in the exploitation of DJ phase perovskites in photovoltaic applications. We summarize the various ligand designs, optimization strategies and applications of DJ phase PSCs, and examine the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying their functional behavior. Finally, we discuss the remaining bottlenecks and future outlook for these promising materials, and possible development directions of further commercial processes.
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Shaoni Kar, Nur Fadilah Jamaludin, Natalia Yantara, Subodh G. Mhaisalkar, Wei Lin Leong
March 30, 2021
Article number: 20210033
Abstract
Perovskite semiconductors have experienced meteoric rise in a variety of optoelectronic applications. With a strong foothold on photovoltaics, much focus now lies on their light emission applications. Rapid progress in materials engineering have led to the demonstration of external quantum efficiencies that surpass the previously established theoretical limits. However, there remains much scope to further optimize the light propagation inside the device stack through careful tailoring of the optical processes that take place at the bulk and interface levels. Photon recycling in the emitter material followed by efficient outcoupling can result in boosting external efficiencies up to 100%. In addition, the poor ambient and operational stability of these materials and devices restrict further commercialization efforts. With best operational lifetimes of only a few hours reported, there is a long way to go before perovskite LEDs can be perceived as reliable alternatives to more established technologies like organic or quantum dot-based LED devices. This review article starts with the discussions of the mechanism of luminescence in these perovskite materials and factors impacting it. It then looks at the possible routes to achieve efficient outcoupling through nanostructuring of the emitter and the substrate. Next, we analyse the instability issues of perovskite-based LEDs from a photophysical standpoint, taking into consideration the underlying phenomena pertaining to defects, and summarize recent advances in mitigating the same. Finally, we provide an outlook on the possible routes forward for the field and propose new avenues to maximally exploit the excellent light-emitting capabilities of this family of semiconductors.
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Hamid Rajabalipanah, Ali Abdolali, Shahid Iqbal, Lei Zhang, Tie Jun Cui
March 26, 2021
Article number: 000010151520210006
Abstract
In the quest to realize analog signal processing using subwavelength metasurfaces, in this paper, we present the first demonstration of programmable time-modulated metasurface processors based on the key properties of spatial Fourier transformation. Exploiting space-time coding strategy enables local, independent, and real-time engineering of not only amplitude but also phase profile of the contributing reflective digital meta-atoms at both central and harmonic frequencies. Several illustrative examples are demonstrated to show that the proposed multifunctional calculus metasurface is capable of implementing a large class of useful mathematical operators, including 1st- and 2nd-order spatial differentiation, 1st-order spatial integration, and integro-differential equation solving accompanied by frequency conversions. Unlike the recent proposals based on the Green’s function (GF) method, the designed time-modulated signal processor effectively operates for input signals containing wide spatial frequency bandwidths with an acceptable gain level. Proof-of-principle simulations are also reported to demonstrate the successful realization of image processing functions like edge detection. This time-varying wave-based computing system can set the direction for future developments of programmable metasurfaces with highly promising applications in ultrafast equation solving, real-time and continuous signal processing, and imaging.
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Zhenming Wang, Jianxun Liu, Xiaoguo Fang, Jiawei Wang, Zhen Yin, Huilin He, Shouzhen Jiang, Meng Zhao, Zongyou Yin, Dan Luo, Ping Shum, Yan Jun Liu
March 24, 2021
Article number: 20200672
Abstract
We demonstrate a simple, cost-effective method to enhance the photoluminescence intensity of monolayer MoS 2 . A hexagonal symmetric Au metasurface, made by polystyrene nanosphere lithography and metal coating, is developed to enhance the photoluminescence intensity of monolayer MoS 2 . By using nanospheres of different sizes, the localized surface plasmon resonances of the Au metasurfaces can be effectively tuned. By transferring monolayer MoS 2 onto the Au metasurface, the photoluminescence signal of the monolayer MoS 2 can be significantly enhanced up to 12-fold over a square-centimeter area. The simple, large-area, cost-effective fabrication technique could pave a new way for plasmon-enhanced light-mater interactions of atomically thin two-dimensional materials.
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Mingming Nie, Yijun Xie, Shu-Wei Huang
March 24, 2021
Article number: 20200642
Abstract
We theoretically study the nature of parametrically driven dissipative Kerr soliton (PD-DKS) in a doubly resonant degenerate micro-optical parametric oscillator (DR-DμOPO) with the cooperation of χ (2) and χ (3) nonlinearities. Lifting the assumption of close-to-zero group velocity mismatch (GVM) that requires extensive dispersion engineering, we show that there is a threshold GVM above which single PD-DKS in DR-DμOPO can be generated deterministically. We find that the exact PD-DKS generation dynamics can be divided into two distinctive regimes depending on the phase matching condition. In both regimes, the perturbative effective third-order nonlinearity resulting from the cascaded quadratic process is responsible for the soliton annihilation and the deterministic single PD-DKS generation. We also develop the experimental design guidelines for accessing such deterministic single PD-DKS state. The working principle can be applied to different material platforms as a competitive ultrashort pulse and broadband frequency comb source architecture at the mid-infrared spectral range.
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Chenyang Zhao, Chuanjiang Qin
March 24, 2021
Article number: 20200630
Abstract
Quasi two-dimensional (2D) lead halide perovskite materials have shown outstanding performance in various photoelectric devices, including perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and perovskite optical pumping lasers. Due to the structure diversity of bulky organic cation, the photoelectric property for quasi-2D perovskite materials is flexible to be tuned. The spontaneously formed quantum-well structures allow rapid and efficient energy funneling from low- n domains to high- n domains, contributing to high exciton utilization for perovskite LEDs and low threshold for amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and optical pumping perovskite lasers. Moreover, the hydrophobic bulky organic cations benefit to improve the environmental and operating stability owning to the better moisture tolerance and defects passivation ability. In this review, we will primarily introduce the quasi-2D lead halide perovskite materials from the structure to their optical and electrical properties. Then, we will focus on the advances of optical pumping lasers based on quasi-2D lead halide perovskite materials as gain mediums. Especially, more attention will be paid to perovskite lasers using distributed feedback (DFB) and distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) cavities. Furthermore, the key issues to realize quasi-2D perovskite-based electrical pumping lasers will be discussed.
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Anna V. Paterova, Dmitry A. Kalashnikov, Egor Khaidarov, Hongzhi Yang, Tobias W. W. Mass, Ramón Paniagua-Domínguez, Arseniy I. Kuznetsov, Leonid A. Krivitsky
March 22, 2021
Article number: 20210011
Abstract
The optical elements comprised of sub-diffractive light scatterers, or metasurfaces, hold a promise to reduce the footprint and unfold new functionalities of optical devices. A particular interest is focused on metasurfaces for manipulation of phase and amplitude of light beams. Characterisation of metasurfaces can be performed using interferometry, which, however, may be cumbersome, specifically in the infrared (IR) range. Here, we realise a new method for characterising metasurfaces operating in the telecom IR range using accessible components for visible light. Correlated IR and visible photons are launched into a non-linear interferometer so that the phase profile, imposed by the metasurface on the IR photons, modifies the interference at the visible photon wavelength. Furthermore, we show that this concept can be used for broadband manipulation of the intensity profile of a visible beam using a single IR metasurface. Our method unfolds the potential of quantum interferometry for the characterization of advanced optical elements.
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Shuai Sun, Mario Miscuglio, Xiaoxuan Ma, Zhizhen Ma, Chen Shen, Engin Kayraklioglu, Jeffery Anderson, Tarek El Ghazawi, Volker J. Sorger
March 22, 2021
Article number: 20200655
Abstract
When solving, modeling or reasoning about complex problems, it is usually convenient to use the knowledge of a parallel physical system for representing it. This is the case of lumped-circuit abstraction, which can be used for representing mechanical and acoustic systems, thermal and heat-diffusion problems and in general partial differential equations. Integrated photonic platforms hold the prospective to perform signal processing and analog computing inherently, by mapping into hardware specific operations which relies on the wave-nature of their signals, without trusting on logic gates and digital states like electronics. Here, we argue that in absence of a straightforward parallelism a homomorphism can be induced. We introduce a photonic platform capable of mimicking Kirchhoff’s law in photonics and used as node of a finite difference mesh for solving partial differential equation using monochromatic light in the telecommunication wavelength. Our approach experimentally demonstrates an arbitrary set of boundary conditions, generating a one-shot discrete solution of a Laplace partial differential equation, with an accuracy above 95% with respect to commercial solvers. Our photonic engine can provide a route to achieve chip-scale, fast (10 s of ps), and integrable reprogrammable accelerators for the next generation hybrid high-performance computing. Summary A photonic integrated platform which can mimic Kirchhoff’s law in photonics is used for approximately solve partial differential equations noniteratively using light, with high throughput and low-energy levels.
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Yi Zhang, Jianfeng Gao, Senbiao Qin, Ming Cheng, Kang Wang, Li Kai, Junqiang Sun
March 18, 2021
Article number: 20210007
Abstract
We design and demonstrate an asymmetric Ge/SiGe coupled quantum well (CQW) waveguide modulator for both intensity and phase modulation with a low bias voltage in silicon photonic integration. The asymmetric CQWs consisting of two quantum wells with different widths are employed as the active region to enhance the electro-optical characteristics of the device by controlling the coupling of the wave functions. The fabricated device can realize 5 dB extinction ratio at 1446 nm and 1.4 × 10 −3 electrorefractive index variation at 1530 nm with the associated modulation efficiency V π L π of 0.055 V cm under 1 V reverse bias. The 3 dB bandwidth for high frequency response is 27 GHz under 1 V bias and the energy consumption per bit is less than 100 fJ/bit. The proposed device offers a pathway towards a low voltage, low energy consumption, high speed and compact modulator for silicon photonic integrated devices, as well as opens possibilities for achieving advanced modulation format in a more compact and simple frame.
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Manvika Singh, Rudi Santbergen, Indra Syifai, Arthur Weeber, Miro Zeman, Olindo Isabella
March 16, 2021
Article number: 20200643
Abstract
Since single junction c-Si solar cells are reaching their practical efficiency limit. Perovskite/c-Si tandem solar cells hold the promise of achieving greater than 30% efficiencies. In this regard, optical simulations can deliver guidelines for reducing the parasitic absorption losses and increasing the photocurrent density of the tandem solar cells. In this work, an optical study of 2, 3 and 4 terminal perovskite/c-Si tandem solar cells with c-Si solar bottom cells passivated by high thermal-budget poly-Si, poly-SiO x and poly-SiC x is performed to evaluate their optical performance with respect to the conventional tandem solar cells employing silicon heterojunction bottom cells. The parasitic absorption in these carrier selective passivating contacts has been quantified. It is shown that they enable greater than 20 mA/cm 2 matched implied photocurrent density in un-encapsulated 2T tandem architecture along with being compatible with high temperature production processes. For studying the performance of such tandem devices in real-world irradiance conditions and for different locations of the world, the effect of solar spectrum and angle of incidence on their optical performance is studied. Passing from mono-facial to bi-facial tandem solar cells, the photocurrent density in the bottom cell can be increased, requiring again optical optimization. Here, we analyse the effect of albedo, perovskite thickness and band gap as well as geographical location on the optical performance of these bi-facial perovskite/c-Si tandem solar cells. Our optical study shows that bi-facial 2T tandems, that also convert light incident from the rear, require radically thicker perovskite layers to match the additional current from the c-Si bottom cell. For typical perovskite bandgap and albedo values, even doubling the perovskite thickness is not sufficient. In this respect, lower bandgap perovskites are very interesting for application not only in bi-facial 2T tandems but also in related 3T and 4T tandems.
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Young In Jhon, Jinho Lee, Young Min Jhon, Ju Han Lee
March 15, 2021
Article number: 20200678
Abstract
Metallic 2D materials can be promising saturable absorbers for ultrashort pulsed laser production in the long wavelength regime. However, preparing and manipulating their 2D structures without layer stacking have been nontrivial. Using a combined experimental and theoretical approach, we demonstrate here that a metallic titanium carbide (Ti 3 C 2 T x ), the most popular MXene 2D material, can have excellent nonlinear saturable absorption properties even in a highly stacked state due to its intrinsically existing surface termination, and thus can produce mode-locked femtosecond pulsed lasers in the 1.9-μm infrared range. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the electronic and optical properties of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene can be well preserved against significant layer stacking. Indeed, it is experimentally shown that 1.914-μm femtosecond pulsed lasers with a duration of 897 fs are readily generated within a fiber cavity using hundreds-of-layer stacked Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene saturable absorbers, not only being much easier to manufacture than mono- or few-layered ones, but also offering character-conserved tightly-assembled 2D materials for advanced performance. This work strongly suggests that as-obtained highly stacked Ti 3 C 2 T x MXenes can serve as superb material platforms for versatile nanophotonic applications, paving the way toward cost-effective, high-performance photonic devices based on MXenes.
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Amanda Heimbrook, Kate Higgins, Sergei V. Kalinin, Mahshid Ahmadi
March 12, 2021
Article number: 20200662
Abstract
The unique optoelectronic properties of metal halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) make them promising candidates for applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), scintillators, and other photonic devices. The automated micropipetting synthesis platform equipped with an optical reader enables the opportunity for high throughput synthesis and photoluminescent (PL) characterization of metal halide perovskite QDs for the first time. Here, we explore the compositional dependence of the PL behavior and stability of the combinatorial library of cesium lead halide (CsPbX 3 ) perovskites QDs via the automated platform. To study the stability of synthesized QDs in the binary and ternary configurations, we study the time-dependent PL properties using previously developed machine learning analysis. To systematically explore the PL behavior in the ternary CsPbX 3 QDs system, we introduce the Bayesian inference framework that allows the probabilistic fit of multiple models to the PL data and establishes both optimal model and model parameter robustly. Furthermore, these behaviors can be used as a control parameter for the navigation of the multidimensional compositional spaces in automated synthesis. This analysis shows the nonuniformity of the PL peak behavior in the ternary CsPbX 3 QDs system. Further, the analysis confirms narrow size distribution and good quality of CsPbBr 3 QDs alloyed with low concentrations of iodide and chloride. We note that Bayesian Inference fit parameters can be further used as a control signal for navigation of the chemical spaces in automated synthesis.
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Yan-Hong Zhou, Shaohui Yu, Yuejun Li, Xin Luo, Xiaohong Zheng, Lei Zhang
March 10, 2021
Article number: 20200646
Abstract
We investigate the photovoltaic behaviors of magnetic graphene interconnect junctions, which are constructed by zigzag graphene nanoribbons (ZGNRs), with the aim to produce pure spin current by photogalvanic effect (PGE). Two kinds of interconnect junctions are designed by connecting two 6-ZGNR with a carbon hexagon (C6) and a carbon tetragon (C4), respectively. It is found that zero charge current is produced under irradiation of light in both structures due to the presence of spatial inversion symmetry. Nevertheless, behind the zero charge current, net pure spin current is produced in the structure with a C6, but not in the structure with a C4. This difference originates from their different edge state distribution and different spatial inversion symmetry of the spin density. However, interestingly, local edge pure spin current can be obtained in both structures. More importantly, the pure spin current generation is independent of the photon energy, polarization type or polarization angle, suggesting a robust way of generating pure spin current with PGE and new possibility of graphene’s applications in spintronics.
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Irfan Ullah, Akhtar Munir, Ali Haider, Najeeb Ullah, Irshad Hussain
March 10, 2021
Article number: 20200542
Abstract
Sunlight and water are among the most plentiful and sustainable resources of energy. Natural photosystem II in the plants uses these resources in ecofriendly manner for the production of atmospheric oxygen and energy. Inspired by this natural process, the development of artificial catalytic system to facilitate the solar-induced water splitting for the continuous production of hydrogen is the holy grail of the chemist and energy experts to meet the future energy demand at minimal environmental cost. Despite considerable research efforts dedicated to this area in the last decade, the development of highly efficient, stable and economic photocatalysts remain a challenging task for the large scale H 2 production from water. Polyoxometalates (POMs)-based materials are emerging photo/photoelectrocatalysts in this quest owing to their multi-electron redox potential and fast reversible charge transfer properties, which are the essential requirements of photo-assisted water splitting catalysis. They are generally soluble in aqueous medium and thus their inherent catalytic/co-catalytic properties can be better exploited by incorporating/immobilizing them over suitable support materials. Therefore, exploration of discrete POM units over the support materials possessing high surface area, functionalizable architecture, flexible pore size and good light harvesting ability is an attractive area of research that has resulted in the generation of a strong library of heterocatalysts. The underlying support not only offers stability and recyclability attributes to the POM units but also provides decent dispersion, easy/maximum accessibility to the active sites, enhanced absorption capability, and synergistically enhances the activity by transfer of electrons and efficient charge/carriers separation by creating POM-support junctions. This mini-review emphasizes on the strategies for the incorporation of POMs on various porous supports like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), oxide-based semiconductors, carbonaceous materials, etc., and their applications as effective photo/photoelectrocatalysts for water splitting. In addition, the mechanistic study, comparative analysis and the future potential of these novel nanoscale materials is also highlighted. We believe that this review article will provide a new direction and scientific interest at the boundary of materials engineering, and solar-driven chemistry for the sustainable energy conversion/storage processes.
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Tom A. W. Wolterink, Robin D. Buijs, Giampiero Gerini, A. Femius Koenderink, Ewold Verhagen
March 10, 2021
Article number: 20200669
Abstract
We study how nanophotonic structures can be used for determining the position of a nearby nanoscale object with subwavelength accuracy. Through perturbing the near-field environment of a metasurface transducer consisting of nano-apertures in a metallic film, the location of the nanoscale object is transduced into the transducer’s far-field optical response. By monitoring the scattering pattern of the nanophotonic near-field transducer and comparing it to measured reference data, we demonstrate the two-dimensional localization of the object accurate to 24 nm across an area of 2 × 2 μm. We find that adding complexity to the nanophotonic transducer allows localization over a larger area while maintaining resolution, as it enables encoding more information on the position of the object in the transducer’s far-field response.
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Klaus Jäger, Johannes Sutter, Martin Hammerschmidt, Philipp-Immanuel Schneider, Christiane Becker
March 10, 2021
Article number: 20200674
Abstract
Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are regarded as a promising candidate to surpass current efficiency limits in terrestrial photovoltaics. Tandem solar cell efficiencies meanwhile reach more than 29%. However, present high-end perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells still suffer from optical losses. We review recent numerical and experimental perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell studies and analyse the applied measures for light management. Literature indicates that highest experimental efficiencies are obtained using fully planar perovskite top cells, being in contradiction to the outcome of optical simulations calling for textured interfaces. The reason is that the preferred perovskite top cell solution-processing is often incompatible with usual micropyramidal textures of silicon bottom cells. Based on the literature survey, we propose a certain gentle nanotexture as an example to reduce optical losses in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. Optical simulations using the finite-element method reveal that an intermediate texture between top and bottom cell does not yield an optical benefit when compared with optimized planar designs. A double-side textured top-cell design is found to be necessary to reduce reflectance losses by the current density equivalent of 1 mA/cm 2 . The presented results illustrate a way to push perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell efficiencies beyond 30% by improved light management.
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Alexander Al-Zubeidi, Lauren A. McCarthy, Ali Rafiei-Miandashti, Thomas S. Heiderscheit, Stephan Link
March 5, 2021
Article number: 20200639
Abstract
Metallic nanoparticles supporting a localized surface plasmon resonance have emerged as promising platforms for nanoscopic labels, sensors, and (photo-) catalysts. To use nanoparticles in these capacities, and to gain mechanistic insight into the reactivity of inherently heterogeneous nanoparticles, single-particle characterization approaches are needed. Single-particle scattering spectroscopy has become an important, highly sensitive tool for localizing single plasmonic nanoparticles and studying their optical properties, local environment, and reactivity. In this review, we discuss approaches taken for collecting the scattered light from single particles, their advantages and disadvantages, and present some recent applications. We introduce techniques for the excitation and detection of single-particle scattering such as high-angle dark-field excitation, total internal reflection dark-field excitation, scanning near-field microscopy, and interferometric scattering. We also describe methods to achieve polarization-resolved excitation and detection. We then discuss different approaches for scanning, ratiometric, snapshot, and interferometric hyperspectral imaging techniques used to extract spectral information. Finally, we provide a brief overview of specialized setups for in situ measurements of nanoparticles in liquid systems and setups coupled to scanning tip microscopes.
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Xiangyu Ruan, Wei Dai, Wenqiang Wang, Chunhui Ou, Qianqian Xu, Ziji Zhou, Zhengji Wen, Chang Liu, Jiaming Hao, Zhiqiang Guan, Hongxing Xu
March 4, 2021
Article number: 20200627
Abstract
Broadband long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) optical absorbers have important applications in thermal emission and imaging, infrared camouflaging, and waste heat and biothermal energy utilization. However, the practical application of broadband LWIR optical absorbers requires low-cost and facile fabrication of large-area structures with limited thickness. This paper reports the design and fabrication of an ultrathin, broadband, omnidirectional, and polarization-independent LWIR optical absorber composed of anodized aluminum oxide and highly doped Si using the gradient refractive index strategy. The average absorption of the broadband optical absorber is higher than 95% in the 8–15 μm wavelength range, and it has wide incident angle and polarization tolerances. More than 95% of the optical energy in the wavelength range from 8 to 13 μm was absorbed within a depth of 8 μm, making this absorber the thinnest broadband LWIR dielectric absorber so far. The absorption remained above 90% after annealing at 800 °C in air. The infrared camouflage of the proposed absorber was successfully demonstrated with a human body background. With the advantages of facile fabrication, low-cost materials, restricted absorption thickness, and excellent thermal stability, the developed broadband LWIR optical absorber is very promising for the practical applications mentioned above.
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Xiaochun Liu, Haifeng Zhao, Linfeng Wei, Xinjian Ren, Xinyang Zhang, Faming Li, Peng Zeng, Mingzhen Liu
February 25, 2021
Article number: 20200631
Abstract
In most perovskite nanocrystal (PeNC)-based optoelectronic and photonic applications, surface ligands inevitably lead to a donor–bridge–acceptor charge transfer configuration. In this article, we demonstrate successful modulation of electron transfer (ET) rates from all-inorganic CsPbBr 3 PeNCs to mesoporous titanium dioxide films, by using different surface ligands including single alkyl chain oleic acid and oleylamine, cross-linked insulating (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane and aromatic naphthoic acid molecules as the ligand-bridge. We systematically investigated the ET process through time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. Calculations verified the ligand-bridge barrier effect of the three species upon the ET process. Transient absorption measurements excluded carrier-delocalization effect of the naphthoic acid ligands and confirmed the bridge-barrier effect. Our work provides a perspective for composable and appropriate ligands design for diverse practical purposes.
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Buyang Yu, Chunfeng Zhang, Lan Chen, Zhengyuan Qin, Xinyu Huang, Xiaoyong Wang, Min Xiao
February 19, 2021
Article number: 20200681
Abstract
Perovskite semiconductor nanocrystals have emerged as a promising family of materials for optoelectronic applications including light-emitting diodes, lasers, light-to-electricity convertors and quantum light emitters. The performances of these devices are fundamentally dependent on different aspects of the excited-state dynamics in nanocrystals. Herein, we summarize the recent progress on the photoinduced carrier dynamics studied by a variety of time-resolved spectroscopic methods in perovskite nanocrystals. We review the dynamics of carrier generation, recombination and transport under different excitation densities and photon energies to show the pathways that underpin the photophysics for light-emitting diodes and solar cells. Then, we highlight the up-to-date spin dynamics and coherent exciton dynamics being manifested with the exciton fine levels in perovskite semiconductor nanocrystals which are essential for potential applications in quantum information technology. We also discuss the controversial results and the possible origins yet to be resolved. In-depth study toward a comprehensive picture of the excited-state dynamics in perovskite nanocrystals may provide the key knowledge of the device operation mechanism, enlighten the direction for device optimization and stimulate the adventure of new conceptual devices.
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Zhifang Tan, Jincong Pang, Guangda Niu, Jun-Hui Yuan, Kan-Hao Xue, Xiangshui Miao, Weijian Tao, Haiming Zhu, Zhigang Li, Hongtao Zhao, Xinyuan Du, Jiang Tang
February 16, 2021
Article number: 20200624
Abstract
Metal halide perovskites have recently been reported as excellent scintillators for X-ray detection. However, perovskite based scintillators are susceptible to moisture and oxygen atmosphere, such as the water solubility of CsPbBr 3 , and oxidation vulnerability of Sn 2+ , Cu + . The traditional metal halide scintillators (NaI: Tl, LaBr 3 , etc.) are also severely restricted by their high hygroscopicity. Here we report a new kind of lead free perovskite with excellent water and radiation stability, Rb 2 Sn 1- x Te x Cl 6 . The equivalent doping of Te could break the in-phase bonding interaction between neighboring octahedra in Rb 2 SnCl 6 , and thus decrease the electron and hole dimensionality. The optimized Te content of 5% resulted in high photoluminescence quantum yield of 92.4%, and low X-ray detection limit of 0.7 µGy air s −1 . The photoluminescence and radioluminescence could be maintained without any loss when immersing in water or after 480,000 Gy radiations, outperforming previous perovskite and traditional metal halides scintillators.
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Fei Cao, Xiaobao Xu, Dejian Yu, Haibo Zeng
February 16, 2021
Article number: 20200632
Abstract
Photodetectors based on semiconducting materials are vital building blocks for modern systems containing optoelectronic modules. Although commercial semiconductors have established good performances, they are plagued by complex processing procedures and stalled performances. Recently, lead halide perovskites with superior semiconducting attributes have achieved stunning progress in optoelectronics including photodetectors. However, the toxicity of lead and the ill stability significantly handicap their practical use. Great efforts thus have been devoted to developing lead-free alternatives with improved stability and uncompromised traits. In this review, we thoroughly summarize recent progress in photodetectors based on lead-free halide perovskite variants. The substitution of lead with new elements usually induces a change in structure and ensuingly optoelectronic particularities, which afford unique suitability for a collection of functionality-specified photodetectors. Especially, the family of lead-free variants witnesses a range of bandgaps that construct a broadband photon detection spanning from near-infrared (NIR) to visible regimes. Besides, stress is laid on the X-ray detection capability based on especially bismuth-type lead-free perovskites, of which the strong X-ray absorption, large bulk resistance, suppressed ion migration, and efficient charge collection enable superior X-ray sensitivities and ultralow detection limits. Finally, the challenges and visions are discussed.
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Rui He, Tingting Chen, Zhipeng Xuan, Tianzhen Guo, Jincheng Luo, Yiting Jiang, Wenwu Wang, Jingquan Zhang, Xia Hao, Lili Wu, Ye Wang, Iordania Constantinou, Shengqiang Ren, Dewei Zhao
February 15, 2021
Article number: 20200634
Abstract
Wide-bandgap (wide- E g , ∼1.7 eV or higher) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted extensive attention due to the great potential of fabricating high-performance perovskite-based tandem solar cells via combining with low-bandgap absorbers, which is considered promising to exceed the Shockley–Queisser efficiency limit. However, inverted wide- E g PSCs with a minimized open-circuit voltage ( V oc ) loss, which are more suitable to prepare all-perovskite tandem devices, are still lacking study. Here, we report a strategy of adding 1,3,5-tris (bromomethyl) benzene (TBB) into wide- E g perovskite absorber to passivate the perovskite film, leading to an enhanced average V oc . Incorporation of TBB prolongs carrier lifetimes in wide- E g perovskite due to reduction of defects in perovskites and makes a better energy level matching between perovskite absorber and electron transport layer. As a result, we achieve the power conversion efficiency of 17.12% for our inverted TBB-doped PSC with an enhanced V oc of 1.19 V, compared with that (16.14%) for the control one (1.14 V).
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Zhandong Li, Dmitry Kurouski
February 9, 2021
Article number: 20200647
Abstract
Illumination of noble metal nanostructures by electromagnetic radiation induces coherent oscillations of conductive electrons on their surfaces. These coherent oscillations of electrons, also known as localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR), are the underlying physical cause of the electromagnetic enhancement of Raman scattering from analytes located in a close proximity to the metal surface. This physical phenomenon is broadly known as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). LSPR can decay via direct interband, phonon-assisted intraband, and geometry-assisted transitions forming hot carriers, highly energetic species that are responsible for a large variety of chemical transformations. This review critically discusses the most recent progress in mechanistic elucidation of hot carrier-driven chemistry and catalytic processes at the nanoscale. The review provides a brief description of tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), modern analytical technique that possesses single-molecule sensitivity and angstrom spatial resolution, showing the advantage of this technique for spatiotemporal characterization of plasmon-driven reactions. The review also discusses experimental and theoretical findings that reported novel plasmon-driven reactivity which can be used to catalyze redox, coupling, elimination and scissoring reactions. Lastly, the review discusses the impact of the most recently reported findings on both plasmonic catalysis and TERS imaging.
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Mehri Ghasemi, Mengmeng Hao, Mu Xiao, Peng Chen, Dongxu He, Yurou Zhang, Weijian Chen, Jiandong Fan, Jung H. Yun, Baohua Jia, Xiaoming Wen
December 16, 2020
Article number: 20200548
Abstract
Lead (Pb) halide perovskites have witnessed highly promising achievements for high-efficiency solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and photo/radiation detectors due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. However, compound stability and Pb toxicity are still two main obstacles towards the commercialization of halide perovskite-based devices. Therefore, it is of substantial interest to search for non-toxic candidates with comparable photophysical characteristics. Metal-halide double perovskites (MHDPs), A 2 BBʹX 6 , are recently booming as promising alternatives for Pb-based halide-perovskites for their non-toxicity and significantly enhanced chemical and thermodynamic stability. Moreover, this family exhibits rich combinatorial chemistry with tuneable optoelectronic properties and thus a great potential for a broad range of optoelectronic/electronic applications. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the MHDPs synthesized so far, and classified by their optical and electronic properties. We systematically generalize their electronic structure by both theoretical and experimental efforts to prospect the relevant optoelectronic properties required by different applications. The progress of the materials in various applications is explicated in view of the material structure-function relationship. Finally, a perspective outlook to improve the physical and optoelectronic properties of the materials is proposed aiming at fostering their future development and applications.