Photonic Structures Research Articles

Efficiency Investigation and Modeling of an Ultra Thin-film CIGS Solar Cell using WxAMPS

The highly efficient CIGS thin-film solar cell is numerically investigated in this paper using solar simulator software wxAMPS (Analysis of Microelectronic and Photonic Structures). WxAMPS is a customized simulation software package mainly used for photovoltaic cells, which supports quick data input and enhanced visualization with its improved user interface. Copper–indium–gallium–diselenide Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) is a semiconductor material with chalcopyrite crystal structure that has high conversion efficiency and structural stability. CIGS model- ZnO: Al/ZnO/CdS/CIGS/Mo/substrate is mainly experimental research that considers the physical characteristics, dimensions, and thicknesses of the different layers. The bilayer window and absorber layer with different thicknesses are the critical factors that influence solar cell performance. The bilayer window concept can assist in reducing the loss at the window layer. In this paper, through the numerical simulation, the highest conversion efficiency was achieved, 18.7%, with an optimum bandgap of 1.12 eV with 3000 nm thickness of the absorber layer under AM 1.5G.

Design and analysis of graphene-based PBG and EBG array antennas for wideband and multiband mm-wave applications

This paper presents a graphene-based PBG, EBG array antenna design with 40 × 40 mm2 dimensions for wide and multiband applications. The corporate CPW (Coplanar Waveguide) feeding technique is integrated with the ring, meander line, and periodic staircase with a slot pattern and augmented by conductive graphene for Electromagnetic Band Gap and Photonic Band Gap structures on the opposite side. This integration significantly enhances antenna performance, manifesting in superior radiation properties, increased gain, enhanced directivity, and resonating behavior with return loss of 16.4, 21.7, and 22.45 27.0, 25.3 dB in range of 24–25.25 GHz, 26.29–28.1 GHz, and 28.8–35.95 GHz and five bands with return loss of 26.1 , 21.1 , 22.2 , 31 , and 15.5 dB in range of 25.28–26.25, 28.1–29.4, 30.7–33.5, 34–35.5, 36.2–40.0 GHz that covers wideband and Multiband applications concerning PBG and EBG structures, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed antennae exhibit peak gains of 8 dBi at 26.53 GHz and 9 dBi at 32 GHz, corresponding 86.1% and 79.4% peak efficiencies and ensure robust circular polarization at resonating notches cover the mm-Wave 5G frequency bands n257, n258, n259, n260, and n261 for 5G applications, supporting ultra-fast data rates and low-latency communication with ground-based radio navigation applications.

All-optical simultaneous OR and AND optical logic gates based on nonlinear photonic crystal ring resonator

Abstract An all-optical simultaneous OR and AND logic gates using the nonlinear Kerr effect and ring resonator based on a two-dimensional photonic crystal are proposed in this paper. The proposed structure has a resonant wavelength of 1551.3 nm and a power consumption (1 kW/μm2). The proposed structure is suitable for all-optical photonic integrations because of its simplicity and small size (23 μm x 30.4 μm). Moreover, the structure executes two logic operations without requiring an additional spare/control signal through a single structure, making fabrication easy. The total footprint of the photonic crystal ring resonator structure measures approximately 699 μm². A very high contrast ratio of 26.10 dB and 25.34 dB is obtained for the OR and AND logic gates, with response times equal to 2 ps and 0.67 ps, respectively. In addition, the calculated bit rates for OR and AND logic gates are approximately 0.5 and 1.5 Tbps, respectively. Using the Rsoft CAD commercial software, the FullWAVE and BandSOLVE module of the software is used for numerical and theoretical investigation of the structure.

Picotesla optically pumped magnetometer using a laser-written vapor cell with sub-mm cross section

We demonstrate a sensitive optically pumped magnetometer using rubidium vapor and 0.75 amg of nitrogen buffer gas in a sub-mm-width sensing channel excavated by femtosecond laser writing followed by chemical etching. The channel is buried less than 1 mm below the surface of its fused silica host material, which also includes reservoir chambers and micro-strainer connections, to preserve a clean optical environment. Using a zero-field-resonance magnetometry strategy and a sensing volume of 2.25 mm3, we demonstrate a sensitivity of ≈1pT/Hz at 10 Hz. The device can be integrated with photonic structures and microfluidic channels with 3D versatility. Its sensitivity, bandwidth, and stand-off distance will enable detection of localized fields from magnetic nanoparticles and μL NMR samples.

Design and fabrication of photonic crystal structures by single pulse laser interference lithography

Photonic crystal (PhC) structures formed by periodic surface nanostructuring have emerged as pivotal elements for controlling light-matter interactions. One important application is reducing losses due to the high surface reflectivity of semiconductor optoelectronic devices, such as enhancing light absorption in photovoltaic cells or improving light extraction in light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Although various methods for fabricating such structures have been documented, the utilization of single pulse laser interference lithography (LIL) using commercial photoresist and its subsequent effective use as an etch mask has not been previously reported. Rapid exposure of photoresists with single nanosecond pulses offers benefits for high throughput patterning and reduces the requirement for a stable optical platform. We have successfully employed single pulse LIL to fabricate antireflective PhC structures on GaAs substrates using a commercial photoresist. Exposure is performed with single 7 ns 355 nm pulses of relatively low energy (<10 mJ). High-quality nanohole arrays of pitch of approximately 365 nm are fabricated and depths up to 400 nm have been etched using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) through the exposed photoresist mask. Reflectivity analyses confirmed that these structures reduce the average reflectance of the GaAs to below 5 % across the 450 nm to 700 nm visible wavelength range. The fabrication of PhC structures using this approach has potential for low-cost wafer-level patterning to provide improved light extraction in LEDs and enhanced light trapping in solar cells.

Refractive index sensing characteristics of PCF-SPR based on dual-plasmon materials

Abstract In this paper, a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) refractive index sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) with dual plasmonic materials (indium tin oxide and gold) is proposed. We innovatively designed a dual-core PCF structure and pore arrangement effectively enhancing the coupling effect. Using two different plasma materials, phase matching is achieved at two different wavelengths for the evanescent and surface plasmon waves, resulting in dual resonance peaks. The refractive index sensing is accomplished by measuring the dual-peak resonance shift, which expands the detection wavelength and RI detection ranges. The sensor can detect analytes with refractive indices ranging from 1.32 to 1.43 at wavelengths between 0.4 um and 1.4 um. We optimized the photonic crystal fiber structure and studied the sensing performance of the sensor, improving its sensitivity. Simulation results indicate that the designed PCF sensor exhibits outstanding maximum dual-peak shift sensitivity (DPSS), reaching up to 28,000 RIU-1, along with maximum amplitude sensitivity (AS) and wavelength sensitivity (WS) of 18,500 RIU-1 and 34,500 RIU-1, respectively, in the direction of y-polarization. Furthermore, the sensor achieves high resolution, and the figure of merit (FOM) values can reach up to 5.134×10-7 and 2758. Consequently, the proposed sensor can provide high-precision and extensive-range measurements of solution refractive indices within the visible and infrared light spectrum, and it holds potential application prospects in numerous fields, such as food safety testing and chemical substance detection.&amp;#xD;

Regularity through randomness: Bioinspired quasi-amorphous photonic structures for multilevel information encryption

The biological world has produced a wealth of complex photonic materials offering abundant design inspirations. However, creating these intricate photonic structures intertwining order, disorder, and hierarchical arrangements remains challenging. Achieving this necessitates nano-fabrication technologies capable of integrating intended macroscopic properties while accommodating microscopic variability or randomness, akin to the operational principles observed in biological organisms. Here, we present quasi-amorphous photonic structure (QAPS) patterns with regulated sophisticated visual effects through hierarchically distributions of photonic elements with engineered randomness. Enabled by an infiltration-assisted (IFAST) inkjet printing method, the visual appearances of QAPS patterns are precisely controlled by collective harnessing of nanoscale resonant scattering of colloids, mesoscale interferences, and macroscale light transporting. The QAPS patterns exhibit isotropic diffuse colors, unprecedented iridescence and enable multichannel encrypted information that can be selectively identified using specific filters at particular specular illumination angles. Additionally, the intricate infiltration fields confer high adjustability in colloidal assembly, offering sophisticated packing geometries and color distributions at the microscale, which can serve as physical unclonable security features. The exceptional structural complexity and optical versatility of QAPSs enable the integration of multilevel security features within a single system, providing a promising roadmap to achieve larger information capacity, multichannel cryptography, and enhanced encryption levels.

Design of photonic crystals for nanokelvin-resolution thermometry

High-resolution thermometry is key for the development of calorimeters, bolometers, and high-stability light sources, as well as for probing dissipation and transport in microelectronics and quantum devices. Achieving nanokelvin-level temperature resolution at room temperature requires using large optical cavities, which are unsuitable for microscale integration. Here we computationally design a one-dimensional photonic crystal Band Edge Thermometer that achieves significant temperature sensitivity by combining: (i) the abrupt variation in optical properties of a direct bandgap semiconductor at the band edge, and (ii) a large quality factor in a resonant photonic structure. Two devices are designed which are constructed from GaAs/AlAs and GaN/AlN multilayer structures. The optimal sensor design features an extremely large thermoreflectance coefficient of 60.6 K−1 and a thermal time constant of 1.1 µs, with a sensor thickness of only 6.7 µm. The projected thermometry noise floor is 84 nK.Hz-½ for the GaAs/AlAs sensor and 35 nK.Hz-½ for the GaN/AlN sensor. The designed sensor architecture is expected to enable a broad range of applications in microcalorimetry and bolometry where a high temperature resolution combined with microscale sensor footprint is required.

Fluorimetric Detection of Vapor Pollutants with Diketopyrrolopyrrole Polymer Microcavities.

The increasing prevalence and detrimental effects of volatile organic compounds are driving the need for selective on-site sensors that do not require complex sampling or instrumentation. Broadband selective sensors exhibiting selectivity based on their distinct response mechanism is becoming of increasing technological relevance in both industrial and urban settings. In this context, we propose a label-free sensor based on a polymeric planar microcavity embedded with a fluorescent organic dye, designed to detect various pollutants in the vapor phase. The sensor consists of alternating layers of cellulose acetate and poly(N-vinylcarbazole) and contains a polystyrene defect layer doped with a quadrupolar diketopyrrolopyrrole. Both the structural properties of the polymer microcavity and the dye in the defect layer contribute to the sensor's response to analytes, creating a dual-probe system where a single photonic element translates chemical signals into optical signals, namely, transmission and fluorescence spectral variations. The discrimination capability of the photonic structure arises from the physicochemical interactions between the analytes and the polymer components. To validate our approach, we evaluate the sensor's response to four distinct volatile molecules and investigate the mechanisms influencing the optical response.

Observation of multifunctional robust topological states based on asymmetric C4 photonic crystals

Recent advancements in high-order topological insulators have heralded new opportunities for the innovation and utilization of optical devices. This paper presents a composite asymmetric C4 photonic crystal to achieve multifunctional, robust topological states. Through detailed analysis of the fine changes in the topological bandgap induced by distortion parameters, we facilitate the realization of topological edge states in wavelength division multiplexing applications. We utilize both trivial and nontrivial properties of the topological bandgap to precisely manipulate zero-dimensional angular states, one-dimensional topological boundary states, and two-dimensional body states. Through simulations and experimental results, our advanced asymmetric C4 photonic crystal structure demonstrates superior robustness for the transmission of topological edge states. Our research paves the way for the deployment of more robust topological boundary state transmission systems and advances the application potential of higher-order topological states.

Frequency Division Multiple Access with High Performance Based on Several Defect Resonators According to the Fibonacci Sequence in 1D Photonic Star Waveguide Structure

Frequency Division Multiple Access with High Performance Based on Several Defect Resonators According to the Fibonacci Sequence in 1D Photonic Star Waveguide Structure

ZIF-8-CdS photonic crystal beads for slow photon effect induced enhanced photocatalysts

The unique periodic structure of photonic crystals demonstrates an effective slow photon effect that enhances the interaction between light and matter. This study designed and prepared MOF photonic crystal beads, and significantly improved the photocatalytic efficiency by utilizing the slow light effect. Utilizing microfluidic technology, ZIF-8 was self-assembled to form photonic crystal beads (PCB-Z) to enhance adsorption properties and light absorption. The surface of PCB-Z is modified with CdS to form a heterostructure (PCB-ZC), which widens the absorption spectrum, reduces the carrier recombination rate, and increases the specific surface area, while the photocurrent intensity of PCB-ZC is about 1.8 and 29 times that of CdS and PCB-Z. Under the combined effect of photonic crystal structure, ZIF-8/CdS heterojunction and slow photon effect, the degradation rate of Rhodamine B by PCB-ZC was 15.22 times higher than the disordered ZIF-8 powder, and the photocatalytic performance was significantly improved. The dominant role of holes in Rhodamine B degradation was confirmed by free radical trapping experiments and EPR tests. This research confirms that MOF-based photonic crystals can be assembled into periodic structures to enhance adsorption properties and light absorption, which provides a new paradigm for the development of MOF-based photocatalysts.

Highly sensitive one-dimensional Dielectric-Superconductor photonic crystal structure for low temperature sensing applications

The work proposed in this paper investigates the design and simulation of low temperature refractive-index (RI) sensor using one-dimensional photonic crystal (1D-PhC) structure. The bilayer stack is created using dielectric and superconductor materials. The dielectric material is assumed to be air and the superconductor considered is YaBa2Cu3O7. Compared to superconductor material, air’s RI is hardly affected by the temperature. The parameter perceived by the suggested sensor for precise temperature measurement in the region of 10 K to 90 K is thought to be the superconductor’s RI, which is a function of temperature. To the best of our knowledge, the structural characteristics have been precisely adjusted to increase sensor efficiency to a level never before seen in published research. According to the findings, the temperature sensitivity of 1.524 nm/K and the maximum RI sensitivity of 1079.42 nm/RIU are found in the proposed structure. Applications for bio-sensing are a good fit for the suggested sensing device.

Polymerization-induced highly brilliant and color-recordable mechanochromic photonic gels for ink-free patterning

Mechanochromic photonic crystals (MPCs) are extremely attractive since they can adjust their structural color by forces. However, the poor color saturation and color-recordability of conventional MPCs significantly limit their practical applications. Herein, a highly brilliant and color-recordable MPC gel (MPCG) has been fabricated by photopolymerizing the liquid photonic crystals with silica particles non-closely packed in acrylate, dichlorobenzene, and oleylamine. Photopolymerization induces elastic gradient non-close-packing structures and thus broad photonic bandgaps (>100 nm), resulting in 1) high color saturation despite possessing a small refractive index contrast (0.06), 2) remarkable mechanochromic properties, including a large wavelength tuning range (228 nm), fast responsiveness (8.8–10.3 nm/ms), and high sensitivity (4.4 nm/kPa), and 3) unconventional color-recordable properties. MPCGs were experimentally proved to be ideal rewritable papers for constructing multicolor and high-resolution patterns in an ink-free way, difficult for traditional MPC-based units. The unique working mechanism of polymerization-induced phase separation and thus continuous swelling and gelation, and precise design of materials and structures are the keys to MPCGs’ characteristics. This study paves a new way for constructing advanced stimulus-responsive photonic structures and will promote their applications in printing, display, anti-counterfeiting, etc.

Selective enhancement of deep ultraviolet luminescence in barium fluoride scintillators via photonic crystal structures

Selective enhancement of deep ultraviolet luminescence in barium fluoride scintillators via photonic crystal structures

Advancing the Coupling of III–V Quantum Dots to Photonic Structures to Shape Their Emission Diagram

AbstractThe development of optoelectronic devices based on III–V semiconductor colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) is highly sought after due to their reduced toxicity. While devices based on conventional CQDs (II–VI semiconductors, halide perovskites) have achieved impressive technological leaps since their discovery, the most mature of these compounds contain toxic heavy metal elements (Cd, Hg, or Pb), which are highly undesirable for safe industrial scale applications. The strong covalent bonds of III–V compounds like InP, InAs, or InSb prevent the release of their toxic atoms, making them safer. However, these same bonds create severe material constraints. Namely, their harsher reaction conditions and increased sensitivity to oxidation have kept most of the research focused on material development. Meanwhile, their integration into devices and their coupling to photonic structures lag behind. Here, the integration of InAs/ZnSe core‐shell CQDs is advanced. First, the material parameters necessary to design plasmonic gratings coupled to the CQDs are elucidated and those gratings are fabricated. Angle‐resolved spectroscopy shows that the plasmon modes successfully couple to the CQD layer's emission leading to a tunable directivity with a 15° linewidth. A 3‐fold increase of the PL signal is achieved at normal incidence, thus advancing toward the goal of efficient outcoupling in LEDs.

Anomalous Spectral Shift of Defect Modes of Multilayer Photonic Structure With Hybrid-Aligned Cholesteric

Anomalous Spectral Shift of Defect Modes of Multilayer Photonic Structure With Hybrid-Aligned Cholesteric

Modulation of optical force by adjusting the distance between three-layer photonic crystal slabs

Optical forces induced by polarization singularities from photonic crystal slabs (PCSs) have gained widely attention in recent years. To enhance the degree of freedom in controlling far-field optical forces, we propose and design a three-layer PCSs structure that simultaneously possesses multiple optical forces with reconfigurability. By modulating the interlayer spacing, the coupling strength between the slabs is regulated, resulting in a band transition from the nodal rings to the nodal ridge, which facilitates the generation of dual polarization vortices. These dual polarization vortices induce multiple phase singularities at their boundaries, leading to multiple optical force singularities, offering the possibility of capturing and dispersing nanoparticles. Interestingly, tuning the spacing among the slabs can transform the converging force into the diverging force at the center, therefore achieving particle screening. This work not only expands the application of nodal ridges to optical force in photonic structures but also provides a feasible approach for the generation of double-ring vortex beam in the nano-optics field.

Dispersion-free characterization of terahertz slab–waveguide modal confinement based on a metal Bragg grating structure

Photonic waveguide structures that use periodic metal grooves and periodically perforated metal slits (PPMSs) can laterally confine Sommerfeld and Zenneck surface waves of metals with the electric field accumulation among metal interspaces in the terahertz (THz) region, instead of the total internal reflection principle of dielectric slab media. For the efficiency enhancements of THz-wave coupling and slab–waveguide confinement, specific integrators with high refractive indices or specified for input angles of transverse magnetic polarized waves, such as prisms, metal blades, and waveguides, are requested to excite spoof surface plasmons in the THz region. However, the integrator-assembled slab–waveguides encounter challenges of THz pulse-wave communication in compact and low-distortion systems. A resonant waveguide grating structure based on PPMSs is experimentally demonstrated to confine THz lateral waves from the plane-wave radiation in free space. The open frame and periodic metal cavities of PPMSs can work as a slab–waveguide to transmit structural confined waveguide modes with forwarding evanescent waves of Fabry–Pérot resonance. For 0.1–1 THz waves, the short wavelengths that are both less than half the metal slit width and 3.75 times the metal thickness can lead to zero dispersion and the highest confinement factor in a slab–waveguide for PPMS-confined THz waves. This behavior is opposite to the high structural dispersion in confined THz waves of surface plasmonic devices.

Crafting Nanostructured Hybrid Block Copolymer-Gold Nanoparticles by Confined Self-Assembly in Evaporative Droplets.

Hybrid organic-inorganic nanostructures offer significant potential for developing advanced functional materials with numerous technological applications. However, the fabrication process is often tedious and time-consuming. This study presents a facile method for fabricating block copolymer-based photonic microspheres incorporating plasmonic gold nanoparticles. Specifically, the confined self-assembly of poly(styrene)-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) in emulsion droplets allows the formation of spherical, noniridescent, concentric lamellar structures, i.e., onion-like particles that are subsequently infiltrated with gold salt. Using ethanol as a preferential solvent allows the loading of metal ions exclusively into the poly(2-vinylpyridine) domains, which are subsequently reduced, leading to the in situ, spatially controlled formation of gold nanoparticles. The hybrid structures exhibit a well-defined photonic bandgap and plasmonic resonance at low gold concentrations. These results demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating optically active photonic structures comprising metal nanoparticles in a block copolymer array via a simple two-step fabrication process.