Optical Composites, Nanophotonics and Metamaterials

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanophotonics Materials and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2024 | Viewed by 4888

Special Issue Editors

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Interests: nanophotonics; metamaterials; surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy

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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Interests: nanophotonics; metamaterials; surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy

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Guest Editor Assistant
National Key Laboratory of Special Environment of Composite Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
Interests: optical thin film; nanophotonics; metamaterials

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Guest Editor Assistant
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore 637371, Singapore
Interests: terahertz metamaterials; topological photonics; on-chip sensing; 3D printing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The realm of optical composites, nanophotonics, and metamaterials stands at the forefront of contemporary photonics research, representing a confluence of interdisciplinary pursuits that have significantly shaped the landscape of optical science and engineering. Optical composites, characterized by the amalgamation of diverse materials to engineer tailored optical properties, have emerged as a pivotal domain in the pursuit of advanced optical functionalities. Nanophotonics, on the other hand, delves into the manipulation of light at the nanoscale, leveraging the unique phenomena arising from the interaction of electromagnetic waves with nanostructured materials. Metamaterials, a paradigm-shifting development, involve the engineering of artificial structures with exotic electromagnetic responses unattainable in natural materials. The historical trajectory of these fields is deeply intertwined with seminal contributions from physics, materials science, and engineering disciplines, fostering groundbreaking innovations and transformative applications.

This Special Issue of Nanomaterials endeavors to encapsulate the forefront of research in optical composites, nanophotonics, and metamaterials, delving into a multifaceted exploration of the novel mechanisms underpinning optical devices. Encompassing a spectrum of disciplines, the scope extends to the ingenious design paradigms of optical metamaterials, unraveling their diverse applications in realms such as imaging, sensing, and stealth technology. Researchers are invited to contribute original investigations that elucidate emergent properties, fabrication methodologies, and theoretical frameworks propelling the field forward. Beyond fundamental advancements, the Special Issue aspires to showcase the pragmatic relevance of these optical composites, providing a platform for discussions of the integration of smart designs into real-world applications. Whether probing the intricacies of light–matter interactions at the nanoscale or unveiling breakthroughs in optical device processing, the scope of this Special Issue is defined by its commitment to advancing the boundaries of knowledge in optical science and materials engineering.

This Special Issue’s research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following areas:

  • Nanophotonic devices and mechanisms;
  • Advanced designs in metamaterials;
  • Optical composite fabrication;
  • Applications in imaging and sensing;
  • Optical biomedical and healthcare applications;
  • Optical energy harvesting and storage.

We are looking forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Hong Zhou
Guest Editor

Dr. Dongxiao Li
Dr. Liangge Xu
Dr. Zhonglei Shen
Guest Editor Assistants

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Keywords

  • optical composites
  • nanophotonics
  • metamaterials
  • nanofabrication
  • optical sensing
  • optical energy harvesting and storage

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2778 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Long-Term Memory in Carbon-Nanotube-Based Optoelectronic Synaptic Devices for Neuromorphic Computing
by Seung Hun Lee, Hye Jin Lee, Dabin Jeon, Hee-Jin Kim and Sung-Nam Lee
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181501 - 16 Sep 2024
Viewed by 696
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of spin-coating speed on the performance of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based optoelectronic synaptic devices, focusing on their long-term memory properties. CNT films fabricated at lower spin speeds exhibited a greater thickness and density compared to those at higher speeds. [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of spin-coating speed on the performance of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based optoelectronic synaptic devices, focusing on their long-term memory properties. CNT films fabricated at lower spin speeds exhibited a greater thickness and density compared to those at higher speeds. These denser films showed enhanced persistent photoconductivity, resulting in higher excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and the prolonged retention of memory states after UV stimulation. Devices coated at a lower spin-coating speed of 2000 RPM maintained EPSCs above 70% for 3600 s, outperforming their higher-speed counterparts in long-term memory retention. Additionally, the study demonstrated that the learning efficiency improved with repeated UV stimulation, with fewer pulses needed to achieve the maximum EPSC in successive learning cycles. These findings highlight that optimizing spin-coating speeds can significantly enhance the performance of CNT-based synaptic devices, making them suitable for applications in neuromorphic computing and artificial neural networks requiring robust memory retention and efficient learning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Composites, Nanophotonics and Metamaterials)
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12 pages, 3481 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Tunability of Dual-Band Chiral Metasurface in the Mid-Infrared Range via Slotted Nanocircuit Design
by Shengyi Wang, Hanzhuo Kuang, Wenjie Li, Yanni Wang, Hao Luo, Chengjun Li, Hua Ge, Qiu Wang and Bowen Jia
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(11), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110979 - 5 Jun 2024
Viewed by 924
Abstract
Multi-band circular dichroism (CD) response and tunability on the chiral metasurface are crucial for this device’s applications in sensing and detection. This work proposes a dual-band CD Au-CaF2-Au dimer elliptical metasurface absorber, where chiroptical sensing is realized by breaking the geometric [...] Read more.
Multi-band circular dichroism (CD) response and tunability on the chiral metasurface are crucial for this device’s applications in sensing and detection. This work proposes a dual-band CD Au-CaF2-Au dimer elliptical metasurface absorber, where chiroptical sensing is realized by breaking the geometric symmetry between two ellipses. The proposed metasurface can achieve high CD values of 0.8 and −0.74 for the dual-band within the 3–5 μm region, and the CD values can be manipulated by independently adjusting the geometric parameters of the metasurface. Furthermore, a slotted nanocircuit is introduced onto the metasurface to enhance its tunability by manipulating the geometry parameter in the design process, and the related mechanism is explained using an equivalent circuit model. The simulation of the sensing model revealed that the slotted nanocircuit enhances the sensor’s tunability and significantly improves its bandwidth and sensitivity, achieving peak enhancements at approximately 753 nm and 1311 nm/RIU, respectively. Due to the strong dual-band positive (and negative) responses of the CD values, flexible wavelength tunability, and nonlinear sensitivity enhancement, this design provides a new approach for the development and application of mid-infrared chiroptical devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Composites, Nanophotonics and Metamaterials)
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14 pages, 67989 KiB  
Article
Polarization-Addressable Optical Movement of Plasmonic Nanoparticles and Hotspot Spin Vortices
by Sergio Balestrieri, Silvia Romano, Mario Iodice, Giuseppe Coppola and Gianluigi Zito
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100829 - 9 May 2024
Viewed by 1009
Abstract
Spin–orbit coupling in nanoscale optical fields leads to the emergence of a nontrivial spin angular momentum component, transverse to the orbital momentum. In this study, we initially investigate how this spin–orbit coupling effect influences the dynamics in gold monomers. We observe that localized [...] Read more.
Spin–orbit coupling in nanoscale optical fields leads to the emergence of a nontrivial spin angular momentum component, transverse to the orbital momentum. In this study, we initially investigate how this spin–orbit coupling effect influences the dynamics in gold monomers. We observe that localized surface plasmon resonance induces self-generated transverse spin, affecting the trajectory of the nanoparticles as a function of the incident polarization. Furthermore, we investigate the spin–orbit coupling in gold dimers. The resonant spin momentum distribution is characterized by the unique formation of vortex and anti-vortex spin angular momentum pairs on opposite surfaces of the nanoparticles, also affecting the particle motion. These findings hold promise for various fields, particularly for the precision control in the development of plasmonic thrusters and the development of metasurfaces and other helicity-controlled system aspects. They offer a method for the development of novel systems and applications in the realm of spin optics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Composites, Nanophotonics and Metamaterials)
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Review

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35 pages, 15506 KiB  
Review
Progress in Advanced Infrared Optoelectronic Sensors
by Xiang Yu, Yun Ji, Xinyi Shen and Xiaoyun Le
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100845 - 12 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1858
Abstract
Infrared optoelectronic sensors have attracted considerable research interest over the past few decades due to their wide-ranging applications in military, healthcare, environmental monitoring, industrial inspection, and human–computer interaction systems. A comprehensive understanding of infrared optoelectronic sensors is of great importance for achieving their [...] Read more.
Infrared optoelectronic sensors have attracted considerable research interest over the past few decades due to their wide-ranging applications in military, healthcare, environmental monitoring, industrial inspection, and human–computer interaction systems. A comprehensive understanding of infrared optoelectronic sensors is of great importance for achieving their future optimization. This paper comprehensively reviews the recent advancements in infrared optoelectronic sensors. Firstly, their working mechanisms are elucidated. Then, the key metrics for evaluating an infrared optoelectronic sensor are introduced. Subsequently, an overview of promising materials and nanostructures for high-performance infrared optoelectronic sensors, along with the performances of state-of-the-art devices, is presented. Finally, the challenges facing infrared optoelectronic sensors are posed, and some perspectives for the optimization of infrared optoelectronic sensors are discussed, thereby paving the way for the development of future infrared optoelectronic sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Composites, Nanophotonics and Metamaterials)
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