Broadband Absorption Research Articles

Construction of periodic hollow SiC microtube ceramic for synergistic broadband absorption performance at elevated temperatures

Silicon carbide (SiC) has been utilized as a semiconductor material and has been shaped into various structural forms to obtain outstanding electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption properties, characterized by low weight and excellent absorption capabilities even at high temperatures. A chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) approach was used to synthesis a periodic structured SiC microtube ceramic on a carbon fiber plain preform, taking inspiration from the porous structure found in SiC materials. Afterwards, the carbon fibers were removed by oxidation at a temperature of 900 °C. The periodic structural SiC microtube ceramic exhibited a porosity above 68 %, rendering it a lightweight material possessing a density of 0.8 g/cm3. The SiC microtube ceramic displays a periodic structure and exhibits anisotropy at 0° and 45°, respectively, as a result of the braided structure of the fiber fabric. When evaluated at a 0° angle of incidence, the SiC microtube ceramic, with a thickness ranging from 2.4 to 2.6 mm, showed excellent absorption of EMW energy in the Ku-band frequency range, attenuating more than 90 % of the energy, with a minimum reflection loss of −56.36 dB at 15.65 GHz. SiC microtube ceramics have demonstrated an effective absorption bandwidth exceeding 8.2 GHz throughout a temperature range of ambient temperature to 600 °C, with a thickness of 2.8 mm. Furthermore, the SiC microtube ceramic exhibited stable EMW absorption properties and thermal conductivity even at temperatures as high as 600 °C.

A tunable high-order micro-perforated panel metamaterial with low-frequency broadband acoustic absorption

We proposed a tunable high-order micro-perforated panel metamaterial for broadband absorption, in which the energy dissipation modes is reconstructed by the cavity partition plates. Owing to the more degrees of freedom in impedance design, the metamaterial not only obtains multiple perfect absorption peaks with broader bandwidth, but also allows for flexible frequency regulations. By coupling 12 high-order cells, the metamaterial finally achieves a smooth spectrum with 94% average absorption across the range of 300–3200 Hz, which is verified by the simulation and experiment. This metamaterial could have great applications in noise control engineering owing to the extraordinary performance.

A broadband active sound absorber with adjustable absorption coefficient and bandwidth.

Broadband adjustable sound absorbers are desired for controlling the acoustic conditions within enclosed spaces. Existing studies on acoustic absorbers, either passive or active, aim to maximize the sound absorption coefficients over an extended frequency band. By contrast, this paper introduces a tunable acoustic absorber, whose working frequency band and sound absorption characteristics can be defined by users for different applications. The approach leverages an error signal that can be synthesized using a standing wave separation technique. The error signal encodes different target reflection coefficients, leading to arbitrary absorption coefficients between 0 and 1. Experimental validation is conducted in a one-dimensional standing wave tube, demonstrating that the proposed active absorber achieves near-perfect absorption within the 150-1600 Hz frequency range, boasting an average absorption coefficient of 0.98. Adjustable absorption is demonstrated across three octave bands, aligning closely with theoretical predictions. Furthermore, when coupled with a shaping filter, the absorber exhibits spectrally tunable broadband absorption capabilities, selectively reflecting specific frequency bands while effectively absorbing others. These outcomes underscore the versatile tunability of the proposed active acoustic absorber, which is expected to pave the way for personalized regulating of the indoor acoustic environment.

High efficiency ultra-broadband absorber and thermal emitter for the composite Ag-NPs/SiO2/MXene multilayer structure on ITO substrate

n this paper, we presented an Ag-NPs/SiO2/MXene plasma model consisting of an MXene layer, a silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) as well as an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. The light absorption and thermal radiation of the Ag-NPs/SiO2/MXene plasma model were investigated by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and experimental methods. The results showed that due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) generated on the surface of Ag-NPs, the maximum absorption of the Ag-NPs/SiO2/MXene plasma model in the visible and near infrared could reach 99.99 %, and the ultra-high wide-angle absorption from 0° to 60° was achieved, and the simulated data were in good agreement with the experimental data. Finally, we calculated that the Ag-NPs/SiO2/MXene model was 93.0 % ultra-efficient thermal emissivity at 1200 K using Planck’s law theory. Broadband absorption and thermal emission of the Ag-NPs/SiO2/MXene structure of importance in the field of light absorption.

Multi-scale design of MWCNT/glass fiber/balsa wood composite multilayer stealth structure with wide broadband absorption and excellent mechanical properties

In unmanned aircraft applications, electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers suffer from defects in narrow absorption bands and poor mechanical properties. To solve the problems, a lightweight multilayer stealth structure with wide broadband absorption performance and excellent mechanical properties was designed and prepared by adjusting microscopically the number of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and modulating macroscopically the thickness-matching relationship of the structure to promote the absorption of EMW synergistically. Under the MWCNT of 30 wt% and the depletion layer with the thickness of 0.2 mm, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) covers the entire Ku-band while maintaining a minimum reflection loss (RL) of −15 dB. Besides, the radar cross-sectional area attenuation is as high as 23.1 dBm2, as well as the mechanical properties of the radar absorbing structures (RAS) were improved significantly due to the reducing structural density from balsa wood and the enhancement effect of glass fiber mats (GFM). The study constructed balsa-based RAS with excellent EMW absorbing and mechanical properties from both micro-nano scale and macro-structure, providing a research route for designing high-performance and lightweight stealth structures.

Simultaneous measurement of methane, propane and isobutane using a compact mid-infrared photoacoustic spectrophone

Hydrocarbon gas sensing is a challenging task using laser absorption spectroscopy due to the complex and broad structure of absorption lines. This application requires quick, accurate and highly sensitive detection of hydrocarbon gases concentrations. In this paper, a compact photoacoustic spectrophone was developed to simultaneously measure methane, propane and isobutane. This spectrophone uses wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) with a single acoustic resonator and a single DFB laser emitting at 3368 nm, which greatly reduces the system complexity without using time-division multiplexing technology for multi-gas sensing. Due to the complex and broadband absorption of hydrocarbon gases, a novel signal processing method based on multilinear regression with Ridge regression (MLR-RG) is proposed to reduce the measurement error caused by the nonlinearity of spectra signal. For single gas measurement, the detection limits of methane, propane, and isobutane are determined to be 828 ppb, 419 ppb, and 619 ppb (SNR = 1, integration time = 20 s), respectively. For simultaneous multi-gas sensing in a gaseous mixture, the detection limits of propane and isobutane are determined to be 7 ppb, 68 ppb with an integration time of 860 s, 460 s, respectively. The measurement accuracy of propane and isobutane using MLR-RG is higher than that of ordinary least squares regression and partial least squares regression by 75% and 60%, respectively. The proposed algorithm based on MLR-RG provides a promising approach to process the broad overlapping absorption spectra for accurately retrieving hydrocarbon gases concentrations.

Efficient solar energy harvesting via thermally stable tungsten-based nanostructured solar thermophotovoltaic systems

Electromagnetic radiations are a key energy source, which, by deploying bandgap-engineered devices, are directed onto PV cells to maximize their utilization. In this regard, the Solar Thermophotovoltaic (STPV) systems are vital, consisting of an intermediate absorber-emitter assembly between sunlight and solar cells. A theoretical and computational demonstration of a highly thermally robust, angularly stable, polarization-insensitive, and compact tungsten-based broadband absorber and spectrally selective emitter in symmetric metal-insulator-metal (W-SiO2-W) configuration has been presented. The nanoscale absorber consists of four differently-sized cylinders forming a supercell, and the emitter is cylindrical. The absorber has been optimized over a range of operating temperatures and solar irradiances, manifesting a very high absorption for the visible region with an average of 98.09 % for 400 – 800 nm, exhibiting > 99 % absorption for a BW of 225 nm with a peak of 99.99 % at 674 nm. The emitter has been optimized with 99.72 % emissivity at the desired spectral location. The absorber’s intermediate efficiency is 99.91 % for 5000 suns at 800 °C, which is as high as 72.33 % at a target temperature of 3200 °C. This study aims to match a higher bandgap of 1.5 eV perovskite solar cells and realize higher efficiency than tandem solar cells. The solar cell efficiency is 42.39 %, which results in solar-to-electricity efficiency of 42.38 %, exceeding the Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit. As a proof-of-concept using a simulation program SCAPS-1D, a perovskite solar cell is illuminated using a bandgap-matched photon, increasing its efficiency from 26.67 % to 45.79 %. Thus, the presented idea achieves cell efficiency beyond the SQ limit without employing complex tandem cells.

Multitasking Integrated Metasurface for Electromagnetic Wave Modulation with Reflection, Transmission, and Absorption.

Accommodating multiple tasks within a tiny metasurface unit cell without them interfering with each other is a significant challenge. In this paper, an electromagnetic (EM) wave modulation metasurface capable of reflection, transmission, and absorption is proposed. This multitasking capability is achieved through a cleverly designed multi-layer structure comprising an EM Wave Shield Layer (ESL), a Polarization Modulation Layer (PML), and a Bottom Plate Layer (BPL). The functionality can be arbitrarily switched by embedding control materials within the structure. Depending on external excitation conditions, the proposed metasurface can realize reflection-type co-planar polarization to cross-polarization conversion, transmission-type electromagnetically induced transparency-like (EIT-like) modes, and broadband absorption. Notably, all tasks operate approximately within the same operating frequency band, and their performance can be regulated by the intensity of external excitation. Additionally, the operating principle of the metasurface is analyzed through impedance matching, an oscillator coupling model, and surface current distribution. This metasurface design offers a strategy for integrated devices with multiple functionalities.

Temporal evolution of absorption spectra for diisopropyl methylphosphonate at high temperatures in a shock tube

Absorption spectra and cross-sections of Diisopropyl Methylphosphonate (DIMP) are measured in argon at temperatures of 600–1250 K in a shock tube using rapid scanning, broadband absorption spectroscopy. Measurements are obtained at approximately 2.3 kHz with each complete scan of the 925–1350 wavenumber band taking 90 microseconds. This technique enables spectra behind incident and reflected shocks to be obtained in a single test. In addition, multiple spectra are obtained behind the reflected shock during the test time. A significant reduction in absorption cross section with temperature is observed, and the spectra taken during the test time show no decomposition or significant changes, suggesting that vibrational equilibrium is achieved.

Enhanced plasmonic absorption using MIM ring resonator structures for optical detector applications

This study delves into the design and analysis of plasmonic absorbers utilizing Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) ring resonator devices to achieve heightened optical absorption efficiency. Various ring resonator topologies, namely SRR-L and Ring-L, are investigated with the objective of amplifying absorption capabilities. Moreover, the examination extends to the influence of modifying the inner radius of the ring, resulting in discernibly diverse absorption levels. Through the integration of these ring resonators, absorption peaks are effectively brought into proximity, thereby yielding a broad-band absorption spectrum. Our discoveries underscore the promising potential of these devices as proficient optical detectors. The simulations were performed in three dimensions utilizing CST Microwave Studio.

Thermotunable mid-infrared metamaterial absorption material based on combined hollow cylindrical VO2 structure

We have designed a metamaterial absorption material based on the VO2 phase transition effect. The aim is to realize thermally tunable broadband absorption in the mid-infrared band. The metamaterial absorption material is a three-layer structure. From top to bottom, the combined hollow cylindrical VO2 resonant layer, the SiO2 dielectric layer and the Ti substrate. In this work, we perform numerical simulations using the three-dimensional time-domain finite element difference method. The simulation shows that the absorption material's average absorption intensity is adjustable by temperature between 0.09 and 0.95. At a temperature of 342 K, the absorption material has an absorption bandwidth of 17.3 μm (6.43 μm to 23.73 μm) with an absorption rate above 90%. And the average absorption in this band range is 94.95%. And this band covers the wavelength of the atmospheric transparency window (8 μm∼14 μm), which suggests that our absorption material has great application prospects. In this work, we first analyze the electromagnetic field at the absorption material's resonant wavelength and explain the absorption material's absorption mechanism. Then, we investigated the absorption effect of the absorption material under the VO2 structure with different temperatures. And we explain temperature's effect on the absorption material's absorption effect by analyzing the electric field's change on the absorption material's surface at different temperatures for the same wavelength. The effect of the absorption material structural parameters on the absorption material absorption performance to determine the optimal structural parameters was then investigated. Finally, we investigate the absorption curves of the absorption material under different columnar VO2 layers and demonstrate the innovative and unique nature of the designed absorption material. The absorption material we designed has a simple structure and is easy to configure. And the absorption material has high average absorption rate and a wide absorption bandwidth. We therefore believe that the metamaterial absorption material has great application prospects in optoelectronic detection, infrared imaging and infrared stealth.

Broadband nonreciprocal thermal emissivity and absorptivity

A body that violates Kirchhoff’s law of thermal radiation exhibits an inequality in its spectral directional absorptivity and emissivity. Achieving such an inequality is of fundamental interest as well as a prerequisite for achieving thermodynamic limits in photonic energy conversion1 and radiative cooling2. Thus far, inequalities in the spectral directional emissivity and absorptivity have been limited to narrow spectral resonances3, or wavelengths well beyond the infrared regime4. Bridging the gap from basic demonstrations to practical applications requires control over a broad spectral range of the unequal spectral directional absorptivity and emissivity. In this work, we demonstrate broadband nonreciprocal thermal emissivity and absorptivity by measuring the thermal emissivity and absorptivity of gradient epsilon-near-zero InAs layers of subwavelength thicknesses (50 nm and 150 nm) with an external magnetic field. The effect occurs in a spectral range (12.5–16 μm) that overlaps with the infrared transparency window and is observed at moderate (1 T) magnetic fields.

Polarization-insensitive terahertz ultra-wideband absorber with an actively tunable bandwidth

This study presents a novel, to our knowledge, polarization-insensitive terahertz absorber with an actively adjustable bandwidth. The absorber consists of a vertically stacked three-layer structure with target-shaped resonant layers. Its absorption bandwidth is dynamically controlled, exhibiting ultra-broadband characteristics in the metallic phase. The absorber achieves over 90% absorption from 1.8 to 31.7 THz, with a relative bandwidth of 178%. In the insulating phase, the device transforms into a narrowband absorber, showing a precise absorption peak within the 0 to 20 THz frequency range. Notably, this absorber demonstrates polarization-insensitive and wide-angle absorption properties, making it suitable for different application scenarios. Compared to traditional broadband absorbers, the absorber proposed in this study features an ultra-wide absorption bandwidth and switchable operating modes, enhancing its flexibility and adaptability. The excellent performance of the absorber indicates its suitability for various applications, such as sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication, security detection, imaging, military stealth technology, and energy harvesting.

Graphene-based tunable broadband metamaterial absorber for terahertz waves

In order to overcome the limitations exhibited by traditional absorbers in electromagnetic wave absorption, such as the extremely narrow absorption bandwidth and uncontrollable absorption results, this paper proposes a novel tunable broadband metamaterial absorber based on graphene. Compared to other terahertz absorbers, the absorber designed in this study exhibits simpler structural design, compact form, thin thickness, efficient absorption performance, and a broader bandwidth. This absorber adopts a three-layer structure, including a patterned monolayer graphene metasurface, a dielectric layer, and a metal substrate. The structure of this patterned graphene consists of four triangular graphene resonators, achieving both high absorption efficiency and maintaining an exceptionally wide absorption bandwidth. The simulation results indicate that at a Fermi energy level Ef of 0.45 eV, the absorber achieves a broadband absorption rate of over 90 % in the 3.287 THz to 5.247 THz frequency range under normal terahertz wave incidence conditions. By analyzing different quantities of the triangular graphene structure on the top of the absorber, we found that the wide absorption bandwidth of the absorber is mainly attributed to the structural coupling of the top-layer graphene in the absorber. Furthermore, through the study of electric field amplitude and current distribution, we stumbled upon that when terahertz waves are incident on the absorber, due to the structural coupling between the graphene layers, electric resonance and magnetic resonance occur within the absorber, resulting in the absorption effect. Finally, through the study of geometric parameters, different polarization angles and oblique incidence angles of the incident waves, as well as different Fermi energy levels of graphene, we discovered that by adjusting the Fermi energy level of graphene, the bandwidth and absorption performance of the absorber can be flexibly tuned. In addition, this absorber exhibits wide-angle absorption characteristics and polarization-insensitive properties, providing potential application prospects in fields such as terahertz thermal imaging and stealth technology.

Momentum-Space Observation of Optically Excited Nonthermal Electrons in Graphene with Persistent Pseudospin Polarization.

The unique optical properties of graphene, with broadband absorption and ultrafast response, make it a critical component of optoelectronic and spintronic devices. Using time-resolved momentum microscopy with high data rate and high dynamic range, we report momentum-space measurements of electrons promoted to the graphene conduction band with visible light and their subsequent relaxation. We observe a pronounced nonthermal distribution of nascent photoexcited electrons with lattice pseudospin polarization in remarkable agreement with results of simple tight-binding theory. By varying the excitation fluence, we vary the relative importance of electron-electron vs electron-phonon scattering in the relaxation of the initial distribution. Increasing the excitation fluence results in increased noncollinear electron-electron scattering and reduced pseudospin polarization, although up-scattered electrons retain a degree of polarization. These detailed momentum-resolved electron dynamics in graphene demonstrate the capabilities of high-performance time-resolved momentum microscopy in the study of 2D materials and can inform the design of graphene devices.

Based on the preparation of dual-absorber agents using Ni and Ni/rGO for the fabrication of a dual honeycomb nested structure for wideband microwave absorption

Designing absorbers with structural support to achieve ultra-wideband and wide-angle absorption properties is crucial for addressing the growing concern of electromagnetic pollution. In this study, a strategy is proposed to further broaden the bandwidth of structural absorbers by applying different materials to different structures and then nesting these different structures. Six composite materials were prepared using Ni and rGO as absorbers, and a dual honeycomb nested structure was fabricated using 3D printing technology. The minimum reflection loss (RL) of the two types of composite materials was −19.3 dB and −15.8 dB, respectively, with effective absorption bandwidths (EAB) of 4.6 GHz and 4.4 GHz, demonstrating mechanical compatibility and electromagnetic substitutability. The dual honeycomb nested structure utilized a multiscale design approach, achieving broadband absorption up to 14.27 GHz and compressive strength of 5.92 MPa. Furthermore, stable frequency response of transverse electric (TE) waves was observed within an incident angle range of 0°–40°, while absorption frequencies exceeded 12 GHz as transverse magnetic (TM) waves incident angle varied from 0° to 60°, highlighting wide-angle absorption characteristics. The dual composite preparation strategy of materials and structures for absorber fabrication provides a new perspective for further expanding the bandwidth of absorbers.

Multi-functional switchable terahertz metasurface device prediction by K-nearest neighbor

In this paper, we present the design of a versatile terahertz (THz) device characterized by its multi-functional capabilities including broadband absorption and polarization modulation, achieved through leveraging the temperature-induced phase transition behavior of vanadium dioxide (VO2). Operating in the metallic state of VO2, the device exhibits broadband absorption properties, delivering a remarkable total effective absorption of 2.871 THz with absorption rates exceeding 90 % across the frequency ranges of 8.140∼9.405 THz and 12.740∼14.346 THz. Furthermore, it demonstrates excellent adaptability to large angle incidence. Conversely, in the dielectric state of VO2, the device transitions into a polarization modulation mode, facilitating linear-to-cross-polarization (LTX) and linear-to-circular-polarization (LTC) conversions. Notably, for LTX polarization, the conversion efficiency exceeds 90 % within the 8-11.5 THz range, while for LTC polarization, the ellipticity surpasses 0.8 within the 7.861∼8 THz range. Additionally, we introduce a machine learning (ML) approach to optimize the device parameters, presenting a novel strategy for enhancing the design and optimization of future multifunctional devices.

Experimental temperature- and pressure-dependent absorbance cross sections and a pseudo-line-list model for methyl formate near [formula omitted]

We first present quantitative, broadband absorbance cross sections of the C=O stretch fundamental rovibrational band of methyl formate in the 1670–1850 cm−1 range at temperatures of 300, 600, 800, and 1000 K and pressures of 1–2 atm. The title molecular spectra were additionally studied across the pressure range of 1 to 35 atm at room temperature. Elevated temperature measurements were taken in argon bath gas behind the reflected shock wave of a shock tube by a rapid-tuning, broad-scan external cavity quantum cascade laser. The room temperature cross section of methyl formate was collected to validate our method and agreed well with previous room-temperature measurements by Sharpe et al. Then, to extend the utility of the collected data across intermediate temperatures, a pseudo-line-list (PLL) absorbance model was generated through a simultaneous fit of line-by-line intensities and lower-state energies to the measured cross sections. This PLL model was able to replicate the measurements within 3% across most of the spectral range and within 8% around the extremely sharp Q-branch feature present at room temperature. Cross-validation was then performed by re-fitting the PLL excluding the 800 K data set and demonstrated that the PLL approach is effective in interpolating between measured absorption cross sections at discrete temperatures. Finally, the additional room-temperature measurements from 1 to 35 atm were collected in a high-pressure static cell in nitrogen bath gas. These measurements revealed a notable Q-branch cross section pressure dependence while the P- and R-branch wings remained largely pressure independent across this wide pressure range. The collected methyl formate cross sections comprise the latest addition to the Stanford ShockGas-IR database for mid-infrared polyatomic absorption cross sections at elevated temperatures.

A Metamaterials-Based Absorber Used for Switch Applications with Dynamically Variable Bandwidth in Terahertz Regime.

A broadband absorber based on metamaterials of graphene and vanadium dioxide (VO2) is proposed and investigated in the terahertz (THz) regime, which can be used for switch applications with a dynamically variable bandwidth by electrically and thermally controlling the Fermi energy level of graphene and the conductivity of VO2, respectively. The proposed absorber turns 'on' from 1.5 to 5.4 THz, with the modulation depth reaching 97.1% and the absorptance exceeding 90% when the Fermi energy levels of graphene are set as 0.7 eV, and VO2 is in the metallic phase. On the contrary, the absorptance is close to zero and the absorber turns 'off' with the Fermi energy level setting at 0 eV and VO2 in the insulating phase. Furthermore, other four broadband absorption modes can be achieved utilizing the active materials graphene and VO2. The proposed terahertz absorber may benefit the areas of broadband switch, cloaking objects, THz communications and other applications.

M-Pyripentaphyrins(1.0.0.0.0): BIII Complexes and β-β Directly Linked Dimers.

m-Pyripentaphyrins(1.0.0.0.0) were synthesized by Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of 3,5-bis(5-borylpyrrol-2-yl)-BODIPY with 2,6-dibromopyridine. Upon treatment with PhBCl2, pyripentaphyrin 1 provided mono- and bis-BIII complexes sequentially. The Mono-BIII complex shows a distorted tetrahedral coordinated BIII with a σ-phenyl ligand on the BIII and the bis-BIII complex shows an additional distorted tetrahedral coordinated BIII with a B-H bond. Bromination of the pyripentaphyrins with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) resulted in regioselective formation of 8-bromopyripentaphyrins, which were dimerized to 8,8'-linked dimers by reductive coupling with Ni(cod)2. While all these pyripentaphyrins are nonaromatic, they exhibit characteristic broad absorption bands at long wavelength near the NIR region, indicating the presence of effective macrocyclic conjugation.