On-off Switching Research Articles

Polarization insensitive electrically reconfigurable meta-lens for the 2 µm wavelength

The conventional fiber communication band of 1.55 µm is reaching its limit attributable to the escalation in bandwidth requirements for high-speed and bulk data transmission. Researchers are exploring a 2 µm waveband for its higher capacity and low attenuation as a solution for the next generation communication technologies. Accordingly, here we report an optically engineered metasurface for this waveband for fiber coupling or lensing. The structure is polarization-insensitive and dynamically tunable between its reflective (OFF) and transmissive (ON) modes. For tunability, we incorporate a novel phase change material In3SbTe2 (IST) for its faster, non-volatile, and reversible metallic-to-insulator phase transition. The integration of indium tin oxide (ITO) as a micro-heater to electrically modulate the light by altering the phase of IST provides the device with additional functionality for point-of-care applications. Using the finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) technique, we have achieved a modulation depth of 90%. The focusing efficiency is as high as 76% and the ON-OFF switching ratio of the optimized lens is 26 dB. The multilayer insertion of thin IST ensures uniform phase transition with switching energy as low as 232.98 nJ/µm2. Thus, with remarkable performance at 2 µm and dynamic multifunctionality, our proposed device will revolutionize the upcoming telecommunication technologies and beyond.

High-performance photon-driven DC motor system

Direct current (DC) motors are crucial in drones, robotics, and electrical devices. Conventionally, the DC motor is driven by a switching electricity converter, which utilizes electrical energy to drive mechanical motion. However, the rapid on-off switching actions in the switching electricity converter would cause electromagnetic interference (EMI), impairing the functionality of drive systems. Here, we propose a photon-driven DC motor system based on photonic converter, which utilizes optical energy to drive mechanical motion, and therefore avoids EMI derived from electrical switching and immunizes against EMI during electrical energy transmission in conventional switching electricity-driven DC motor system. The operation principle and power modulation-based speed control are also presented for the proposed photon-driven DC motor system. The experiments demonstrate that the motor accurately follows the speed reference and withstands load disturbances. This innovation opens new potential for DC motor applications by improving electromagnetic compatibility.

Sliding catalysis for on-off switching of the hydrogen evolution reaction on two-dimensional van der Waals bilayers

Sliding catalysis for on-off switching of the hydrogen evolution reaction on two-dimensional van der Waals bilayers

Multi-Noncentrosymmetric Polar Order in 2D Hybrid Lead Chloride with Broadband Emission and High-Temperature Second-Harmonic Generation Switching.

Two-dimensional lead halide perovskites represent a fascinating class of hybrid semiconductors for solar cell, light-emitting, nonlinear optical (NLO), and ferroelectric applications. A notable subset within this category is luminescent ferroelectrics, which have garnered considerable attention for their potential in integrated photoelectronic devices. In this study, we employed an organic amine halogenation strategy (also referred to as halogen engineering), which is renowned for its efficacy in inducing polar order through crystal engineering. Consequently, we synthesized a layered Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) lead chloride comprising 3-chloropropylammonium cations (CPA+), with the chemical formula CPA2PbCl4. This compound features as many as four temperature-dependent crystal phases, with phase transitions observed at T1 = 353.1 K (343.9 K), T2 = 211.7 K (208.6 K), and T3 = 182.0 K (178.2 K) in the heating (cooling) cycles. Employing a multitechnique approach─including thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, dielectric and pyroelectric current measurements, Raman spectroscopy, and second-harmonic generation (SHG) studies─we determined the mechanisms of the structural phase transitions. Our findings demonstrate polar order of phase II (space group Cmc21), phase III (space group Pna21), and phase IV (space group Pca21), while also confirming the centrosymmetric nature of phase I (space group Cmce). X-ray diffraction data revealed that the I to II PT is of a ferroelectric nature, devoid of ferroelastic strain, a conclusion further supported by pyroelectric measurements. CPA2PbCl4 features negative linear thermal expansion and broadband emission, which transitions to white light above 180 K. Remarkably, CPA2PbCl4 also demonstrates high-temperature SHG on-off switching with a high contrast ratio of 300:1 along with good switching stability, as evidenced by SHG cycling studies at heating/cooling rates ranging from 5 to 50 K/min. This SHG study also sets new standards for the field of SHG switching by providing a method to quantify the thermal responsiveness of SHG-switchable materials using the treq (time requirement) parameter. Overall, our findings show that the halogenation strategy has led to the discovery of a rare example of an RP perovskite exhibiting coexistence of white-light emission, SHG on-off thermal bistability, ferroelectricity, and negative linear thermal expansion.

ON-OFF Switching of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Built-in Pt-Nitrogen-Carbon Reticular Heterojunctions.

COF engineering with a built-in, high concentration of defined N-doped sites overcomes the "black-box" drawback of conventional trial-and-error N-doping methods (used in polymeric carbon nitride and graphene), that hamper a directed evolution of functional carbon interfaces based on structure-reactivity guidelines. The cutting-edge challenge is to dissect the many complex and interdependent functions that originate from reticular N-doping, including modification of the material optoelectronics, band alignments, interfacial contacts and co-localization of active-sites, producing a multiple-set of effectors that can all play a role to regulate photocatalysis. Herein, an ON-OFF gated photocatalytic H2 evolution (PHE) is dictated by the Pt-NPyridine-carbon active sites and probed with a dual COF platform, based on stable β-ketoenamine connectivities made of triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) as the acceptor knots and 1,4-diaminonaphtalene (Naph) or 5,8-diaminoisoquinoline (IsoQ) as donors. Our results showcase two novel COF-Naph-Tp and COF-IsoQ-Tp frameworks featuring quasi-identical slip-stacked microporous structure, and similar surface area, band gap, light harvesting envelope up to 700 nm, fluorescence emission profile/lifetime, and PEIS response at the surface/water interface (Rct=16-10±4 KΩ). A divergent behaviour is indeed observed for COF-IsoQ-Tp with record photoelectrochemical outputs (J=-16 μA cm-2, Rt=3 KΩ at 0.40 V vs RHE) and two orders of magnitude higher rate of PHE (11.3 mmol g-1 h-1, λ>400 nm, pH 5) compared to the inactive COF-Naph-Tp analogue. It turns out that PHE is regulated by the isoquinoline residues at the COF pores where emergent Pt-NPyridine-carbon functional heterojunctions are formed upon photo-deposition of Pt nanoparticles as co-catalysts, as probed by combined XPS and DFT calculations evidence. This work sets a key guideline to direct the design of carbon-based materials encoding the installation of metal-nitrogen-carbon active sites within tailored coordination environments enabling the catalytic performance.

Identification of a robust bacterial pyranose oxidase that displays an unusual pH dependence

Pyranose oxidases are valuable biocatalysts, yet only a handful of bacterial pyranose oxidases are known. These bacterial enzymes exhibit noteworthy distinctions from their extensively characterized fungal counterparts, encompassing variations in substrate specificity and structural attributes. Herein a bacterial pyranose oxidase from Oscillatoria princeps (OPOx) was biochemically characterized in detail. In contrast to the fungal pyranose oxidases, OPOx could be well expressed in Escherichia coli as soluble, fully flavinylated and active oxidase. It was found to be highly thermostable (melting temperature >90 ⁰C) and showed activity on glucose, exhibiting an exceptionally low KM value (48 μM). Elucidation of its crystal structure revealed similarities with fungal pyranose oxidases, such as being a tetramer with a large central void leading to a narrow substrate access tunnel. In the active site, the FAD cofactor is covalently bound to a histidine. OPOx displays a relatively narrow pH optimum for activity with a sharp decline at relatively basic pH values which is accompanied with a drastic change in its flavin absorbance spectrum. The pH-dependent switch in flavin absorbance features and oxidase activity was shown to be fully reversible. It is hypothesized that a glutamic acid helps to stabilize the protonated form of the histidine that is tethered to the FAD. OPOx presents itself as a valuable biocatalyst as it is highly robust, well-expressed in E. coli, shows low KM values for monosaccharides and has a peculiar pH dependent “on-off switch”.

Bioinspired all-day adaptive radiative cooler with high-power cooling and efficient suppressing overcooling

This research presents a design in the bionic on-off switch layer and thermal insulation layer, crucial for the cooling power adjustment of the radiative cooler. The design features a change in the upper surface area of the on-off switch layer, inspired by the unfolding and folding behaviors of pinto peanut leaves in day and night, which enables high-power cooling during the day and suppresses overcooling at night. The introduction of a bulge-pit structure in the thermal insulation layer reduces the heat exchange between the cooler and the outside. The novelty of this research lies in the integration of a bionic design, an innovative bulge-pit structure, and an optimized polyacrylonitrile spinning layer on the surface of green balsa wood. The study examines the cooling properties of the cooler under simulated day and night conditions. Key findings reveal that day subambient radiative cooling of 6.6 °C, which is slightly better than a passive radiative cooler. At night, it elevates the ambient temperature by 3.4 °C compared to a passive radiative cooler. The total energy savings applied in a specified area for all day are estimated to reach up to 770 kJ. This design marks a significant advancement in the radiative cooling field.

Wide-angle reflection control with a reflective digital coding metasurface for 5G communication systems

Abstract Metasurfaces have attracted widespread attention in recent years due to their powerful electromagnetic wave manipulation capabilities. This paper proposes and validates a single-polarized, angle-adjustable reflective digital coding metasurface. Each unit cell achieves independent reflection phase control by loading a PIN diode for on-off switching. The unit’s design and coding scheme are carefully optimized to ensure the performance of the proposed reconfigurable metasurface. As a validation, a prototype consisting of 16×16 elements is fabricated and measured, with a control signal provided by a field-programmable gate array controller. Experimental results demonstrate angle control of up to ±60° in the frequency range of 3.4 GHz–3.6 GHz, a peak gain of 24.9 dBi in a single channel, and gain exceeding 10 dBi across a 200 MHz operational bandwidth. Furthermore, the performance is validated in a communication system, yielding positive results. The proposed reflective digital coding metasurface contributes to the advancement of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces and holds promise for widespread adoption in various communication scenarios.

An Acid-Responsive Fluorescent Molecule for Erasable Anti-Counterfeiting.

A tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivative, TPEPhDAT, modified by diaminotriazine (DAT), was prepared by successive Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and ring-closing reactions. This compound exhibits aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) properties in the DMSO/MeOH system, with a fluorescence emission intensity in the aggregated state that is 5-fold higher than that of its counterpart in a dilute solution. Moreover, the DAT structure of the molecule is a good acceptor of protons; thus, the TPEPhDAT molecule exhibits acid-responsive fluorescence. TPEPhDAT was protonated by trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), leading to fluorescence quenching, which was reversibly restored by treatment with ammonia (on-off switch). Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) computational studies have shown that protonation enhances the electron-withdrawing capacity of the triazine nucleus and reduces the bandgap. The protonated TPEPhDAT conformation became more distorted, and the fluorescence lifetime was attenuated, which may have produced a twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) effect, leading to fluorescence redshift and quenching. MeOH can easily remove the protonated TPEPhDAT, and this acid-induced discoloration and erasable property can be applied in anti-counterfeiting.

Anisotropic qubit-photon interactions inducing multiple antibunching-to-bunching transitions of photons

We investigate photon correlations in the open anisotropic quantum Rabi model via quantum dressed master equation. Multiple antibunching-to-bunching transitions are generally exhibited at deep-strong qubit-photon coupling, which becomes vanishing in the standard open quantum Rabi model. The observed two-photon statistics can be well described analytically within a few lowest eigenstates at low temperatures. It is revealed that the additional photon antibunching effect mainly originates from the selection rule of the correlation-measurement-induced eigenstate transitions. Furthermore, we also unravel the phenomena that higher-order correlation function lifts up dramatically once passing the crossing point of excited states, which is attributed to the on-off switch of dominant cooperative transition with level crossing. We hope these results may fertilize the analysis of the nonclassical photon statistics in anisotropic coupled qubit-photon systems.

Non-interleaved quad-channel metasurfaces for simultaneous nanoprinting and holography enabled by phase and bidirectional intensity modulation

Metasurfaces, with their unparalleled ability to manipulate light-field characteristics, have brought forth numerous advantages in ultra-compact and high-resolution image displays, particularly in multifunctional metadevices for simultaneous nanoprinting and holography. However, current efforts are hindered by challenges such as increased fabrication complexity, low efficiencies, or being confined to classic two/three-channel configurations, limiting their further applications. In this study, we propose a single-cell non-interleaved metasurface platform capable of simultaneously and independently generating two holographic images in the far field and two nanoprinting images in the near field. Through a spin-decoupled phase modulation, the metasurface can produce two far-field holographic images under orthogonal circularly polarized incidences. By fully unlocking the Malus's law-assisted bidirectional intensity modulation, the metasurface enables the reconstruction of two near-field nanoprinting images with two distinct orthogonal polarization optical setups as decoding keys. Moreover, the quad-channel metasurface we proposed exhibits broadband response and on-off binary switching performance enabled by the phase transition of Ge2Sb2Se4Te1. We envision that the proposed design paradigm opens up new possibilities for expanding the functionality and enhancing the capacity of metasurfaces without burdening their design, thereby paving the way for compact multifunctional optical devices in image display, information encoding, anti-counterfeiting, and other related fields.

A synthetic moving-envelope metasurface antenna for independent control of arbitrary harmonic orders

Flexible frequency controls are crucial in many photonic and electronic applications, ranging from communications systems, spectroscopy, and metrology to quantum information processing. However, the state-of-the-art solutions based on nonlinear bulk media, electro-optic effect, and nonlinear metasurfaces incur very limited spectral controllability, and merely a couple of harmonic orders can be independently manipulated. Here, we theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate synthetic moving-envelope metasurface antennas capable of simultaneously generating arbitrary harmonic orders and independently manipulating their wave properties in a software-defined manner. As proof-of-principle examples, we demonstrate unidirectional frequency transition, frequency comb generation, arbitrary harmonic orders independent control, and their applications in frequency-division multiplexing communications. All these complicated functionalities are achieved by the 1-bit spatiotemporally ON-OFF switching of meta-atoms of the waveguide-integrated metasurface antenna. Our proposed synthetic metasurface antenna solution greatly expands the frontiers of wave engineering and information manipulation, showing promising potential in wireless communications, spectroscopy, metrology, and quantum science.

Layer-by-layer assembly of Chitosan and Quince seed gum polyelectrolytes as a pH-responsive, on-off switchable multilayer film for controlled release of Ibuprofen

Polysaccharide-based multilayer films have shown substantial potential for drug delivery applications. In the meantime, researchers have been captivated by Quince seed gum (QSG) with a high content of acidic polysaccharides because of its versatile responsiveness to salts, pH, and solvents. Accordingly, polyelectrolyte multilayers using Chitosan (CS) and Quince seed gum (QSG) were constructed and the effects of assembly pH, salt concentration, and post-assembly pH were systematically investigated. It was evident that both mass per unit area (10,000 ng/cm2) and the wet thickness (107.8 nm) after the deposition of 5 bilayers were accurately estimated by the viscoelastic model due to the highly swollen state of films. Atomic force microscopy could feasibly demonstrate the development of globular structures during the layer-by-layer assembly. Ellipsometry analysis showed that the variation of assembly pH resulted in conformational changes from extended to coiled. Consequently, different optical thicknesses as well as transitions from exponential to linear growth were observed. Moreover, extrinsic charge compensation was responsible for coiling or extensive counterion screening of polyelectrolyte chains depending on the NaCl concentration. CS/QSG films displayed pH-stimulus responsive on-off switching behavior at pH 2 and 7.4 for 3 cycles. The constructed film could absorb 1200 ng/cm2 Ibuprofen within 60 min at pH 7.4. The in vitro release kinetics from Ibuprofen-loaded samples showed pH dependency. The CS/QSG multilayer film can be considered as a smart pH tunable system for drug loading/release applications.

Membrane protein MHZ3 regulates the on-off switch of ethylene signaling in rice

Ethylene regulates plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. However, the early signaling events following ethylene perception, particularly in the regulation of ethylene receptor/CTRs (CONSTITUTIVE TRIPLE RESPONSE) complex, remains less understood. Here, utilizing the rapid phospho-shift of rice OsCTR2 in response to ethylene as a sensitive readout for signal activation, we revealed that MHZ3, previously identified as a stabilizer of ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 2 (OsEIN2), is crucial for maintaining OsCTR2 phosphorylation. Genetically, both functional MHZ3 and ethylene receptors prove essential for OsCTR2 phosphorylation. MHZ3 physically interacts with both subfamily I and II ethylene receptors, e.g., OsERS2 and OsETR2 respectively, stabilizing their association with OsCTR2 and thereby maintaining OsCTR2 activity. Ethylene treatment disrupts the interactions within the protein complex MHZ3/receptors/OsCTR2, reducing OsCTR2 phosphorylation and initiating downstream signaling. Our study unveils the dual role of MHZ3 in fine-tuning ethylene signaling activation, providing insights into the initial stages of the ethylene signaling cascade.

Frequency reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna for multiband applications

Wireless communication technology is well-established, and several antennas have been developed and produced specifically for this purpose. However, antenna performance and communication system development need to be enhanced in order to adapt to the present era. The performance of the antenna is significantly influenced by its design. Thus, this work produced a novel wideband antenna design via the use of a frequency reconfigurable approach. In the recommended study, microstrip patch antennas (MPAs) were used in wideband applications to switch frequencies using shunt-series microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The suggested antenna, which has two switches built into it, is tested in ON-ON, OFF-ON, and OFF-OFF switching scenarios. Radiation pattern, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), gain, bandwidth, and return loss are among the antenna performance metrics used to assess the suggested antenna's performance in each switching situation. The simulation findings suggest that the optimal antenna design for usage in wireless communication systems is one that works well with a shunt-series MEMS switch.

Ultrafast Visual Detection of a Trace Amount of Water by Highly Efficient Hybrid Manganese Halides.

A quantitative water detection method is urgently needed in storage facilities, space exploration, and the chemical industry. Although numerous physical techniques have been widely utilized to determine the water content, they still suffer from many disadvantages such as highly expensive special instruments, complicated analysis processes, etc. Hence, a convenient, rapid, and sensitive water analysis method is highly desirable. Herein, we developed a visual fluorescence sensing technology for water detection based on reversible PL off-on switching of organic-inorganic hybrid zero-dimensional (0D) manganese halides. In this work, a family of hybrid manganese halides were synthesized through a facile solution method, namely, [NH4(18-Crown-6)]2MnBr4, [Ca(18-Crown-6)·3H2O](18-Crown-6)MnBr4, [NH4(dibenzo-18-Crown-6)]2MnBr4, and [Ca(dibenzo-18-Crown-6)·2H2O]MnBr4. Excited by UV light, these highly crystalline manganese halides exhibit strong green light emissions from the d-d electron transition of Mn2+ with near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield and submillisecond lifetime. Benefiting from the dynamic and weak ionic bonding interactions, these 0D manganese halides display reversible water-response on/off luminescence switching but fail in any other aprotic solvents. Therefore, these 0D hybrid manganese halides can be explored as ultrafast visual fluorescence probes to detect the trace amount of water in organic solvents with multiple superiorities of rapid response time (< 2 s), ultralow detection limit (9.71 ppm), excellent repeatability, etc. The reversible water-response luminescent on/off switching also provides a binary optical gate with advanced applications in anticounterfeiting and information security, etc.

When quantum dots meet blue phase liquid crystal elastomers: visualized full-color and mechanically-switchable circularly polarized luminescence

Polymer-based circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials with the advantage of diversified structure, easy fabrication, high thermal stability, and tunable properties have garnered considerable attention. However, adequate and precise tuning over CPL in polymer-based materials remains challenging due to the difficulty in regulating chiral structures. Herein, visualized full-color CPL is achieved by doping red, green, and blue quantum dots (QDs) into reconfigurable blue phase liquid crystal elastomers (BPLCEs). In contrast to the CPL signal observed in cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs), the chiral 3D cubic superstructure of BPLCEs induces an opposite CPL signal. Notably, this effect is entirely independent of photonic bandgaps (PBGs) and results in a high glum value, even without matching between PBGs and the emission bands of QDs. Meanwhile, the lattice structure of the BPLCEs can be reversibly switched via mechanical stretching force, inducing on-off switching of the CPL signals, and these variations can be further fixed using dynamic disulfide bonds in the BPLCEs. Moreover, the smart polymer-based CPL systems using the BPLCEs for anti-counterfeiting and information encryption have been demonstrated, suggesting the great potential of the BPLCEs-based CPL active materials.

Real-Time Detection of Multiple Intracellular MicroRNAs using an Ultrasound-Propelled Nanomotor-Based Dynamic Fluorescent Probe.

Multiple intracellular microRNA (miRNA) detection is essential for disease diagnosis and management. Nonetheless, the real-time detection of multiple intracellular miRNAs has remained challenging. Herein, we have developed an ultrasound (US)-powered nanomotor-based dynamic fluorescent probe for the real-time OFF-ON fluorescent determination of multiple intracellular miRNAs. The new probe relies on the utilization of multicolored quantum dot (QD)-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)/graphene oxide (GO)-coated US-powered gold nanowire (AuNW) nanomotors. The fluorescence of QDs is quenched due to π-π interactions with the GO. Upon binding to target miRNAs, the QDs-ssDNA is now distant from the AuNWs, resulting in effective OFF-ON QD fluorescence switching. Compared with conventional passive probes, the dynamic fluorescent probe enhances probe-target interactions by using the US-propelled nanomotor, resulting in exceptionally efficient and prompt hybridization. Simultaneous quantitative analysis of miR-10b and miR-21 in vitro can be achieved within 15 min with high sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, multicolor QDs provide strong signal intensity and multiplexed detection, enabling one-step real-time discrimination between cancer cells (A549) and normal cells (L02). The obtained results are in good agreement with those from qRT-PCR. This dynamic fluorescent probe based on a nanomotor and QDs enables rapid "on the move" specific detection of multiple intracellular miRNAs in intact cells, facilitating real-time monitoring of diverse intracellular miRNA expression, and it could pave the way for novel applications of nanomotors in biodetection.

Exact solution of the propagation of ON-OFF signals by dispersive waves

The propagation of ON-OFF signals with dispersive waves is examined in this study. An integral-form exact solution for a simple ON-OFF switching event is derived, which holds for any dispersion relation. The integral can be exactly calculated for two types of dispersion relations. Further, the analysis of these solutions shows that the ON-OFF signal propagates with the group velocity and that the boundary thickness of the signal increases with time, typically at a rate proportional to the square root of time, owing to dispersion. Additionally, an approximate solution for a general dispersion relation is derived, and for a higher-complexity ON-OFF switching pattern is constructed.

NATURALLY OCCURRING SWELLABLE POLYSACCHARIDES-BASED STIMULI-RESPONSIVE SMART TABLETS – A NEW WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY

Currently, synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers are widely used in the development of various drug delivery systems (DDSs), biomedical and surgical devices, and healthcare materials. However, many drawbacks and problems are associated with these polymeric materials, including toxicity, immunogenicity, non-biodegradability, non-biocompatibility, and complicated, costly synthesis. To address such drawbacks, nowadays, naturally occurring swellable polysaccharides (NOSPs) are being evaluated for the possible replacement of synthetic polymers. NOSPs have shown remarkable stimuli-responsive properties, which made them an ideal material to develop stimuli-responsive DDSs, especially “smart tablets”. The present review focuses on the summarization of stimuli-responsive properties (swelling, on-off switching, and drug release) of smart/stimuli-responsive tablets that respond to various stimuli, e.g., pH, solvent, transit, time, etc. This article highlights the need to develop NOSPs-based smart tablets for intelligent and targeted drug delivery.