Characterization Of Optical Properties Research Articles

Determination of zooplankton absorption spectra and their potential contribution to ocean color

Zooplankton are keystone organisms that provide a critical link between primary production and higher-order predators in the marine food web, as well as facilitating the sequestration of carbon within the ocean. In this context, there is considerable interest in the detection of zooplankton swarms from satellite ocean color signals. However, for this to be possible, accurate inherent optical property characterization of key zooplankton groups is first required. In this study, spectral absorption properties of six epipelagic zooplankton groups have been measured using what we believe to be a novel serial addition technique carried out with a Point Source Integrating Cavity Absorption Meter. The measured absorption spectra were used to model the impact of each group on remote sensing reflectance signals and determine a concentration threshold that would generate a distinguishable signal from ocean color data. Results indicate that the spectral shape of absorption did not vary much between species, with most organisms showing a peak at around 480 nm, characteristic of the pigment astaxanthin. Conversely, the magnitude of absorption did vary considerably between species, with larger organisms typically producing stronger absorption signals than smaller species. Thus, detection thresholds also varied for each group measured and were additionally influenced by background constituents within the water column. The calculated concentration thresholds indicate the feasibility of identifying zooplankton from ocean color, but owing to the spectral similarity in absorption properties, knowledge of in situ populations would be required to determine species abundances from satellite signals.

Ultrabroadband Optical Properties of 2D Titanium Carbide MXene.

MXenes have rapidly ascended as a prominent class of two-dimensional (2D) materials, renowned for their distinctive optical and electrical properties. Despite extensive exploration of MXenes' optical properties, existing studies predominantly focus on the near-infrared (NIR) to the ultraviolet spectral range, leaving the mid-infrared (mid-IR) range relatively uncharted. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive characterization of the intrinsic optical properties of Ti3C2Tx MXene across an ultrabroadband spectral range, spanning from mid-IR (28 meV) to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV, 6.4 eV). For this purpose, Ti3C2Tx MXene films of varying thicknesses were coated on quartz substrates, resulting in two distinct categories: thin film samples with thicknesses below 50 nm and bulk-like samples with thicknesses exceeding 500 nm. Using spectroscopic ellipsometry, we analyzed the optical properties of films of various thicknesses and extracted detailed information on their dielectric functions. Our findings reveal resonances in the mid-IR to VUV range. Employing the Lorentz-Drude model to examine these resonances has uncovered the optical resistivity of MXene films and led to the identification of multiple plasmonic modes active in the visible to NIR range, as well as broad band-to-band transition-like resonances in the mid-IR range. This ultrabroadband optical versatility of Ti3C2Tx MXene is anticipated to bring about a wide range of thermal and optical applications.

Synthesis and Characterizations of Structural, Dielectric and Optical Properties of CCTO– PT Composite

In this study, we have synthesized the (1-x) CaCu3Ti4O12 – (x) PbTiO3 (CCTO-PT) composites with x = 0.00, 0.50 and 1.00 by using the solid-state method. We have then studied the structural, optical and dielectric properties of these composites. The X-ray diffraction diffractogram (XRD) showed that the ceramics at x = 0.00 and 1.00 (CCTO and PT) crystalize in a pure cubic and tetragonal phase respectively. Likewise, for CCTO-PT composite, we observed a coexistence of tetragonal and cubic phase in CCTO-PT composite composites. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed homogeneous microstructure samples and consist of different grain shape. The large spherical grain structure is attributed to CCTO ceramic while the smaller grain form can be ascribed to the PT ceramic. The dielectric measurements results revealed an increase in dielectric permittivity value for CCTO-PT composite compared with pure CCTO and PT. The optical band gaps of the CCTO and PT are 2.50 and 3.00 eV, and increased to 3.50 eV for the CCTO/PT composite.

Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using soybean byproducts: applications in catalysis

AbstractThis study demonstrates the feasibility of extracting lecithin from oil industry byproducts in an eco‐friendly manner, with minimal use of water and without harmful chemicals. Liposomes can be generated directly from this extracted lecithin, enhancing the value of these byproducts and enabling the production of catalytic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Thin‐layer chromatography of the extracted lecithin revealed a phospholipid composition primarily consisting of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, and surface tension studies demonstrated similar behavior between the extracted and commercial lecithin. Liposome formation using sustainable lecithin (LPn) resulted in structures that were stable for at least 10 days, exhibiting a low polydispersity index (0.395) and uniform size (approximately 214 ± 7 nm). Gold nanoparticles were synthesized successfully in LPn loaded with [HAuCl4] by using different photoreduction methods: ultraviolet (UV) lamp, pulsed laser 355 nm, and sunlight irradiation. The AuNPs exhibited characteristic sizes (ranging from 5.03 to 6.78 nm) and optical properties typical of nanoparticles, including a distinct surface plasmon resonance. As a proof of concept, we also demonstrated that the synthesized AuNPs exhibited catalytic activity in UV‐induced cis‐trans isomerization reactions. Overall, the study highlights the potential of sustainable soy lecithin extraction for diverse applications, including nanoparticle synthesis and catalysis.

Optimization of cubic SrZrO3 perovskite oxides under varying stress conditions for high-performance optoelectronic devices: a DFT study

PurposeThe study highlights our findings, including the confirmation of phase stability through XRD analysis, the characterization of optical properties revealing high absorption and conductivity and the analysis of mechanical stability through elastic constants. Additionally, we present detailed results on the band gap, EELS analysis and the suitability of SrZrO3 perovskite oxides for next-generation optoelectronic devices.Design/methodology/approachCubic SrZrO3 perovskite oxides were designed within the framework of density functional theory (DFT) via the CASTEP code under varying stress conditions (0–100 GPa), aiming to explore the key properties for diverse applications. The phase stability was confirmed by XRD analysis. From 0 to 40 GPa, there is an increase in the band gap from 3.330 to 3.615 eV, while it narrows from 3.493 to 3.155 eV beyond 60 GPa. The optical characteristics revealed high absorption, superior conductivity and a lower loss function. Significantly, the elastic constants (C11, C12 and C44) satisfy the Born-stability criterion, ensuring the mechanical stability of the compound. Additionally, the Poisson’s ratio, Pugh ratio (B/G), Frantsevich ratio, Cauchy pressure (PC) and anisotropy factor ensured both ductile and anisotropic characteristics. Higher values of Young’s modulus and shear modulus signify a superior ability to withstand longitudinal stresses. In the EELS analysis, distinctive energy-loss peaks resulting from absorption and emission correlated with diverse electronic transitions and energy levels associated with Sr, Zr and O atoms are used to probe the precise exploration of the electronic and optical characteristics of materials with a high degree of accuracy. Based on these findings, the designed SrZrO3 perovskite oxides are particularly suitable for applications in various optoelectronic devices.FindingsCASTEP codes were utilized to design the cubic SrZrO3 perovskite under varying stress conditions ranging from 0 to 100 GPa. The phase stability was confirmed through XRD analysis. A distinctive trend in the band gap was observed: an increase from 3.330 eV to 3.615 eV as the stress increased from 0 to 40 GPa and a decrease from 3.493 to 3.155 above 60 GPa. A higher absorption and conductivity and a lower loss function were found for the optical properties. The mechanical stability was ensured by elastic constants (C11, C12, and C44) satisfying the Born-stability criteria. Additionally, the Poisson’s ratio, Pugh’s ratio (B/G), Frantsevich ratio, Cauchy pressure (PC) and anisotropy factor were used to verify the ductility and anisotropy of the materials. Higher values of Young’s modulus and shear modulus indicate a superior ability to withstand longitudinal stresses. EELS analysis revealed distinctive energy-loss peaks associated with Sr, Zr and O atoms, enabling precise exploration of the electronic and optical characteristics with a high degree of accuracy. As expected, the designed SrZrO3 perovskite oxides exhibit favorable properties, making them particularly suitable for next-generation optoelectronic devices.Originality/valueIn this study, we utilized DFT within the CASTEP code framework to investigate the properties of cubic SrZrO3 perovskite oxides under varying stress conditions ranging from 0 to 100 GPa. Our research aimed to explore the key properties of SrZrO3 for diverse applications, particularly in optoelectronic devices.

Design and characterization of structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of CrxMo1-xS2 alloys for advanced material applications

Design and characterization of structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of CrxMo1-xS2 alloys for advanced material applications

Synthesis of Ag-Doped Lanthanum Nanoparticles using Simple Wet Chemical Process in Alkaline Medium; and Characterization of Optical, Morphological and Structural Properties

The manufacturing of doped semiconductor Ag2O.La2O3 (Ag-La) nanoparticles (NPs) in an alkaline medium at 60–70 °C is described in this paper, utilising a straightforward wet chemical procedure. Numerous tools are used to characterise Ag-La NPs, such as ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis.), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD). An X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the Ag-doped Nps are polycrystalline in nature and crystallise in a hexagonal phase with crystallites oriented in various directions. The morphology of the particles shows layers of aggregation of different sized and shaped nanosheets. Studies on their optical properties, however, have revealed that absorption takes place in the 270–291 nm range and that the transmission value, which ranges from 30 to 64%, is influenced by the temperature during annealing. An increase in annealing temperature results in a corresponding drop in band gap energy, from 4.27 to 4.10 eV.

Growth, characterization, spectroscopic examination and computational analysis of optical properties of 3-Carboxypropanaminium DL-tartrate single crystal

Growth, characterization, spectroscopic examination and computational analysis of optical properties of 3-Carboxypropanaminium DL-tartrate single crystal

Wide‐Bandgap RBa3(B3O6)3 (R = Nd, Sm, Tb, Dy, and Er) Single Crystals for Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optics

AbstractDiscovery of new materials with enhanced optical properties in the visible and UV‐C range can impact applications in lasers, nonlinear optics, and quantum optics. Here, the optical floating zone growth of a family of rare earth borates, RBa3(B3O6)3 (R = Nd, Sm, Tb, Dy, and Er), with promising linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties is reported. Although previously identified to be centrosymmetric, the X‐ray analysis combined with optical second harmonic generation (SHG) assigns the noncentrosymmetric P space group to these crystals. Characterization of linear optical properties reveals a direct bandgap of ≈5.61–5.72 eV and strong photoluminescence in both the visible and mid‐IR regions. Anisotropic linear and nonlinear optical characterization reveals both Type‐I and Type‐II SHG phase matchability, with the highest effective phase‐matched SHG coefficient of 1.2 pm V−1 at 800‐nm fundamental wavelength (for DyBa3(B3O6)3), comparable to β‐BaB2O4 (phase‐matched d22 ≈ 1.9 pm V−1). Laser‐induced surface damage threshold for these environmentally stable crystals is 650–900 GW cm−2, which is four to five times higher than that of β‐BaB2O4, thus providing an opportunity to pump with significantly higher power to generate about six to seven times stronger SHG light. Since the SHG arises from disorder on the Ba‐site, significantly larger SHG coefficients may be realized by “poling” the crystals to align the Ba displacements. These properties motivate further development of this crystal family for laser and wide bandgap NLO applications.

Promoting surface lattice oxygen and oxygen vacancy of CeO2 for photothermal methane dry reforming over Ni/CeO2 catalysts

The ever-increasing concentrations of CH4 and CO2 result in the greenhouse effect around the world. It’s meaningful to transform the gases for environment protection. In this work, we studied photothermal methane dry reforming over Ni/CeO2 catalysts by shaping CeO2 to nanorods and nanosheets, converting the greenhouse gases to syngas and trying to resolve challenges of Ni sintering and carbon deposition in the reaction. Through characterizations of physicochemical and optical properties, the surface lattice oxygen and oxygen vacancy were verified being more promoted on the nanorods catalysts than on the nanosheets catalysts, giving the greater reforming performance. The irradiation of visible-light accelerated CH4/CO2 rates, which was originated from that the photoelectrons reduced CO2 and the holes oxidized CHx. The oxygen vacancy strengthened metal-support interaction limiting Ni sintering, and the surface lattice oxygen gasified carbon precursors decreasing carbon deposition. The synergism between thermocatalysis and photocatalysis on the optimized 5Ni/CeO2 nanorod catalyst contributed to CH4 and CO2 rates up to 204 μmol/(gcats) and 245 μmol/(gcats), respectively, at 973 K, and carbon deposition less than 0.5 wt%. These were much superior to most reported performance. The work provided a novel photothermal approach for significantly decreasing carbon deposition in methane dry reforming.

First-Principle Characterization of Structural, Electronic, and Optical Properties of Tin-Halide Monomers.

The growing interest in tin-halide semiconductors for photovoltaic applications demands in-depth knowledge of the fundamental properties of their constituents, starting from the smallest monomers entering the initial stages of formation. In this first-principles work based on time-dependent density-functional theory, we investigate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of tin-halide molecules SnXn 2-n, with and X=Cl, Br, I, simulating these compounds in vacuo as well as in an implicit solvent. We find that structural properties are very sensitive to the halogen species while the charge distribution is also affected by stoichiometry. The ionicity of the Sn-X bond is confirmed by the Bader charge analysis albeit charge displacement plots point to more complex metal-halide coordination. Particular focus is posed on the neutral molecules SnX2, for which electronic and optical properties are discussed in detail. Band gaps and absorption onset decrease with increasing size of the halogen species, and despite general common features, each molecule displays peculiar optical signatures. Our results are elaborated in the context of experimental and theoretical literature, including the more widely studied lead-halide analogs, aiming to contribute with microscopic insight to a better understanding of tin-halide perovskites.

Novel FeOOH-decorated La-doped Bi4O5I2 microspheres for boosting photocatalysis-Fenton synergy degradation of emerging contaminants

Photocatalytic-Fenton synergistic degradation of pollutants in wastewater is considered a promising technology for environmental treatment. Herein, FeOOH quantum dots decorated La-doped Bi4O5I2 hybrids were prepared using an in-situ deposition strategy and applied for the removal of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. The FeOOH-1/La10-Bi4O5I2 sample exhibits the highest catalytic activity in degradation experiments, eliminating 93.8 % of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine within 30 min at a reaction rate constant of 0.117 min−1. In addition, the impacts of several operational parameters on the catalytic activity were comprehensively examined, including H2O2 concentration, catalyst dosage, reaction solution pH and co-existing ions. In degradation process of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, the major reactive oxygen species are ·OH and ·O2–, with ·OH generated by Fenton reaction. Optical property characterization, cyclic voltammetry tests, and photoelectrochemical measurements confirmed that the FeOOH-1/La10-Bi4O5I2 composite has excellent light absorption capacity, abundant active centers, and excellent carrier separation efficiency. Finally, the degradation mechanism of FeOOH-1/La10-Bi4O5I2 composites for 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine is rationally discussed based on experimental and theoretical calculations. This study presents a fresh design idea for developing bismuth oxyhalide-based composites with high activity.

Study on structural and optical properties of Tb3+ co-doped Au glasses for green optical application

This report investigates the structure and optical properties of Tb3+ co-doped Au glasses, with a focus on their applicability in green luminescent optical behavior. The study of Tb3+ co-doping in the presence of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) within glass matrices. The starting materials include SiO2, Al2O3, B2O3, CaO, Sb2O3, Na2O, K2O, SnO2, SeO2, Tb2O3, and AuNPs. Glass fabrication employs the conventional melt quenching technique, followed by comprehensive characterization of physical, optical, luminescence, and structural properties. The density values reported for the glass, ranged from 2.8269 to 2.8359 g/cm3, molar volume was 26.3382 to 26.2591 cm3/mol, and refractive index was 1.5438–1.5526. The absorption spectra consist of three absorption bands that are located at 524, 1894, and 2178 nm and are assigned to 7F6 → 5D4, 7F6 → 7F0,1,2, and 7F6 → 7F3, respectively. Photoluminescence (PL) and radioluminescence (RL) show similar trend and the optical properties are scrutinized using a spectrofluorometer. Size of the nanoparticle was evaluated and show around 8–16 nm and interplanar distance showing 2.1 Å. This study underscores the potential of Tb3+ and Au co-doped materials as promising for green optical applications.

Investigation of Ripple Formation on Surface of Silicon by Low-Energy Gallium Ion Bombardment.

Regular wave patterns were created by a 2 kV gallium ion on Si(111) monocrystals at incidence angles between 60° and 80° with respect to the surface normal. The characteristic wavelength and surface roughness of the structured surfaces were determined to be between 35-75 nm and 0.5-2.5 nm. The local slope distribution of the created periodic structures was also studied. These topography results were compared with the predictions of the Bradley-Harper model. The amorphised surface layers were investigated by a spectroscopic ellipsometer. According to the results, the amorphised thicknesses were changed in the range of 8 nm to 4 nm as a function of ion incidence angles. The reflectance of the structured surfaces was simulated using ellipsometric results and measured with a reflectometer. Based on the spectra, a controlled modification of reflectance within 45% and 50% can be achieved on Si(111) at 460 nm wavelength. According to the measured results, the characteristic sizes (periodicity and amplitude) and optical property of silicon can be fine-tuned by low-energy focused ion irradiation at the given interval of incidence angles.

Comprehensive characterization of structural, optical and electrical properties of CdS thin films annealed in air and vacuum

Comprehensive characterization of structural, optical and electrical properties of CdS thin films annealed in air and vacuum

Experimental and DFT investigations of Al-doped ZnO nanostructured thin films

Al doped ZnO thin films at different concentrations have been successfully synthesized, characterized experimentally, and investigated theoretically by density functional theory (DFT). The crystal structure analysis was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. Wurtzite structures of a single phase with a preferred orientation along the (002) plane are obtained. The surface morphology has been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) which showed homogeneous and compact surfaces with spherical shape grains that change to a wave like nematic structure with increasing Al doping rate. For a complete characterization, experimental and theoretical analysis of optical and electrical properties have been done using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, the four-probe method, electronic band structure and density of states calculations, and the Boltz-Trap code based on the semi classical theory of Boltzmann. Both, experimental and theoretical, studies indicate an increase in gap energy with high transparency in the visible region and electrical conductivity improvement due to a non-localized state around the Fermi level. The experimental and theoretical studies agree well and show a similar tendency of the results. Therefore, these properties of Al-doped ZnO open a new avenue for optoelectronic and photonic device applications.

Transparent high entropy garnet ceramics by SPS

High entropy or multi-principles component oxides as a new class of materials have been widely investigated for various applications due to their unique properties and multi-functionalities in recent years. In this study, a high entropy transparent ceramics ((Gd0.2Tb0.2Y0.2Lu0.2Yb0.2)3Al5O12) has been fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) using co-precipitation synthesized powders. The powder preparation process was studied by TAG-DSC and FTIR. The phase structure, morphology, and element distribution of the obtained powder and ceramic samples are explored by XRD, SEM, and EDS mapping. It shows that the high entropy oxide (HEO) ceramic powder has a pure garnet phase, nanoparticle size, and homogenous elements distribution. The sintered ceramic exhibits the highest in-line transmittance in the visible and IR range of approximately 52 % at 700 nm and 74 % at 3.6 μm, respectively. In addition, characteristic optical properties of the final ceramics were demonstrated by photoluminescence spectroscopy. This work indicated that high-entropy garnet transparent ceramics with multi-wavelength emissions will provide more possibilities for multifunctional optical applications in the future.

Characterization of Optical, Thermal, and Viscoelastic Properties of Pollenkitt in Angiosperm Pollen Using In-Line Digital Holographic Microscopy.

Pollen grains are remarkable material composites, with various organelles in their fragile interior protected by a strong shell made of sporopollenin. The outermost layer of angiosperm pollen grains contains a lipid-rich substance called pollenkitt, which is a natural bioadhesive that helps preserve structural integrity when the pollen grain is exposed to external environmental stresses. In addition, its viscous nature enables it to adhere to various floral and insect surfaces, facilitating the pollination process. To examine the physicochemical properties of aqueous pollenkitt droplets, we used in-line digital holographic microscopy to capture light scattering from individual pollenkitt particles. Comparison of pollenkitt holograms to those modeled using the Lorenz-Mie theory enables investigations into the minute variations in the refractive index and size resulting from changes in local temperature and pollen aging.

Transient optical properties change and dense plasma dynamics during water breakdown induced by ultrashort laser pulses

We propose a nonlinear transient coupling model to study the plasma dynamics during the interaction between ultrashort laser pulses and water. We conduct a quantitative characterization of the transient optical properties, energy deposition, and dense plasma dynamics in water with near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses by simulating the spatiotemporal coupling of the laser field with the plasma while calculating the time-varying relative permittivity. The results show that the free electron density in the dense plasma exceeds ≈1.0×1026 m−3, the plasma will move in the reverse direction of the laser pulse propagation, and the velocity is related to the incident laser intensity. An empirical model is established to quantify this reverse movement of dense plasma in the laser field taking into account the energy deposition. We also validate our coupling model by comparing the breakdown thresholds with experimental results and find excellent agreement.

Seasonal characterization of chemical and optical properties of water-soluble organic aerosol in Beijing

Water-soluble organic aerosol (WSOA) plays a crucial role in altering radiative forcing and impacting human health. However, our understanding of the seasonal variations of WSOA in Chinese megacities after the three-year clean air action plan is limited. In this study, we analyzed PM2.5 filter samples collected over one year (2020−2021) in Beijing to characterize the seasonal changes in the chemical and optical properties of WSOA using an offline aerosol mass spectrometer along with spectroscopy techniques. The mean mass concentration of WSOA during the observation period was 8.84 ± 7.12 μg m−3, constituting approximately 64–67 % of OA. Our results indicate the contribution of secondary OA (SOA) increased by 13–28 % due to a substantial reduction in primary emissions after the clean air action plan. The composition of WSOA exhibited pronounced seasonal variations, with a predominant contribution from less oxidized SOA in summer (61 %) and primary OA originating from coal combustion and biomass burning during the heating season (34 %). The mass absorption efficiency of WSOA at 365 nm in winter was nearly twice that in summer, suggesting that WSOA from primary emissions possesses a stronger light-absorbing capability than SOA. On average, water-soluble brown carbon accounted for 33–48 % of total brown carbon absorption. Fluorescence analysis revealed humic-like substances as the most significant fluorescence component of WSOA, constituting 82 %. Furthermore, both absorption and fluorescence chromophores were associated with nitrogen-containing compounds, highlighting the role of nitrogen-containing species in influencing the optical properties of WSOA. The results are important for chemical transport models to accurately simulate the WSOA and its climate effects.