Efficient Broadband Research Articles

A modified dumbbell-shaped highly efficient broadband multifunctional polarizer for X and Ku band applications

Abstract A novel metasurface offering polarization conversion characteristic in five bands is studied and developed in this paper. To provide the anisotropic feature to the structure, a diagonally placed tapered rod is combined with two semicircular stubs. Due to the controlling ability to convert horizontal to vertical polarization and vice versa, and linear to circular polarization (CP), it serves as a multifunctional polarization converter. Simulation results suggest that the proposed polarizer functions as cross polarizer over 4.74−5.12 and 9.12−13.48 GHz. Additionally, it exhibits a distinct type of rotational sense across 4.24−4.68, 5.24−8.64, and 13.72–15.14 GHz in its linear to CP conversion behavior. The axial ratio of the polarizer is well below 3 dB throughout overall CP bands due to the minimum tolerance level in reflection phases with respect to acceptable limits. Moreover, it is noticed that the sense of CP is left-handed in the first band while right-handed in the remaining two bands. Thus, the suggested polarizer has potential to be integrated with antennas for satellite, defense, industry applications for getting the desired type of polarization in the distinguished bands.

Toward Strong UV-Vis-NIR Second-Harmonic Generation by Dimensionality Engineering of Zinc Thiocyanates.

The precise modulation of the spatial orientations and connection modes of primitives is vital for certain critically important optical functions for nonlinear optical (NLO) materials (specifically, second-harmonic generation (SHG) and optical bandgap); however, we are yet to achieve a sufficient level of control for the designed construction of efficient broadband NLO materials. Exploiting the changes in microscopic polarization that may result from dimensional increase, we propose herein a zero-dimensional (0D)-to-three-dimensional (3D) dimensionality-increase strategy to realize strong broadband SHG responses for the first time. The novel 3D pseudo diamond-like Zn(SCN)2 has been synthesized by removing SHG-inactive [NH4]+ counter cations and H2O molecules that are located between the adjacent discrete [Zn(SCN)4] building blocks within the 0D (NH4)2Zn(SCN)4·3H2O. The 0D-to-3D dimensionality engineering, proceeding from (NH4)2Zn(SCN)4·3H2O to Zn(SCN)2, results in significantly enhanced SHG responses and efficient broadband activity (8 × KH2PO4 @ 1064 nm, 4.18 eV bandgap for the former c.f. 2 × β-BaB2O4 @ 380 nm, 30 × KH2PO4 @ 1064 nm, 2 × KTiOPO4 @ 2100 nm, 4.78 eV bandgap for the latter) from the UV to the NIR regions (SHG@300-1050 nm). Theoretical calculations and crystal structure analyses reveal that the coordination-bond-connected [Zn(SCN)4] building blocks within the diamond-like structure of Zn(SCN)2 are responsible for its giant broadband SHG responses.

An analytical dynamic stiffness method for efficient broadband vibro-acoustic analysis of complex built-up structures

An analytical modelling technique is presented, combining the dynamic stiffness method (DSM) with the spectral DSM (SDSM) for the broadband vibro-acoustic analysis of complex built-up structures. In particular, the structures are modelled exactly by the DSM based on particular solutions tailored for general acoustic or distributed force excitations; whereas the acoustic cavities are modelled by the SDSM where the boundary conditions are described by modified Fourier series with a rapid convergence rate. The vibro-acoustic coupling along the interfaces between the structures and the cavities is achieved by applying the normal velocity continuity condition, leading to a coupling matrix in an analytical manner. Both structural and acoustic cavity elements are assembled directly to model complex vibro-acoustic systems and no extra element discretization is required for both structural and acoustic domains. Consequently, the proposed method uses very few degrees of freedom (DoFs) but describes the broadband vibro-acoustic behaviour highly accurately. It is demonstrated that the proposed method exhibits a predominant advantage over the finite element package COMSOL in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. This approach also has the potential to serve as the benchmark for a wide range of vibro-acoustic problems.

Broadband acoustic metamaterial absorber

Constrained by the causality nature, it is a challenge to achieve low-frequency broadband efficient absorption via passive materials. By coupling local resonances as many as possible, broadband metamaterial absorbers can be realized. In this scenario, the coupling effect is crucial for improving the absorption efficiency. Here, we demonstrate a kind of acoustic metamaterial absorber capable of high-efficiency broadband absorption by optimizing the non-local coupling effect. Cascade neck-embedded Helmholtz resonator is designed as the subunit of the metamaterial absorber. By coupling 36 subunits, a metamaterial absorber is constructed with the aid of optimization algorithm. The simulation results suggest that strong non-locality is induced in the near field, which effectively suppresses the impedance oscillations and absorption dips at the antiresonance frequencies. Eventually, the presented metamaterial absorber realizes impedance matching to the air from 320 Hz to 6400 Hz, leading to efficient broadband absorption performance. The results and methodologies in this work reveal the significance of non-local coupling effect in coupled-resonant metamaterials.

Analytical modelling techniques for efficient broadband noise prediction of high-speed trains

Analytical modelling techniques are presented for broadband noise prediction of high-speed trains. For interior noise problems, train body structures are modelled exactly by the dynamic stiffness method (DSM); whereas the interior acoustic cavities of the train body are modelled by the SDSM where the boundary conditions are described by modified Fourier series with a rapid convergence rate. Finally, the vibro-acoustic coupling model of the train body structures is constructed. For exterior noise problems, exterior train noise models are first formed by experimental data considering the Doppler effect; then both the DSM and theoretical attenuation formulas are used to build noise radiation models for different external environment conditions. The performance of the method is evaluated by predicting the interior sound field distribution of typical cross sections of the train body and the external radiated noise in a tunnel, or in an environment where the acoustic barrier or buildings along railways exist. Numerical results are in good agreement with the those obtained by the finite element method. Thus, the proposed methods can achieve broadband noise prediction highly accurately and efficiently, which can also serve as the benchmark for predicting the radiated noise generated by high‐speed trains.

Robust and multifunctional polyimide composite foams via microsphere foaming towards efficient thermal insulation and broadband microwave absorption

Robust and multifunctional polyimide composite foams via microsphere foaming towards efficient thermal insulation and broadband microwave absorption

High Quantum Efficiency Broadband Near-Infrared LaTiSbO6:Cr3+ Phosphors

High Quantum Efficiency Broadband Near-Infrared LaTiSbO6:Cr3+ Phosphors

A dynamically switchable and tunable metamaterial device based on vanadium dioxide and Dirac semimetal

In this paper, a dual-function metamaterial device based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) and Dirac semimetal (DS) operating in terahertz (THz) frequency range is designed. The reversible phase transition properties of VO2 are exploited to achieve the dynamic switch between the function of broadband absorption and broadband polarization conversion. It is demonstrated that when VO2 is in the metallic state and the Fermi energy level () of DS is set to 30 the broadband absorption in the operating frequency range of 1.42-3.40 THz can be achieved, and its absorbance exceeds 90% with a relative bandwidth of 82.16%. When VO2 is in the insulating state and the of DS is set at 180 , the high efficient broadband polarization conversion can be obtained in the operating frequency range of 2.08-4.88 THz and the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) is greater than 90% with a relative bandwidth of up to 80.46%. Therefore, the proposed switchable dual-functional THz device can be extensively utilized in absorption, polarization conversion and other potential fields.

Design and investigation of indium tin oxide-based transparent broadband microwave absorbers

This paper presents the design of a novel wideband transparent microwave absorber based on indium tin oxide (ITO). The absorber adopts a multilayer structure, with the top layer composed of a nested square structure made of ITO material, an intermediate dielectric layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and a bottom layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) coated with ITO as the reflector. By optimizing structural parameters such as the thickness of the ITO film and the dimensions of the spacer layer, efficient broadband microwave absorption exceeding 90% is achieved within the frequency range of 2.43 to 5.67 GHz, while simultaneously meeting requirements for optical transparency and broadband performance. Simulation experiments and theoretical analyses demonstrate excellent polarization and incident angle stability of the absorber structure. Finally, samples are fabricated using screen printing technology, and free-space testing results are consistent with simulation predictions, validating the feasibility of the design.

A wavefront processing coding metasurface with independent dynamic control of circularly and linearly polarized

To address the current issue of complex coding metasurface structure and deficiency of independent phase control for distinct polarized light within the broadband range, we present a wavefront processing coding metasurface with independent dynamic control of circularly and linearly polarized. The results demonstrate that when VO2 is in the metallic state and circularly polarized (CP) is incident, the metasurface can achieve efficient broadband circular polarization conversion in the 0.48–1.19 THz range, with a relative bandwidth of 85.02 %. It can achieve full 0-2π phase coverage by leveraging the P-B phase principle. When VO2 is in the dielectric state and linearly polarized (LP) is incident, x-LP can attain full 0-2π phase coverage in the range of 1.54–1.60 THz and y-LP can reach full 0-2π phase coverage in the range of 0.65–1.05 THz, which can be adjusted independently. Through encoding and arranging the metasurface, abnormal reflection and vortex beam generation of different polarized light in the same device are realized.

Designing a high-efficiency broadband cyan phosphor for low-blue full-spectrum LED lighting

Efficient cyan-emitting phosphor plays an important role in the development of solid-state lighting, which is indispensable to filling the cyan gap for full-spectrum warm-white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) with high color rendering index (CRI). Herein, a novel highly efficient broadband cyan phosphor Ce3+-doped Ca3HfAl2Si2O12 (CHASO: Ce3+) garnet compound was developed by the substitution of Lu3+-Al3+ with Ca2+-Hf4+/Si4+ in Lu3Al5O12. The crystal structure and photoluminescence (PL) properties of CHASO: Ce3+ were investigated in detail. Notably, CHASO: Ce3+ phosphor can be effectively excited by violet light (390 – 430 nm) and exhibited bright cyan emissions around 490 nm with high PL internal quantum yields of 89.2 %. Moreover, the integrated PL intensity of the phosphor at 423 K was 66.3 % of that at room temperature. Finally, by incorporating CHASO: 11 %Ce3+ with commercial blue/yellow/red phosphor onto a violet LED chip (400 nm), the prototype full-spectrum WLEDs device exhibits warm white light with high color rendering index (CRI, Ra and R9 > 90) and low correlated color temperature 3301 K. These results suggest the highly efficient phosphor CHASO: Ce3+ is promising for low-blue full-spectrum healthy lighting.

Fe3+-doped broadband near-infrared phosphor with high quantum efficiency toward multifunctional pc-LEDs applications

A broadband near-infrared (NIR) luminescence that is comparable to chromium ions activated materials is fulfilled in Li3Sc2(PO4)3:Fe3+ phosphor, which is highly desired for environmental and biomedical applications due to the non-toxicity of Fe3+ ions. Structural and spectral analysis reveal that the broadband NIR emission peaked at 805 nm with a full width at half-maximum of 130 nm is derived from the non-selective two-site occupation of Fe3+ in the Sc3+ sites. A high internal/external quantum efficiency of 53 %/38.7 % is achieved via relaxing the selection rule for the forbidden 4T1(4G) → 6A1(6S) transitions of Fe3+ by larger lattice distortion. The influence of Fe3+ concentration and environment temperature on the broadband NIR luminescence properties of the as-prepared phosphors are also investigated. Finally, a NIR pc-LED prototype is fabricated and its electro-optical performance has guaranteed the applications in non-destructive detection and night vision. All the results have validated Li3Sc2(PO4)3 as a novel matrix system for access to highly efficient broadband NIR Fe3+-doping phosphor materials.

Harnessing complexity: Nonlinear optical phenomena in L-shapes, nanocrescents, and split-ring resonators.

We conduct systematic studies of the optical characteristics of plasmonic nanoparticles that exhibit C2v symmetry. In particular, we analyze three distinct geometric configurations: an L-type shape, a crescent, and a split-ring resonator shaped like the Greek letter π. Optical properties are examined using the finite-difference time-domain method. It is demonstrated that all three shapes exhibit two prominent plasmon modes associated with the two axes of symmetry. This is in addition to a wide range of resonances observed at high frequencies corresponding to quadrupole modes and peaks due to sharp corners. Next, to facilitate nonlinear analysis, we employ a semiclassical hydrodynamic model, where the electron pressure term is explicitly accounted for. This model goes beyond the standard Drude description and enables capturing nonlocal and nonlinear effects. Employing this model enables us to rigorously examine the second-order angular resolved nonlinear optical response of these nanoparticles in each of the three configurations. Two pumping regimes are considered, namely, continuous wave (CW) and pulsed excitations. For CW pumping, we explore the properties of the second harmonic generation (SHG). Polarization and angle-resolved SHG spectra are obtained, revealing strong dependence on the nanoparticle geometry and incident wave polarization. The C2v symmetry is shown to play a key role in determining the polarization states and selection rules of the SHG signal. For pulsed excitations, we discuss the phenomenon of broadband terahertz (THz) generation induced by the difference-frequency generation . It is shown that the THz emission spectra exhibit unique features attributed to the plasmonic resonances and symmetry of the nanoparticles. The polarization of the generated THz waves is also examined, revealing interesting patterns tied to the nanoparticle geometry. To gain deeper insight, we propose an analytical theory that agrees very well with the numerical experiments. The theory shows that the physical origin of the THz radiation is the mixing of various frequency components of the fundamental pulse by the second-order nonlinear susceptibility. An expression for the far-field THz intensity is derived in terms of the incident pulse parameters and the nonlinear response tensor of the nanoparticle. The results presented in this work offer new insights into the linear and nonlinear optical properties of nanoparticles with C2v symmetry. The demonstrated strong SHG response and efficient broadband THz generation hold great promise for applications in nonlinear spectroscopy, nanophotonics, and optoelectronics. The proposed theoretical framework also provides a valuable tool for understanding and predicting the nonlinear behavior of other related nanostructures.

Efficient broadband near-infrared emission based on copper-alloyed metal halides

Recently, metal halides have shown broad application prospects due to excellent electronic and optical properties. Although significant developments have been realized, the spectra range of their photoluminescence (PL) emission is mainly limited to the visible region. Near-infrared (NIR) emitting materials are widely used in the fields of night vision, biomedical imaging, non-destructive food inspection, etc. On this occasion, extending the luminescence scope of metal halides to NIR region is of great significance. Generally, NIR-emitted metal halides are realized through rare earth (RE) ions doping. However, RE luminescence usually have narrow-band characteristics, which makes it difficult to realize broadband NIR emission. In this study, we present an efficient broadband NIR-emitted metal halide CsAgBr2 through copper ions alloying, its emission locates at 830 nm with a large FWHM (full width at half maximum) of 332 nm. Theoretical calculations suggest that the incorporation of Cu+ could effectively modulate the density of states and enhance the localized characterization, which is beneficial to boost the PL efficiency. Furthermore, this material displays favorable structure stability under ambient conditions. This study demonstrates the great application potential of Cu+-alloyed CsAgBr2 in the field of NIR optical electronics.

Broadband light trapping in perovskite solar cells: Optimization and enhancement through exploiting multi-resonant Mie resonators

We present multi-resonant Mie resonators comprising dielectric nanopyramid arrays (DNPAs) for efficient broadband light trapping (LT) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Absorption in a 100 nm-thick active layer is significantly enhanced over a broad range of wavelengths through the simultaneous resonant excitation of electric and magnetic moments. Through optimization, a PSC integrated with a front-located DNPA LT structure having a base edge of 320 nm and a spacing of 180 nm at an aspect ratio of 1.5 yields a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 18.13 mA/cm2, which is about 29 % higher than that of a planar PSC. Multipole resonance contributions and radiation patterns of DNPs are also investigated. The spectral overlap of the multipole resonances of the DNPAs can be easily tuned, thereby providing performance enhancements in diverse applications, such as nanoantennas, metasurfaces, photodiodes, and other solar cells.

Terahertz-absorbing,dual-polarization converting supersurface structures based on the phase-change material VO2

Dynamically tunable multifunctional hypersurface structures have attracted the interest of researchers due to their good control of electromagnetic waves. Based on this, we have designed a dynamically tunable multifunctional hypersurface structure using the phase change material vanadium dioxide. By changing the state of vanadium dioxide, three functions of efficient broadband wave absorption, linear polarization conversion (LPC) and linear circular polarization conversion (LCPC) can be achieved. At room temperature, the hypersurface is used as a polarization converter to achieve broadband linear polarization conversion in the 0.903 THz range and line-circular polarization conversion with a total bandwidth of 0.608 THz in the 0.522 THz, 0.964 THz and 1.448 THz bands. When the temperature is raised to 68 °C, the hypersurface structure can be used as a broadband absorber, absorbing more than 90% of the incident wave in a wide frequency range of 1.348 THz and showing a large tolerance to variations in the angle of incidence and polarization. The electromagnetic field distribution is used to illustrate the absorption mechanism, and Stokes analysis is introduced to evaluate the polarization transition state. The designed structure can realize three electromagnetic modulation functions by changing the excitation conditions and can cover a wide range of frequency bands. Finally, we used coding to simulate the effect of loss on the wave absorption results in real applications and verified the stability of the structure. Our design provides new ideas for the development of terahertz communication and multifunctional integrated devices.

Broadband vibration isolation in cylindrical shells embedded with total reflection elastic meta-shells

In this research, we propose a pioneering conceptual design paradigm of elastic meta-shells for broadband elastic wave control in cylindrical shells. We theoretically reveal the mechanism for wave isolation in cylindrical shells, which arises from the closure of all transmission channels (i.e., total reflection) when 0th-order diffraction is the only remaining diffraction mode. In addition, to solve the dynamic coupling behavior between multi-order diffraction modes, we extend the acoustic mode-coupling theory to elastic waves in cylindrical shells. Based on the diffraction theory and multiple reflection effect, we construct a total reflection elastic meta-shell and numerically demonstrate efficient broadband elastic wave isolation in the frequency range of 5 k–7 kHz. Finally, the vibration isolation performance is experimentally verified by embedding a total reflection elastic meta-shell in a finite thin-walled cylindrical shell waveguide. Results confirm the feasibility of the elastic meta-shell design concept and its ability to achieve fully passive, high-efficiency, and broadband vibration isolation. Our vibration isolation strategy could broaden the applicable scope of elastic meta-structures and open new horizons for vibration isolation, mechanical energy filtering, and elastic wave signal processing in cylindrical shells.

Highly efficient broadband solar thermal absorber for domestic renewable energy solutions

With the invention of the photonics techniques, a new structural design for thermal energy absorber is designed which uses the multilayer structure to absorb the solar energy and this solar energy is converted to thermal energy which is possible to be utilized in industrial heating applications. The use of solar energy makes it a sustainable option to meet the high growing industrial output energy. Materials like Titanium (Ti), Titanium Carbide (TiC), Silicon (Si) are used for this purpose. The use of these materials makes it more cost-friendly compared to the other similar options. The higher absorption rate is achieved by optimizing the design layers. The flowchart for the optimization in materials as well as design is also shown in this research. The optimization makes the design more compact and handy for industrial use. The advantage of these designs over the other designs is the choice of materials as well as their compact size. The results are also analyzed for the wide angle of incidence and polarization. All the results obtained show that the design is highly efficient in the solar spectral range and can be a renewable energy option for industrial and domestic heating applications.

Second Harmonic Generation in Apodized Chirped Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate Loaded Waveguides Based on Bound States in Continuum

With the rapid development of optical communication and quantum information, the demand for efficient and broadband nonlinear frequency conversion has increased. At present, most single-frequency conversion processes in lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) waveguides suffer from lateral leakage without proper design, leading to an additional increase in propagation loss. Achieving broadband frequency conversion also encounters this problem in that there are no relevant works that have solved this yet. In this paper, we theoretically propose an efficient and flat broadband second harmonic generation (SHG) in silicon nitride loaded apodized chirped periodically poled LNOI waveguides. By using a bound states in the continuum (BICs) mechanism to reduce the propagation loss and utilizing the characteristic that the BICs are insensitive to wavelength, an ultra-low-loss wave band of 80 nm is realized. Then, by employing an apodized chirped design, a flat broadband SHG is achieved. The normalized conversion efficiency (NCE) is approximately 222%W−1cm−2, and the bandwidth is about 100 nm. Moreover, the presented waveguides are simple and can be fabricated without direct etching of lithium niobate, exhibiting excellent fabrication tolerance. Our work may open a new avenue for exploring low-loss and flat broadband nonlinear frequency conversion on various on-chip integrated photonic platforms.

Highly Efficient Broadband Ambient Energy Harvesting System Enhanced by Meta-Lens for Wirelessly Powering Batteryless IoT Devices

Highly Efficient Broadband Ambient Energy Harvesting System Enhanced by Meta-Lens for Wirelessly Powering Batteryless IoT Devices