Organic materials in future integrated optoelectronic circuits

During the last two decades, lithium niobate has been extensively studied for applications in integrated optical circuits. However, it is difficult to integrate lithium niobate optical devices with semiconductor electronic devices because the materials are incompatible. In recent years, semiconductor materials have been emerging as the main contenders in applications; these materials have the advantage of allowing both optical and electronic devices to be integrated. Further, the semiconductor technology has advanced rapidly, allowing us to engineer device parameters very precisely. In semiconductor optoelectronic devices, that is, bulk and quantum well structures, electroabsorption has mainly been used for amplitude modulation of light. The electrorefraction effect is the most useful for devices employing phase-modulation techniques, but this effect cannot be effectively utilized in semiconductors since the strongest electrorefraction effect is near the absorption edge of the material. Recently, organic materials have been shown to have electro-optic coefficients equal to or larger than that of lithium niobate. There are major advantages of organic materials: (1) the organics can be deposited on semiconductor substrates, and therefore both electronic and optical circuits can be integrated; (2) in organic materials the electrorefraction can be effectively utilized to obtain both amplitude and phase modulation; (3) the organic material composition can be adjusted to satisfy some device requirements. In this paper, a comparison of these material systems are made in terms of device applications.     

Advances in Functional Nanomaterials Science

Technologies employing nanomaterials, such as electronics, optoelectronics, nanobiotechnologies, quantum optics, and nanophotonics, are perceived as the key drivers of investigations on novel and functional materials and their nanostructures for various applications. It is well understood that the study of such materials and structures has been of great importance for the optimization and development of electrical and optical devices. From such devices, one does not only expect higher efficiencies, but also access to the development of completely new concepts, which are strongly demanded by modern information-processing, quantum, or medical technologies, and sensing applications. In this context, a wide range of aspects such as the physics of novel materials, as well as materials engineering, characterization, and applications are summarized here. Novel materials, which can be used, for instance, for energy harvesting or light generation, as well as for future logic devices; material engineering, which can lead to improved device functionality and performance in optoelectronics; material physics, the study of which allows insight to be gained into optical and electrical properties of nanostructured systems and quantum materials; and technologies/devices, addressing progress on the application side of sophisticated material systems and quantum structures, are highlighted using representative examples.     

Liquid crystals and some of their applications

This paper is a brief review of some of the properties and applications of liquid crystals. By studying the references, a reader can gain a more extensive insight into the liquid crystalline state. Classifications of liquid crystalline materials and nomenclature characteristic of the field give the reader a working knowledge of the subject. Polymorphism is one of the common properties of liquid crystalline materials; the subject is covered in the text and summarized in tabular forms. The fundamental properties of liquid crystals are correlated with some of the behaviors and uses of liquid crystals. Optical properties, curvature elastic properties, surface effects, external field effects and hydrodynamics of the liquid crystalline state are discussed as necessary to describe recent practical applications; these include displays, storage of images and other electrooptic devices. Some of the results presented in this review were obtained under NSF Grant No. GH-34164X.     

有机电致发光白光器件的研究进展

在十多年的时间里,有机电致发光二极管(Organic Lightemitting Diodes,OLEDs)的研究和应用取得了长足的进展。有机电致发光器件具有许多优点,例如:自发光、视角宽、响应快、发光效率高、温度适应性好、生产工艺简单、驱动电压低、能耗低、成本低等,因此有机电致发光器件极有可能成为下一代的平板显示终端。有机电致发光白光器件因为可以用于全彩色显示和照明,已成为OLED研究中的热点。介绍了有机电致发光白光器件的研究进展,按发光的性质将白光器件分为荧光器件和磷光器件两类,按发光层数将白光器件分为单层和多层器件,对相关材料、器件结构、发光机理等方面进行了讨论。     

Track-etch membranes as templates enabled nano/micro technology: a review

Many techniques are being used in order to synthesize nano-micro materials falling under the realm of nanotechnology. It need not be overemphasized that the miniaturization of devices and synthesis of new materials have a tremendous role in the development of powerful electronics as well as material based technologies in other areas but for the laws of quantum mechanics posing limitations besides the increasing cost and difficulties in manufacturing in such a small scale. The quest, therefore, for the alternative technologies, have stimulated a surge of interest in nano-meter scale materials and devices in the recent years. Metallic as well as semiconducting nano wires are the most attractive materials because of their unique properties having myriad of applications like interconnects for nano-electronics, magnetic devices, chemical and biosensors, whereas the hollow tubules are equally considered to be candidates for more potent applications — both in physical as well as biosciences. Materials’ processing for nano-structured devices is indispensable to their rational design. The technique, known as “Template Synthesis”, using electrochemical-electro less deposition is one of the most important processes for manufacturing nano-micro structures, nano-composites and devices and is relatively inexpensive and simple. The technique involves using membranes — ion crafted ones (popularly known as Particle Track-Etch Membranes or Nuclear Track Filters), alumite substrate membranes, besides other types of membranes as templates. The parameters viz., diameter as well as length i.e., aspect ratio, shape and wall surface traits in these membranes are controllable. In the present article a detailed review of this technique using track-etch membranes as templates in synthesis of nano-micro materials including hybrid materials and devices like field-ion emitters, resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) etc. is presented including most of the results obtained in our laboratory.      

Solid state detectors for neutron radiation monitoring in fusion facilities

The purpose of this communication is to summarize the main solid state based detectors proposed for neutron diagnostic in fusion applications and their applicability under the required harsh conditions in terms of intense radiation, high temperature and available space restrictions. Activation systems, semiconductor based detectors, luminescent materials and Cerenkov fibre optics sensors (C-FOS) are the main devices that are described.     

半导体材料的华丽家族—氮化镓基材料简介

GaN基氮化物材料已成功地用于制备蓝,绿,紫外光发光器件,日光盲紫外探测器以及高温,大功率微波电子器件,由于该材料具有大的禁带宽度,高的压电和热电系数,它们还有很强的其他应用潜力,诸如做非挥发存储器以及利用压电和热效应的电子器件等,在20世纪80年代末和90年代初,在GaN基氮化物材料的生长工艺上的突破引发了90年代GaN基器件,特别是光电子和高温,大功率微波器件方面的迅猛发展,文章评述了GaN基氮化物的材料特性,生长技术和相关器件应用。     

Oxides,Oxides, and More Oxides: High-κ Oxides,Ferroelectrics, Ferromagnetics,and Multiferroics

We review and critique the recent developments on multifunctional oxide materials, which are gaining a good deal of interest. Recongnizing that this is a vast area, the focus of this treatment is mainly on high-κ dielectric, ferroelectric, magnetic, and multiferroic materials. Also, we consider ferrimagnetic oxides in the context of the new, rapidly developing field of negative-index metamaterials. This review is motivated by the recent resurgence of interest in complex oxides owing to their coupling of electrical, magnetic, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties, which make them suitable for a wide variety of applications, including heat, motion, electric, and magnetic sensors; tunable and compact microwave passive components; surface acoustic wave devices; nonlinear optics; and nonvolatile memory, and pave the way for designing multifunctional devices and unique applications in spintronics and negative refraction-index media. For most of the materials treated here, structural and physical properties, preparation methods accompanied by particulars of synthesis of thin films, devices based on them, and some projections into their future applications are discussed.     

Surfaces and interfaces in polymer-based electronics

Research on electronics applications such as light-emitting devices for flat-panel displays, transistors, sensors and even solid state lasers based on conducting polymers is presently under way and in some cases has reached the stage of prototype production. The mechanisms for charge injection and conduction in these materials are being studied, as are the physics of luminescence and its quenching. Lately, research into controlling film morphology through self-organizing techniques also has gained interest. Though the present interest in conducting polymers mainly concerns the pristine semiconducting state, doped conducting polymers are also studied for potential use in many applications.

In this paper, we present an overview of some of the central issues in surface and interface science in the field, as well as provide our view on what may lie ahead in the future. Specifically, the importance of metal/polymer, polymer/metal and polymer/polymer interfaces is addressed. We illustrate these using polymer-based light-emitting devices, though the same type of issues appear in other polymer-based applications such as transistors and solar cells.     

Fabrication of Micro -Optical Devices by a Femtosecond Laser

Femtosecond laser is a perfect laser source for materials processing when high accuracy and small structure size are required. Due to the ultra short interaction time and the high peak power, the process is generally characterized by the absence of heat diffusion and, consequently molten layers. Various induced structures have been observed in materials after the femtosecond laser irradiation. Here, we report on fabrication of micro-optical devices by the femtosecond laser. 1) formation of optical waveguide with internal loss less than 0.5dB/cm in the wavelength region from 1.2 to 1.6 mm, by translating a silica glass perpendicular to the axis of the focused femtosecond laser beam; 2) nano-scale valence state manipulation of active ions inside transparent materials; 3) space-selective precipitation and control of metal nanoparticles inside transparent materials; The mechanisms and applications of the femtosecond laser induced phenomena were also discussed.     

Biferroic electro – acoustic ceramics with $\mbox{\sffamily\bfseries BiFeO}_{\hbox{\sffamily\bfseries\fontsize{12}{12}\selectfont 3}}$ composition

Bismuth ferrite, one of a few multiferroics, has attracted much attention for many decades since 1960. BiFeO₃ (BFO) belongs to perovskite class of complex oxides. BFO is one of only a few materials in which (anti)ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity coexis in room temperature. Authors prepared BiFeO₃ ceramics by solid state reaction method. The synthesized powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction method. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis were investigated. The microstructure of the BFO ceramics was investigated by means of scanning transmission electron microscopy, and the ferroelectric characteristic of BFO ceramics was demonstrated. BFO is very interesting ceramic material for potential applications in the memory devices, sensors, satellite communications, optical filters and smart devices.     

Colours from electroactive polymers: Electrochromic, electroluminescent and laser devices based on organic materials

This paper focuses on the most relevant devices currently used in order to achieve electrically stimulated generations of colours from electroactive polymers, either as coloured light emissions from the material or as modifications of its intrinsic colour properties. For this purpose, most relevant materials, fundamental principles of operations, latest developments and current applications of organic-based electrochromic, electroluminescent and lasing devices are reviewed here. The very promising performances resulting from the analysis of state-of-the-art products, and in particular of those which are currently approaching commercial applications, suggest likely roles played by such devices for niche applications in the very near future.     

Fundamentals of Multiferroic Materials and Their Possible Applications

Materials science is recognized as one of the main factors driving development and economic growth. Since the silicon industrial revolution of the 1950s, research and developments in materials and solid state science have radically impacted and transformed our society by enabling the emergence of the computer technologies, wireless communications, Internet, digital data storage, and widespread consumer electronics. Today's emergent topics in solid state physics, such as nano-materials, graphene and carbon nano-tubes, smart and advanced functional materials, spintronic materials, bio-materials, and multiferroic materials, promise to deliver a new wave of technological advances and economic impact, comparable to the silicon industrial revolution of the 1950s.

The surge of interest in multiferroic materials over the past 15 years has been driven by their fascinating physical properties and huge potential for technological applications. This article addresses some of the fundamental aspects of solid-state multiferroic materials, followed by the detailed presentation of the latest and most interesting proposed applications of these multifunctional solid-state compounds. The applications presented here are critically discussed in the context of the state-of-the-art and current scientific challenges. They are highly interdisciplinary covering a wide range of topics and technologies including sensors, microwave devices, energy harvesting, photo-voltaic technologies, solid-state refrigeration, data storage recording technologies, and random access multi-state memories. According to their potential and expected impact, it is estimated that multiferroic technologies could soon reach multibillion US dollar market value.     

Electro-Optic Polymer Integrated Optic Devices and Future Applications

Recent developments in electro-optic polymer materials and devices have led to new opportunities for integrated optic devices in numerous applications. The results of numerous tests have indicated that polymer materials have many properties that are suitable for use in high-speed communications systems, various sensor systems, and space applications. These results, coupled with recent advances in device and material technology, will allow very large bandwidth modulators and switches with low drive voltages, improved loss, long-term stability, and integration with other microelectronic devices such as MEMS. Low drive voltage devices are very important for space applications where power consumption scales as the square of the modulator half-wave voltage. In addition, we have demonstrated novel dual polymer modulators for mixing RF signals to produce sum and difference frequency modulation on an optical beam. This novel approach allows the suppression of the modulation at the two input RF signals, and only the mixing signals remain superposed on the optical beam. The dual modulator can be used for various encoding/decoding and frequency conversion schemes that are frequently used for both terrestrial and space communications. Another application of polymer integrated optics is in the field of optical sensing for high-frequency (GHz) electric fields.     

Plasma-aided manufacturing

The present and potential applications of plasma-aided manufacturing are discussed and described. Plasma-aided manufacturing is used for producing new materials with unusual and superior properties, for developing new chemical compounds and processes, for machining, and for altering and refining materials and surfaces. Plasma-aided manufacturing has direct applications to semiconductor fabrication, materials synthesis, welding, lighting, polymers, anticorrosion coatings, machine tools, metallurgy, electrical and electronics devices, hazardous waste removal, high-performance ceramics, and many other items in both the high-technology and the more traditional industries in the United States     

In situ rheological measurements at extreme pressure and temperature using synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and radiography

Dramatic technical progress seen over the past decade now allows the plastic properties of materials to be investigated under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. Coupling of high‐pressure apparatuses with synchrotron radiation significantly improves the quantification of differential stress and specimen textures from X‐ray diffraction data, as well as specimen strains and strain rates by radiography. This contribution briefly reviews the recent developments in the field and describes state‐of‐the‐art extreme‐pressure deformation devices and analytical techniques available today. The focus here is on apparatuses promoting deformation at pressures largely in excess of 3 GPa, namely the diamond anvil cell, the deformation‐DIA apparatus and the rotational Drickamer apparatus, as well as on the methods used to carry out controlled deformation experiments while quantifying X‐ray data in terms of materials rheological parameters. It is shown that these new techniques open the new field of in situ investigation of materials rheology at extreme conditions, which already finds multiple fundamental applications in the understanding of the dynamics of Earth‐like planet interior.     

Electro-Optic Polymer Integrated Optic Devices and Future Applications

Recent developments in electro-optic polymer materials and devices have led to new opportunities for integrated optic devices in numerous applications. The results of numerous tests have indicated that polymer materials have many properties that are suitable for use in high-speed communications systems, various sensor systems, and space applications. These results, coupled with recent advances in device and material technology, will allow very large bandwidth modulators and switches with low drive voltages, improved loss, long-term stability, and integration with other microelectronic devices such as MEMS. Low drive voltage devices are very important for space applications where power consumption scales as the square of the modulator half-wave voltage. In addition, we have demonstrated novel dual polymer modulators for mixing RF signals to produce sum and difference frequency modulation on an optical beam. This novel approach allows the suppression of the modulation at the two input RF signals, and only the mixing signals remain superposed on the optical beam. The dual modulator can be used for various encoding/decoding and frequency conversion schemes that are frequently used for both terrestrial and space communications. Another application of polymer integrated optics is in the field of optical sensing for high-frequency (GHz) electric fields.     

Recent Advances in Spatial Self-Phase Modulation with 2D Materials and its Applications

In recent years, spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) with two-dimensional (2D) materials has attracted the attention of many researchers as an emerging and ubiquitous nonlinear optical effect. In this review, the state of the art of 2D material-based SSPM is summarized. SSPM measures or tunes the nonlinearity of 2D materials, and it is also an effective approach to study the band structure of 2D materials. Several modified forms of SSPM, such as high-order, white-light-excited, vector field excited, and optically nonlinearly enhanced SSPM are also presented. Subsequently, the physical origin of the SSPM formation mechanism is compared and analyzed. Furthermore, the applications of SSPM with 2D materials, including passive photonic devices, generation of Bessel beams, and identifying the mode of the orbital angular momentum, are listed. Finally, several urgent problems of the SSPM with 2D materials, potential applications, and prospects for future development are presented.     

半金属磁体

半金属磁体是近些年来日益受到关注的一种新材料，也是物质具有一种新形态，在半金属磁体的能带结构中，两个自旋子能带分别具有金属性与绝缘性，从而产生自旋完全极化的传导电子，这一特性使它有可能在新一代微电子设备中发挥重要作用，并为极化输运理论及自旋电子学的研究开辟崭新的领域，文章主要介绍了半金属磁体的命名、特征和几种典型的材料，回顾了在寻找半金属磁体过程中的理论计算和实验研究的发展历程，并对巳在半金属磁体材料中发现的一些具有应用价值的磁输运现象作了阐述。     

Two-dimensional materials-decorated microfiber devices for pulse generation and shaping in fiber lasers

Two-dimensional(2D) materials have been regarded as a promising nonlinear optical medium for fabricating versatile optical and optoelectronic devices. Among the various photonic applications, the employment of 2D materials as nonlinear optical devices such as saturable absorbers for ultrashort pulse generation and shaping in ultrafast lasers is one of the most striking aspects in recent years. In this paper, we review the recent progress of 2D materials based pulse generation and soliton shaping in ultrafast fiber lasers, and particularly in the context of 2D materials-decorated microfiber photonic devices. The fabrication of 2D materials-decorated microfiber photonic devices, high performance mode-locked pulse generation, and the nonlinear soliton dynamics based on pulse shaping method are discussed. Finally, the challenges and the perspective of the 2D materials-based photonic devices as well as their applications are also discussed.