Light Absorption Mechanisms Research Articles

Patterned 3D-graphene for self-powered broadband photodetector

The remarkable ultra-wideband energy capabilities of zero-bandgap two-dimensional (2D) graphene have made it an outstanding material for photon absorption and charge carrier generation across a broad spectrum. However, atomically thick 2D-graphene only exhibits a light absorption efficiency of 2.3%, posing a challenge for graphene-based photodetectors to harness photon energy effectively. This study utilized plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition technology and a mask to create in situ patterned 3D-graphene/Si-based Schottky heterojunctions. The porous structure and natural nano-resonant cavities of the 3D-graphene enhanced the probability of light absorption, while the curved and sharp edges and corners of the patterned 3D-graphene concentrated the local electromagnetic field and induced localized surface plasmon resonance. Both theoretical and experimental analyses confirmed the improved light absorption mechanisms and charge transfer of photogenerated carriers under the built-in electric field. The photodetector based on the patterned 3D-graphene/Si Schottky structure exhibits excellent broadband response characteristics spanning from 380 to 1550 nm, with responsivity and specific detectivity of 68.47 A/W and 1.43 × 1012 Jones at a wavelength of 1550 nm. Furthermore, the photodetector demonstrated ultrafast microsecond-level response times (116/120 μs rise/fall times) along with exceptional stability and reliability. The potential applications of as-fabricated photodetector include logic devices such as “AND” and “OR” gates and information encryption. This research holds valuable scientific significance for the design of future optoelectronic devices and provides crucial insights and technical support for developing high-performance Si-based graphene detectors.

Rapid Determination of the Optimum Thickness of Doped TiO2 Nanotubes Layer by Local Photoelectrochemistry and Operando Properties Extraction by Data Modeling.

In this work, the optimal thickness of TiO2, M‐doped, N‐doped, and (M:N) codoped TiO2 (with M = Nb or Ta) nanotubes (NTs) for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is determined, in one step through local photoelectrochemical analysis of electrodes with variable thickness of the photoactive material. A simple anodization method allows the growth, on a single electrode, of aligned doped TiO2 nanotubes whose length gradually changes from 0 to 15 μm. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) as a function of the NTs film thickness is measured using a small beam of UV or visible light to scan the surface and locally trigger the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The results provide the optimal NT layer thickness for each type of doped TiO2‐NTs and demonstrate that if the (M:N) codoped TiO2‐NTs have the best activity in the visible region, the optimal layer thickness is reduced compared to TiO2 or M:doped TiO2‐NTs. Additionally, by fitting the data with a model that incorporates charge carrier transfer and light absorption mechanisms in the film, it becomes possible to evaluate in operando the interfacial charge transfer, absorption coefficient or majority carrier mean path which are important properties of semiconducting (SC) materials for PEC applications.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Surface absorption channels in light absorption by a 2D-material-coated particle

Light absorption enhancement in micro- and nanoparticles has garnered considerable attention through coated 2D materials, which are physically homogenized by surface conductivities and surface currents within the electromagnetic boundary conditions. However, the electromagnetic absorption through the surface channel remains unexamined, hindering a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of light absorption. In this work, we analytically derive the effective cross sections of surface absorption for a 2D-material-coated sphere, based on the framework of Mie theory amended by the surface conductivity. Our theoretical analysis confirms the absorption unitarity in wrapped particles, whereby the total absorption is equivalent to the sum of surface and volume absorptions. Considering optical dispersion of a polar interior, we identify a blue shift in the resonance wavelength induced by the 2D coating, which leads to a decrease in material dissipation and thus volume absorption within the particle itself in spite of a large field enhancement inside the particle. Finally, through a realistic case of small graphene-wrapped MgO spheres, we illustrate the dominant role of the surface absorption channel on the mechanism of absorption enhancements.

Enhancing Photocatalytic Degradation via the Synergetic Effect of Vacancies and Built-In Potential in a BiOCl/BiVO4 p-n Heterojunction.

Photoinduced charge separation and surface reactions are essential for ensuring high quantum efficiency of the photochemical and photophysical processes. BiVO4-based heterojunctions are promising materials for high-performance photocatalysts; however, their photocatalytic performance is significantly lower than the theoretical limit due to the sluggish water oxidation dynamics and rapid recombination of charge carriers on the catalyst surface. To address these issues, oxygen vacancies (OVs) are introduced to a rationally designed BiVO4-based heterojunction using built-in potential and gradient OVs to promote the separation of carriers and increase the photocatalytic activity. The heterojunctions with OVs exhibit a 2-fold increase in the photocatalytic activity for phenol degradation compared with that of pristine BiVO4. Additionally, density functional theory is applied to elucidate the synergistic mechanism of light absorption and charge separation in BiOCl/BiVO4 p-n heterojunction photocatalysts containing vacancies. The obtained results demonstrate a synergistic effect of vacancies and the built-in potential, providing a pathway for defect engineering in photocatalytic processes.

The Visible Light Absorption Mechanism for Cubic Zirconia by Cobalt‐Ion Implantation

To investigate the effect of Co ions on the visible light absorption mechanism of cubic zirconia, Co ions are doped into colorless cubic zirconia with an ion implantation method and related heat treatment is performed. The elemental content, the role of Co, and the types of O elements in cubic ZrO2 are also analyzed utilizing the data from UV–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Based on the experimental results, the contribution of Co implantation on the visible light absorption of cubic zirconia is calculated from the electronic structure and related optical properties according to the density functional theory. The study results show that the colorless cubic ZrO2 is blue in color after ion implantation and then fades after 1400 °C heat treatment. Thus, the visible light absorption and the spectroscopic characteristics are related to the oxygen vacancy and the d‐orbital transition of Co ions.

2D/2D Janus BiTeCl/GeSe vdW heterostructure as a robust high-performance S-scheme photocatalyst for water splitting

Two-dimensional (2D) S-scheme van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures (HSs) have aroused much interest as advanced photocatalysts due to their strong redox ability and light utilization. In this work, we have proposed a 2D/2D vdW HS composed of Janus BiTeCl monolayer (ML) and GeSe ML, and systematically investigated its photocatalytic performance using first-principles calculations. Our results show that the HS exhibits an appropriate electronic band in which the existence of intrinsic built-in electric field from GeSe ML to BiTeCl ML enhances the separation of photo-induced electron-hole pairs and certifies a S-scheme mechanism in the HS. Furthermore, the optical and electronic properties of the HS are nearly independent of either biaxial or uniaxial strain, showing robustness of the HS applied in an ever-changing environment. Notably, the HS can achieve spontaneously solar-driven water splitting and exhibits an enhanced solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency up to 19.27 % owing to its S-scheme mechanism and wide range of light absorption with high absorption coefficient. Our results give insights to the structure, electronic and photocatalytic properties of 2D/2D Janus BiTeCl/GeSe vdW HS and may provide a promising S-scheme photocatalyst for overall water splitting.

Light-induced strain and its correlation with the optical absorption at charged domain walls in polycrystalline ferroelectrics

Photostrictive materials have a growing interest because of their great potential as light-driven actuators, among other optomechanical applications. In this context, the optical control of macroscopic strain in ferroelectrics has recently attracted remarkable attention as an effective alternative to the conventional electric control of strain. Here, a clear correlation between optical absorption and light-induced strain in polycrystalline BaTiO3 is shown. Specifically, the grain size and the sample thickness dependence of optical absorption when the material is irradiated with energy photons lower than the band gap evidence that light absorption at charged domain walls is the core of the observed photo-response in ferroelectrics. The photoinduced electronic reconstruction phenomenon is proposed as the primary physical mechanism for light absorption at charged domain walls. Results open a new pathway to designing ferroelectric-based devices with new functionalities like thickness gradient-based photo-controlled nanoactuators.

Characterization of water−soluble brown carbon in atmospheric fine particles over Xi'an, China: Implication of aqueous brown carbon formation from biomass burning

Brown carbon (BrC) aerosols can affect not only the climate but also human health, however, the light absorption, chemical compositions, and formation mechanisms of BrC are still uncertain, which leads to uncertainties in the accurate estimation of its climate and health impacts. In this study, highly time − resolved brown carbon (BrC) in fine particles was investigated in Xi'an using offline aerosol mass spectrometer analysis. The light absorption coefficient (babs365) and mass absorption efficiency (MAE365) at 365 nm of water−soluble organic aerosol (WSOA) generally increased with oxygen−to−carbon (O/C) ratios, indicating that oxidized OA could have more impacts on BrC light absorption. Meanwhile, the light absorption appeared to increase generally with the increases of nitrogen−to−carbon (N/C) ratios and water−soluble organic nitrogen; strong correlations (R of 0.76 for CxHyNp+ and R of 0.78 for CxHyOzNp+) between babs365 and the N − containing organic ion families were observed, suggesting that the N − containing compounds are the effective BrC chromophores. babs365 correlated relatively well with BBOA (r of 0.74) and OOA (R of 0.57), but weakly correlated with CCOA (R of 0.33), indicating that BrC in Xi'an was likely to be associated with biomass burning and secondary sources. A multiple linear regression model was applied to apportion babs365 to contributions of different factors resolved from positive matrix factorization on water-soluble organic aerosols (OA) and obtained MAE365 values of different OA factors. We found that biomass-burning organic aerosol (BBOA) dominated the babs365 (48.3 %), followed by oxidized organic aerosol (OOA, 33.6 %) and coal combustion organic aerosol (CCOA, 18.1 %). We further observed that nitrogen−containing organic matter (i.e., CxHyNp+ and CxHyOzNp+) increased with the increase of OOA/WSOA and the decrease of BBOA/WSOA, especially under high ALWC conditions. Our work offered proper observation evidence that BBOA is oxidized through the aqueous formation to produce BrC in Xi'an, China.

Visible-Light-Control of Dielectric Permittivity in Ferroelectrics with Charged Domain Walls

Optical control of functional properties in ferroic materials is now a highly appealing topic because it may entail different paradigms for future technologies. In ferroelectrics, in particular, controlling the properties with light implies noncontact external control of the material's functionality, thereby opening a pathway for developing the next generation of photocontrolled devices. Recently, experimental observations have demonstrated that the dielectric permittivity of charged-domain-wall ferroelectrics can be easily modulated by visible light. However, because of the wide band gap of ferroelectric materials, the physical origin of this phenomenon is still controversial. Here, the photoinduced electronic reconstruction mechanism is proposed as the primary light-absorption mechanism in charged domain walls, allowing an understanding of the origin of the visible-light control of dielectric permittivity in ferroelectric materials.

Targeted differential photostimulation alters reproductive activities of domestic birds.

Modern poultry production systems use environmentally controlled houses providing only artificial illumination. The role of light in reproduction of poultry depends on light quality (photoperiod, intensity/brightness, and spectrum), which enables us to provide custom-made illumination, targeted for the elevation of reproductive activities. Artificial targeted illumination significantly affects poultry reproduction. This phenomenon is based on the mechanism of light absorption in birds, which consists of two main components: the eye (retinal photoreceptors) and brain extraretinal photoreceptors. Several experiments on turkey hens and broiler breeder males and females have shown that photostimulation of brain extraretinal photoreceptors, while maintaining retinal photoreceptors under non-photostimulatory conditions, elevates reproductive activity by increasing egg production of hens and semen quality of roosters. In addition, we found acceleration in all gonadal axis parameters, leading to the acceleration in the production rate. Furthermore, we studied the role of retinal activation in gonadal axis suppuration and identified the role of serotonin in this phenomenon. As for today, several broiler breeder farms use targeted illumination based on our studies with excellent results.

Recent trends in Bi-based nanomaterials: challenges, fabrication, enhancement techniques, and environmental applications.

One of the most enticing approaches to environmental restoration and energy conversion is photocatalysis powered by solar light. Traditional photocatalysts have limited practical uses due to inadequate light absorption, charge separation, and unknown reaction mechanisms. Discovering new visible-light photocatalysts and investigating their modification is crucial in photocatalysis. Bi-based photocatalytic nanomaterials have gotten much interest as they exhibit distinctive geometric shapes, flexible electronic structures, and good photocatalytic performance under visible light. They can be employed as stand-alone photocatalysts for pollution control and energy production, but they do not have optimum efficacy. As a result, their photocatalytic effectiveness has been significantly improved in the recent decades. Numerous newly created concepts and methodologies have brought significant progress in defining the fundamental features of photocatalysts, upgrading the photocatalytic ability, and understanding essential reactions of the photocatalytic process. This paper provides insights into the characteristics of Bi-based photocatalysts, making them a promising future nanomaterial for environmental remediation. The current review discusses the fabrication techniques and enhancement in Bi-based semiconductor photocatalysts. Various environmental applications, such as H2 generation and elimination of water pollutants, are also discussed in terms of semiconductor photocatalysis. Future developments will be guided by the uses, issues, and possibilities of Bi-based photocatalysts.

Large-area cactus-like micro-/nanostructures with anti-reflection and superhydrophobicity fabricated by femtosecond laser and thermal treatment

In the face of an energy shortage, exploring surfaces with excellent photothermal conversion ability to effectively utilize solar energy may alleviate it. In this paper, combining the femtosecond laser fabrication and thermal treatment, a cactus-like hierarchical structure is presented. Its morphology, composition, and geometrical size distribution are characterized. The properties of anti-reflection, photothermal conversion, and superhydrophobicity are experimentally confirmed. Furthermore, based on numerical simulation, the light absorption mechanism of the hierarchical structure is elucidated. In addition, the origin of wettability is also explained. This fast fabrication method presented here would promote the large-scale industrial application of laser-processed photothermal conversion surfaces.

Zig-zag Ag2S nanostructures for superior optical absorption and photoelectrochemical water splitting performance

Here, we report synthesis of Ag2S nanostructures of zig-zag geometry to achieve the improved photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting response for hydrogen generation. A two-step process was utilized for the fabrication of working electrodes. The synthesis of zig-zag nanorods was carried out using glancing angle deposition followed by sulfurization. The PEC performance was studied by varying the number of zig-zag arms of Ag2S. The as-prepared four arm Ag2S zig-zag electrodes exhibited superior optical absorption, as well as photocurrent density of 3.04 mA/cm2 (at 1 V vs Ag/AgCl), compared to one arm Ag2S nanorods with minimum charge transfer resistance at the semiconducting electrode/electrolyte interface. The improved photocurrent density of four arm Ag2S zig-zag nanorods electrode was attributed to increased optical trapping and hence, effective absorption of light due to its wavy structure. The theoretical simulations based on rigorous coupled wave analysis were performed to understand the light absorption mechanism for the zig-zag Ag2S nanorods structures. This work provides a simple and effective approach towards the development of an efficient PEC electrode by tuning the morphology of nanostructured materials.

The importance of Mie resonances in ultra-black dragonfish skin pigment particles

The ultra-black skin of the deep-sea dragonfish consists of small pigment particles which together provide optimal light absorption to prevent detection from bioluminescent predators or prey. The mechanism of light absorption in these pigment particles resembles the nanophotonic approaches to increase solar cell efficiency via Mie scattering and resonances. In this work, the Mie resonance responses of dragonfish pigment particles were investigated with finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations to elucidate the exact mechanism responsible for the ultra-black skin of the dragonfish. Ellipsoidal pigment particles were found to have superior light absorption over spherical pigment particles. The pigment particles were also shown to exhibit forward scattering, demonstrating an important feature for repeated light absorption in pigment-containing skin layers. Although this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the ultra-back skin of the dragonfish, the nanophotonic mechanisms proposed here are likely more general, and could be applied to photovoltaic light management designs and immunometric detection based on light extinction.

Exploring the variation of black and brown carbon during COVID-19 lockdown in megacity Wuhan and its surrounding cities, China

Absorbing carbonaceous aerosols, i.e. black and brown carbon (BC and BrC), affected heavily on climate change, regional air quality and human health. The nationwide lockdown measures in 2020 were performed to against the COVID-19 outbreak, which could provide an important opportunity to understand their variations on light absorption, concentrations, sources and formation mechanism of carbonaceous aerosols. The BC concentration in Wuhan megacity (WH) was 1.9 μg m−3 during lockdown, which was 24% lower than those in the medium-sized cities and 26% higher than those in small city; in addition, 39% and 16–23% reductions occurred compared with the same periods in 2019 in WH and other cities, respectively. Fossil fuels from vehicles and industries were the major contributors to BC; and compared with other periods, minimum contribution (64–86%) mainly from fossil fuel to BC occurred during the lockdown in all cities. Secondary BrC (BrCsec) played a major role in the BrC light absorption, accounting for 65–77% in WH during different periods. BrCsec was promoted under high humidity, and decreased through the photobleaching of chromophores under higher Ox. Generally, the lockdown measures reduced the BC concentrations significantly; however, the variation of BrCsec was slight.

Optical modeling of high-performance GaAs based photodetector with periodic right triangular texturization on nanopillar arrays structure

The high spectral responsivity of a photodetector depends upon proficient light absorption. In this respect, surface reflectance possesses a serious threat to the effective light absorption mechanism resulting in poor quantum efficiency. This paper presents an analytical investigation of a GaAs based periodic right triangular cut textured vertical nanopillar structural model deployed over a 50 μm × 50 μm planar front detector’s surface in reducing surface reflectivity. The geometrical analysis of the proposed model exhibits a 99.9% absorbance and 0.85 A W−1 photoresponsivity at 0.8 μm operating wavelength with a mere 0.5 μm depletion width.

Targeted differential illumination improves reproductive traits of broiler breeder males

Artificial targeted illumination has a pivotal role in reproductive processes of poultry. The light-absorption mechanism in birds consists of 2 main components: the eye (retinal photoreceptors) and extraretinal photoreceptors located in the brain. Previous studies conducted on hens have shown that photostimulation of brain extraretinal photoreceptors elevates reproductive activity, whereas retinal photostimulation suppresses it. We tested the effect of targeted differential photostimulation (TDP) on reproductive activities of broiler breeder males. Fifty broiler breeder roosters (Ross), 21 wk of age, were divided into 5 environmentally controlled light-treatment rooms (n = 10) equipped with individual cages. Rooms 1 and 2 had 2 parallel lighting systems consisting of red light (630 nm) and green light (514 nm), and rooms 3 and 4 had parallel red and blue (456 nm) lighting systems. Room 5, illuminated with white light, served as the control. Birds of all groups were kept under short day (6L:18D) for 2 wk with both lighting systems in each treatment room turned on. At 23 wk of age, birds were photostimulated by gradually increasing one of the lighting systems to 14 h of light in each room, while the other lighting system was left on short day (6L:18D). Weekly semen samples were collected until 65 wk of age and analyzed for volume, motility, concentration and vitality. Monthly blood samples were drawn for plasma hormone assays. At 65 wk of age, roosters were euthanized and hypothalamus, pituitary gland, retina and testes samples were taken for mRNA expression analysis. TDP using long-day red light and short-day green light significantly increased reproductive performance, manifested by higher semen volume, motility and concentration, and testis weight; furthermore, this group had higher plasma testosterone levels, higher GnRH mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, lower levels of aromatase in the testes, and lower mRNA expression of hypothalamic serotonin transporter, and of pituitary prolactin and its receptors in the testes. This is the first study showing a positive effect of TDP on reproduction of broiler breeder roosters.

Porous cauliflower-like molybdenum disulfide/cadmium sulfide hybrid micro/nano structure: Enhanced visible light absorption ability and photocatalytic activity

Micro-/nanostructured materials can control the diffraction and propagation of light, thereby providing new optical properties that can be exploited to enhance photocatalytic processes. In this work, a series of the cauliflower-like MoS2/CdS hybrid micro-/nanostructures is synthesized. These structures contain numerous cracks and pores that can enhance the absorption and utilization of light as well as shorten the distance for transferring photogenerated electrons to the catalyst surface. The results of ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance absorption spectra show that the composite material has enhanced absorption in the visible light region. Further investigation of the optical characteristics of the synthesized materials using a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation reveals that the cauliflower-like micro-/nanostructure increases the optical absorption intensity at the MoS2/CdS interface. Notably, the MoS2/CdS hybrid micro-/nanostructures exhibits high photocatalytic hydrogen production activity (9.5 mmol g−1 h−1) and long-lasting cycle stability. This work helps us to further understand the enhancement mechanism of light absorption and utilization by porous structural materials.

Synergistic effect in a two-phase laser procedure for production of silver nanoparticles colloids applicable in ophthalmology

This paper reports on the production of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a water solution based on a two-phase pulsed laser procedure in view of therapeutic ophthalmological applications requiring AgNPs size of ≤10 nm with a narrow size distribution. Nanoparticles of this size scale are capable of penetrating the complex ocular barriers, thus ensuring effective non-invasive drug delivery to the retina. Moreover, the ocular irritation, which is currently associated to the conventional ocular drug administration routes, would be avoided.In the first phase, AgNPs larger than 20 nm were fabricated via laser ablation of a Ag target in water by irradiation with the fundamental wavelength (λ = 1064 nm) generated by a Nd:YAG laser. During the second phase, to reduce the mean size of the as-obtained nanoparticles and properly adjust the size distribution, the water colloids were additionally irradiated with the ultraviolet harmonics (355 nm and 266 nm) of the same laser source. The effect of the key laser parameters - wavelength, fluence and laser exposure time - upon the nanoparticles morphology was studied. The most suitable post-ablation treatment of initial colloids was obtained by a consecutive irradiation with the third (λ = 355 nm) and the fourth (λ = 266 nm) harmonics of the fundamental laser wavelength. By using this approach, a synergistic effect between two mechanisms of light absorption by AgNPs was induced. As a result, contaminant-free colloids of AgNPs with sizes of less than 10 nm and quite a narrow size distribution with a standard deviation of 1.6 nm were fabricated.The toxic effect of the as-produced AgNPs on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans was explored. The most efficient action was reached against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.A potential application was proposed of the synthesized AgNPs colloidal aqueous solutions with antimicrobial action as a non-invasive method for ocular infections prevention and treatment.

Effective strategy to achieve a metal surface with ultralow reflectivity by femtosecond laser fabrication

An effective and simple method is proposed for fabricating the micro/nano hybrid structures on metal surfaces by adjusting femtosecond laser fluence, scanning interval, and polarization. The evolution of surface morphology with the micro/nano structures is discussed in detail. Also, the mechanism of light absorption by the micro/nano hybrid structures is revealed. Compared with the typical periodic light-absorbing structures, this type of micro/nano hybrid structures has an ultralow average reflectivity of 2% in the 250–2300 nm spectral band and the minimum 1.5% reflectivity in UV band. By employing this method, large areas of the micro/nano hybrid structures with high consistency could be achieved.