By finely tuning the distance between nanoparticles in a single layer, researchers have made a filter that can change between a mirror and a window.
The development could help scientists create special materials whose optical properties can be changed in real time. These materials could then be used for applications from tuneable optical filters to miniature chemical sensors.
Many models and experiments have brought us to the point where we can create a truly tuneable layer.– Professor Joshua Edel
Creating a ‘tuneable’ material – one which can be accurately controlled – has been a challenge because of the tiny scales involved. In order to tune the optical properties of a single layer of nanoparticles – which are only tens of nanometres in size each – the space between them needs to be set precisely and uniformly.
To form the layer, the team of researchers from Imperial College London created conditions for gold nanoparticles to localise at the interface between two liquids that do not mix.
By applying a small voltage across the interface, the team have been able to demonstrate a tuneable nanoparticle layer that can be dense or sparse, allowing for switching between a reflective mirror and a transparent surface. The research is published today in Nature Materials.
Study co-author Professor Joshua Edel, from the Department of Chemistry at Imperial, said: “It’s a really fine balance – for a long time we could only get the nanoparticles to clump together when they assembled, rather than being accurately spaced out. But many models and experiments have brought us to the point where we can create a truly tuneable layer.”
The distance between the nanoparticles determines whether the layer permits or reflects different wavelengths of light. At one extreme, all the wavelengths are reflected, and the layer acts as a mirror. At the other extreme, where the nanoparticles are dispersed, all wavelengths are permitted through the interface and it acts as a window.
It was remarkable how closely the theory matched experimental results.– Professor Alexei Kornyshev
In contrast to previous nanoscopic systems that used chemical means to change the optical properties, the team’s electrical system is reversible.
Study co-author Professor Alexei Kornyshev, from the Department of Chemistry at Imperial, said: “Finding the correct conditions to achieve reversibility required fine theory; otherwise it would have been like searching for a needle in a haystack. It was remarkable how closely the theory matched experimental results.”
Co-author Professor Anthony Kucernak, also from the Department of Chemistry, commented: “Putting theory into practice can be difficult, as one always has to be aware of material stability limits, so finding the correct electrochemical conditions under which the effect could occur was challenging.”
Professor Kornyshev added: “The whole project was only made possible by the unique knowhow and abilities and enthusiasm of the young team members, including Dr Yunuen Montelongo and Dr Debarata Sikdar, amongst others who all have diverse expertise and backgrounds.”
Learn more: Self-assembling nanoparticle arrays can switch between a mirror and a window
The Latest on: Tuneable material
[google_news title=”” keyword=”tuneable material” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]- 12 types of roofing materials: Guide to choosing the best ones for youon May 8, 2024 at 5:00 pm
The type of roofing material you select can have a big impact on your home’s appearance, energy efficiency and ability to withstand the elements. In general, asphalt shingles make up the ...
- Scientists create black arsenic visible infrared photodetectorson May 8, 2024 at 11:44 am
Examples of such crystals include graphene, black phosphorus (BP), and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). With their atomic thickness, high carrier mobility, and tunable bandgaps, ...
- New Superconductor Could Pave the Way for Quantum Computerson May 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Researchers have created a unique type of superconductivity that can be controlled by magnetism, which could have applications in quantum computing.
- New mirror that can be flexibly shaped improves X-ray microscopeson May 7, 2024 at 12:54 pm
Researchers have developed a unique shape-tunable mirror that can change shape to optimally channel X-rays. It is composed of a single crystal of lithium niobate. This new technology offers the ...
- Revolutionizing Photonics: 2D Materials Manipulate Light With Remarkable Precisionon May 4, 2024 at 3:37 pm
NYU Abu Dhabi researchers have unveiled a novel 2D material improving optical modulation for advanced systems and communications. Responding to the increasing demand for efficient, tunable optical mat ...
- Can perovskite solar cells outshine silicon and revolutionize solar energy?on May 3, 2024 at 3:06 am
Perovskite, a revolutionary material, promises to surpass silicon efficiency and usher in a new era of affordable, sustainable solar energy.
- 10 Top Materials Stocks Of May 2024on May 2, 2024 at 5:11 am
Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Materials like metal, concrete and chemicals are the foundation of the global economy—every sector requires basic materials ...
- Bacteria 'nanowires' could help develop green electronicson April 29, 2024 at 7:30 am
Engineered protein filaments originally produced by bacteria have been modified by scientists to conduct electricity. In a study published recently in the journal Small, researchers revealed that ...
- 'Exciting' discovery of material that can store greenhouse gases faster than treeson April 29, 2024 at 12:07 am
Scientists have hailed the "exciting" discovery of a type of porous material that can store carbon dioxide. The material is made up of hollow cage-like molecules that have high storage ...
- Breakthroughs in optical modulation using tunable 2D materialson April 25, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Integrated into SiPh microring resonators, these materials showcase an exceptional ability to precisely adjust the effective refractive index without introducing any amplitude chirp. This capability ...
via Google News and Bing News