Jing Zhang

This review examines organic semiconductor-based polarized photodetectors, focusing on materials sensitive to both linear and circular polarization. It discusses organic crystals and aligned conjugated polymers for linear polarization detection, and chiral molecules, chiral conjugated polymers, and chiral supramolecules for circular polarization detection. Further, key applications in polarization imaging, biomimetic vision, and information encryption are highlighted.

Abstract

When light interacts with diverse media via reflection, transmission, and scattering, its polarization state alters, encoding the spectral information specific to the object's features. With advancements in the smart era, polarization detection is progressing toward miniaturization, integration, and enhanced multifunctionality, where polarization-sensitive active layers are pivotal. Organic semiconductors—featuring chemically tailored photoelectric properties and precisely engineered optical anisotropy, as well as cost-effectiveness and flexibility—emerge as promising candidates for next-generation polarized-light detection. This review highlights the cutting-edge progress of organic-semiconductor–based photodetectors in polarization-sensitive detection. Beginning with a brief introduction to polarization detection, it then summarizes recent developments in organic materials sensitive to linear and circular polarization light, specifically focusing on organic single crystals and aligned conjugated polymers for linear polarization detection; chiral small molecules, chiral conjugated polymers, and chiral supramolecules for circular polarization detection. Advanced applications of these materials, including polarization imaging, biomimetic vision, and information encryption are subsequently discussed. The review concludes by highlighting the prevailing challenges and outlining future research directions essential for advancing high-performance, integrated polarization-sensitive photodetectors in this rapidly evolving field.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) top-coat layers enable the fabrication of sub-10-nm scale vertical nanopatterns of high-χ block copolymers due to their atomic flatness and tailorable surface energy, eliminating the need for complex synthesis or specialized equipment. The large-area implementation of rGO top-coat layers and directed self-assembly can be broadly useful for functional nanostructures for semiconductors, IoT, and beyond.

Abstract

Vertically aligned nanopatterns of high Flory-Huggins parameter (χ) block copolymers (BCPs) are desirable for effective pattern transfer of sub-10-nm scale self-assembled morphologies. To this end, BCP thin film is required to interface with neutralized surface energy at both substrate and free-surface, among which neutralization of top free-surface is generally more difficult without well-defined substrate geometry. Therefore, various types of top-coat layers have been developed, many of which, however, require complex synthetic processes or specifically designed equipment. In this work, a surface energy-tailored reduced graphene oxide (rGO) top-coat layer capable of achieving neutral surface conditions for high-χ BCPs is presented. The surface energy of rGO can be precisely controlled by straightforward thermal reduction to attain neutral surface energy conditions for high-χ BCPs. The versatile processability of rGO introduces intriguing features in top-coat layers, facilitating area-selective nanopatterning or multilayer stacked independently self-assembled nanopatterning. Additionally, a large area rGO top-coat layer is successfully implemented on various types of substrate materials, over which directed self-assembly (DSA) of high-χ BCPs can be attained for highly aligned vertical nanopatterns of sub-10-nm scale lamellar morphologies.

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the synergistic integration of halide perovskite and rare-earth ions toward photonics including structural features, optical properties, preparation methods, and photonic applications. Critical challenges and perspectives are introduced. The review is expected to offer a systematic understanding and valuable inspiration for perovskite and rare-earth composites and their intriguing future application scenario.

Abstract

Halide perovskites (HPs), emerging as a noteworthy class of semiconductors, hold great promise for an array of optoelectronic applications, including anti-counterfeiting, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells (SCs), and photodetectors, primarily due to their large absorption cross section, high fluorescence efficiency, tunable emission spectrum within the visible region, and high tolerance for lattice defects, as well as their adaptability for solution-based fabrication processes. Unlike luminescent HPs with band-edge emission, trivalent rare-earth (RE) ions typically emit low-energy light through intra-4f optical transitions, characterized by narrow emission spectra and long emission lifetimes. When fused, the cooperative interactions between HPs and REs endow the resulting binary composites not only with optoelectronic properties inherited from their parent materials but also introduce new attributes unattainable by either component alone. This review begins with the fundamental optoelectronic characteristics of HPs and REs, followed by a particular focus on the impact of REs on the electronic structures of HPs and the associated energy transfer processes. The advanced synthesis methods utilized to prepare HPs, RE-doped compounds, and their binary composites are overviewed. Furthermore, potential applications are summarized across diverse domains, including high-fidelity anticounterfeiting, bioimaging, LEDs, photovoltaics, photodetection, and photocatalysis, and conclude with remaining challenges and future research prospects.

Advanced broadband photodetector technologies are essential for military and civilian applications. 2D semimetals, with their gapless band structures, high mobility, and topological protection, offer great promise for broadband PDs. This study reviews the latest advancements in broadband PDs utilizing heterostructures that combine 2D semimetals with materials of various dimensions and highlights their applications in optoelectronics.

Abstract

Hybrid heterostructures are pivotal in the advanced broadband detection technology. The emergence of 2D semimetals has expanded the range of materials in heterostructures beyond conventional narrow-gap materials for room-temperature broadband detection applications due to their extraordinary optical and electrical properties. This review outlines the cutting-edge and latest advancements in broadband photodetectors (PDs) engineered from heterostructures that synergistically combine 2D semimetals with several different dimensional materials. It begins with a fundamental investigation, offering an in-depth explanation of the essential material properties and a summary of synthesis methodologies. Then, the discussion advances to provide an analytical overview of the categorization, underlying photodetection mechanism, and figures-of-merit of these advanced PDs. Subsequently, the narrative shifts to a comprehensive analysis of heterogeneous integrated devices. The review further highlights the diverse optoelectronic applications of broadband PDs, spanning image sensing, optical communication, position-sensitive detection, integrated sensing and computing, spintronics, and computational spectroscopy are thoroughly highlighted. Finally, the review concludes by addressing the challenges and opportunities in advancing 2D semimetal materials for photodetection.

Dynamic and programmable color patterns are achieved in blue-phase liquid crystal templates using time-temperature-controlled multi-ink printing. By exploring the phase transition characteristics and diffusion kinetics of three inks (5CB, 6CB, and 8CB), researchers achieve hierarchical triggering of regional colors, enabling applications in encrypted displays and time-series visualizations. This work advances the design of intelligent optical devices.

Abstract

Blue phase liquid crystal (BPLC) dynamic patterns have attracted wide attention for promising applications in optical information manipulation and visualization sensing, owing to unique 3D chiral helix superstructure and adjustable bright/abundant colors in response to extra fields. Inkjet printing has become an efficient approach for achieving programmable BPLC patterns. However, it remains a challenge to achieve independent “on/off” control of regional colors using the same ink due to unrevealed temperature-time-dependent color change behavior determined by different inks. Herein, a comprehensive understanding of the reflective bandgap shift law versus temperature/time is established by investigating the diffusion kinetics of multiple inks (5CB, 6CB, 8CB) in hydrophobically modified blue-phase polymer templates. The three inks induce a redshift followed by a blueshift in color/reflectance wavelengths, but triggering times differ significantly at the same temperature, which is attributed to the inks' phase transition characteristics, fluid properties, and interaction with the BPLC polymer network. Dynamic multi-color patterns with selective region triggering are successfully fabricated based on the time-temperature controlled multi-ink printing technique for displaying time-series information and multi-level encryption (including “growing apple tree” and “nested QR codes”). This study provides important insights into the design and fabrication of advanced optical devices with programmable colors and patterns.

The optimization fitting strategy effectively reduces the influence of Curie point on temperature measurement in BaTiO₃:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺/Er³⁺ phosphors, significantly improving temperature sensitivity. Furthermore, by manipulating temperature under 980 nm excitation to achieve multicolor luminescence, a high-capacity optical barcode for information encryption is designed, providing a method for high-level information encryption transmission.

Abstract

Upconversion emissions from lanthanide ions have unparalleled advantages in the field of temperature sensing and information encryption. Despite extensive research on temperature sensing probes, developing highly sensitive temperature measurement applications still poses a significant challenge. This study utilizes lanthanide ions doped BaTiO₃ as the foundational material to develop a fiber optic probe with enhanced temperature sensitivity. The optical temperature-sensing capabilities are assessed based on the intensity ratio of various energy levels in BaTiO₃: Yb/Tm/Er phosphors. Notably, the non-thermal coupling energy level between Tm and Er demonstrates the highest sensitivity, achieving a maximum relative sensitivity of 2.70% K⁻¹ at 303 K. By leveraging the temperature-dependent color change of the material, a large-capacity photonic barcode for temperature information storage and encrypted transmission is developed, thereby expanding the potential applications of temperature monitoring.

This work presents a method for continuous-wave (CW) laser in situ synthesis of wide bandgap tunable perovskite, with an emission spectrum ranging from 475 to 667 nm. Additionally, a two-color integrated technology is proposed for multicolor patterned displays and the application of color conversion layers in micro-LEDs.

Abstract

Laser patterning of perovskite is a novel technology with the advantages of high speed, programmability, and maskless, which is ideal for fabricating micro light-emitting diodes (micro-LED) color conversion layers (CCL). This work reports a method for laser in situ synthesis of wide bandgap tunable perovskite with an emission spectrum from 475 to 667 nm. Based on the photonic effect of continuous wave (CW) laser and the thermal quenching phenomenon of perovskite, ultra-high precision patterning with a minimum linewidth of 750 nm and a maximum dot-pixel per inch (PPI) of 5684 is achieved. More importantly, significant improvements in perovskite stability and integration of red-green dual-color dot arrays are achieved through in-depth studies of polymer matrices and precursor solvents. The red-green dual-color integrated dot arrays using blue micro-LED chips, which is a great impetus to the research of micro-LED full-color displays, are also successfully excited.

Transition Metal Carbo-Chalcogenide

The cover of article 2402385, Zhongben Pan, Yuqiang Fang, Dechun Li, and co-workers showcases Nb₂CSe₂, a novel 2D transition metal carbo-chalcogenide (TMCC) combining TMD and MXene properties. With outstanding near-infrared absorption, ultrafast carrier dynamics, and robust nonlinear optical responses, Nb₂CSe₂ demonstrates its potential as a saturable absorber. Integrated into an erbium-doped fiber laser, it enables sub-picosecond mode-locked pulses and dual-wavelength soliton dynamics, paving the way for TMCC applications in ultrafast photonics.

3D QR Cube Platform

In article number 2416121, Sohyung Kim, Jiheon Lim, and co-workers present a 3D quick response (QR) cube platform that utilizes near-infrared (NIR)-to-NIR upconversion nanoparticles for spatial information storage and security. By employing volumetric space and a convolutional neural network, the platform precisely reconstructs the 3D QR cube and achieves high prediction accuracy. Leveraging the cube's 3D spatial design, it offers advanced encryption capabilities far beyond traditional 2D codes, presenting new possibilities for secure and robust multi-level encryption in 3D space.

Epitaxial 1T-TaS₂ Spirals

In article number 2413926, Yi-Hsien Lee and his colleagues demonstrate scalable synthesis of epitaxial TaS₂ spirals. An intertwined charge density wave (CDW)-Mott appears with a commensurate CDW phase at room temperature. Modulated interlayer spacing effectively manipulates interlayer interactions, which opens a new avenue toward tunable collective properties in spiral 2D lattices.

Biological systems are very responsive to changes in stiffness, influencing important processes, and diseases in humans. Here, a novel method to dynamically and reversibly control hydrogel stiffness through interactions with poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) is presented. By exposing hydrogels to PEG solutions at different concentrations and sizes, hydrogel stiffness can be tuned, in turn affecting cell properties.

Abstract

Cells are highly responsive to changes in their mechanical environment, influencing processes such as stem cell differentiation and tumor progression. To meet the growing demand for materials used for high throughput mechanotransduction studies, simple means of dynamically adjusting the environmental viscoelasticity of cell cultures are needed. Here, a novel method is presented to dynamically and reversibly control the viscoelasticity of naturally derived polymer hydrogels through interactions with poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG). Interactions between PEG and hydrogel polymers, possibly involving hydrogen bonding, stiffen the hydrogel matrices. By dynamically changing the PEG concentration of the solution in which polymer hydrogels are incubated, their viscoelastic properties are adjusted, which in turn affects cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organization. Importantly, this effects is reversible, providing a cost-effective and simple strategy for dynamically adjusting the viscoelasticity of polymer hydrogels. This method holds promise for applications in mechanobiology, biomedicine, and the life sciences.

This article presents a non-destructive molecular encoding approach using hierarchical array of functionalized graphene-based sensors for spatiotemporal analysis of volatile signaling molecules. Combined with deep learning, this method enables real-time imaging and genetic profiling of organoids, deciphering molecular production pathways through specific enzymes and metabolic routes and advancing precision diagnostics and personalized medicine without harmful staining or sample destruction.

Abstract

Organoids mimic human organ function, offering insights into development and disease. However, non-destructive, real-time monitoring is lacking, as traditional methods are often costly, destructive, and low-throughput. In this article, a non-destructive chemical tomographic strategy is presented for decoding cyto-proteo-genomics of organoid using volatile signaling molecules, hereby, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), to indicate metabolic activity and development of organoids. Combining a hierarchical design of graphene-based sensor arrays with AI-driven analysis, this method maps VOC spatiotemporal distribution and generate detailed digital profiles of organoid morphology and proteo-genomic features. Lens- and label-free, it avoids phototoxicity, distortion, and environmental disruption. Results from testing organoids with the reported chemical tomography approach demonstrate effective differentiation between cyto-proteo-genomic profiles of normal and diseased states, particularly during dynamic transitions such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, the reported approach identifies key VOC-related biochemical pathways, metabolic markers, and pathways associated with cancerous transformations such as aromatic acid degradation and lipid metabolism. This real-time, non-destructive approach captures subtle genetic and structural variations with high sensitivity and specificity, providing a robust platform for multi-omics integration and advancing cancer biomarker discovery.

Recent theoretical and experimental discoveries about borophene have been highlighted, with a particular focus on key scientific findings, structural and electronic properties, and applications in electrochemical energy conversion and energy storage systems including batteries and supercapacitors. The current research challenges and future opportunities for large-scale synthesis of borophene and its potential uses are also discussed systematically.

Abstract

A novel 2D material that is a formidable opponent to graphene (Gr) is borophene, which stands as 2D boron sheets. This innovative material has gained interest in the energy sector due to its wide range of chemical properties, intricate structural geometries, possession of massless Dirac fermions, outstanding hardness, and high carrier mobility. Unlike Gr, which lacks a band gap, borophene exhibits a band gap, endowing it with distinct advantages. Although many advancements in borophene materials, including their synthesis, structural and electronic characterization, and applications, have been discussed in the literature, there is still a need for a quantitative and qualitative assessment from both the experimental and theoretical perspectives, as well as the learned lesson implication in real-world applications of this material. This review highlights recent theoretical and experimental discoveries about borophene, focusing on key scientific findings, structural and electronic properties, and diverse applications, particularly in energy conversion processes and energy storage systems such as batteries and supercapacitors. Finally, the paper discusses current research challenges and future opportunities for large-scale borophene synthesis and its potential uses.

The critical role of surface defects in the operational stability of perovskite nanocrystal memristors is systematically studied by tuning the surface ligands of the nanocrystals. By utilizing reconfigurable storage characteristics, with a high switching ratio, superior stability, and long-term retention, the device is capable of simultaneously performing both image noise reduction and encrypted storage functions effectively.

Abstract

Memristors based on perovskite materials demonstrate significant potential for applications in information encryption and storage. However, the stability and durability of their device structures remain major challenges for commercial deployment. In this study, Mn:CsPbCl₃ perovskite nanocrystals capped with short-chain ligands are synthesized at a controlled ratio using an in situ ligand passivation strategy. Compared with long-chain ligands, short-chain ligands possess higher surface adsorption energy, which enhances nanocrystal size uniformity and enables more effective attachment to the perovskite surface at adsorption sites. This process mitigates surface defects in the nanocrystals, thereby decreasing the randomness in conductive filaments formation and enhancing device stability. Furthermore, short-chain ligand capping improves the contact at the material-electrode interface correspondingly reducing leakage current. The fabricated short-chain Al/Mn:CsPbCl₃/FTO memristor exhibits good reconfigurable storage behavior. By adjusting the compliance current, a transition from non-volatile to volatile storage modes is successfully achieved. Leveraging the device's electrical characteristics, binary image encryption, and storage functions are realized. Overall, this work demonstrates the importance of surface defects on the operational stability of nanocrystal memristors and provides a foundation for the application of perovskite memristors in information encryption and secure transmission.

Nature Communications, Published online: 08 February 2025; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-56709-w

Here the authors identify silicon as an optimal element for anchoring oxygen on copper, nickel or iron surfaces to prevent oxidation. An atomically thin layer of SiMOx (M = Cu, Ni, or Fe) renders the metal surface impermeable to oxygen up to 400 °C while preserving the electrical properties.

A series of rare earth formates, Ln(HCOO)₃ (Ln = Y, Gd, Ce, and La) with unique triangular structure exhibits a desired delicate balance between strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) effects, large band gaps, and suitable birefringence. Besides, structure-property correlation analysis reveals that a smaller ionic radius corresponds to a stronger SHG effect.

Abstract

Identifying an ideal structure is essential for developing outstanding nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, which typically involve the selection of microscopic functional building blocks (FBUs) and constructing excellent crystal structures. This often presents significant challenges. Herein, the long-neglected π-conjugated [HCOO]⁻ is selected as the UV NLO-active FBU, and a series of isomorphic anhydrous rare earth formates, Ln(HCOO)₃ (Ln = Y, Gd, Ce, and La) with the space group R3m, are synthesized and characterized. This crystal series exhibits a desired delicate balance between strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) effects (2.41–3.89 × KH₂PO₄), large band gaps (4.20–5.45 eV), and suitable birefringence (0.064–0.081@1064 nm). Besides, such a unique structure exhibits a significant structure-property correlation, revealing that the ionic radius of Ln³⁺ is inversely related to the SHG effect, and a smaller ionic radius corresponds to stronger SHG effects.

Combining atomic force microscopy and proteomic analyses reveals how red light absorption affects the viscoelastic and molecular behaviors of different cell types. Red light exposure causes fibroblasts to become softer and more fluid, accompanied by significant proteomic changes associated with immune responses and ATP-related pathways. In contrast, keratinocytes exhibit responses that vary with light intensity, while osteoblasts remain largely unaffected. These findings highlight the cell type-dependent interplay between light-induced protein expression and cytoskeletal remodeling, offering critical insights for optimizing light-based therapies in tissue repair and disease treatment.

Abstract

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising non-invasive therapy for tissue repair, but its underlying cellular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, the biomechanical and proteomic responses of three cell types – keratinocytes (HACAT), fibroblasts (L929), and osteoblasts (OFCOLII) – exposed to red light (633 nm) are investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. Red light absorption resulted in cell-type-specific changes in viscoelastic properties, with fibroblasts exhibiting increased fluidity, reduced stiffness, and enhanced motility. Conversely, keratinocytes exhibited intensity-dependent responses, while osteoblasts appeared to be relatively insensitive to irradiation conditions. Proteomic profiling identified key signaling pathways involved in immune response, ATP production, and stress regulation. The immune and ATP pathways are strongly linked to the modulation of viscoelastic properties, particularly in fibroblasts, while weaker correlations were observed in keratinocytes. Cytoskeletal remodeling, primarily within the F-actin network, is identified as the main driver of mechanical alterations, with additional contributions from microtubules and intermediate filaments. These findings provide new insights into how red light absorption modulates cellular viscoelasticity through cytoskeletal remodeling, with potential applications in optimizing light-based therapies for tissue regeneration and disease treatment.

Nature Communications, Published online: 07 February 2025; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-56025-3

Soft mechanism driven robots, made via multi-material 3D printing, combine soft and rigid components for robust, adaptable locomotion. This framework balances flexibility and strength, enabling effective operation across varied terrains.

Neural Networks

Neural networks that couple the accuracy of cell morphology imaging to the speed of impedance signal templating are presented for extraction of cellular biophysical metrics during flow cytometry to distinguish cellular subpopulations on deformability, viability and electrical physiology properties More in article number 2407212, Federica Caselli, Nathan S. Swami, and co-workers.

Nature, Published online: 05 February 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08387-9

A multilayer-stacked two-dimensional polyaniline crystal shows high electrical conductivity and unique out-of-plane metallic transport behaviour, indicating potential for strong electronic coupling beyond in-plane interactions and three-dimensional metallic conductivity.

Nature Electronics, Published online: 05 February 2025; doi:10.1038/s41928-025-01339-9

A gold-embedded oxide interlayer can be used to create metal–interlayer–semiconductor contacts for two-dimensional materials that exhibit low series resistance and Fermi level depinning.

This work reveals that nanotopographic materials can transiently breach the nucleo-cytoplasmic barrier by inducing nanoscale curvature in nuclear membranes. These breaches, occurring across various cell types, are influenced by the dimensions of nanopillars and the duration of cell interaction. The breaches are transient and repaired through the Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport(ESCRT)-mediated mechanisms.

Abstract

Materials with engineered nano-scale surface topographies, such as nanopillars, nanoneedles, and nanowires, mimic natural structures like viral spike proteins, enabling them to bypass biological barriers like the plasma membrane. These properties have led to applications in nanoelectronics for intracellular sensing and drug delivery platforms, some of which are already in clinical trials. Here, evidence is present that nanotopographic materials can induce transient openings in the nuclear membranes of various cell types without penetrating the cells, breaching the nucleo-cytoplasmic barrier, and allowing uncontrolled molecular exchange across the nuclear membrane. These openings, induced by nanoscale curvature, are temporary and repaired through the Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport (ESCRT)-mediated mechanisms. The findings suggest a potential for nano\topographic materials to temporarily breach the nuclear membrane with potential applications in direct nuclear sensing and delivery.

A novel water-soluble photoswitch, capable of free isomerization, incorporation into any aqueous polymer without leaching, and adaptation to multiple manufacturing techniques, has been developed by assembling amphiphilic spiropyran-octapeptide supramolecules. Embedding these supramolecular assemblies into a versatile silk matrix creates unique opportunities for photo-responsive platforms with various forms, processibility, and functionalities, enabling attractive potential applications in dual-mode high-security encryption.

Abstract

With exceptional photochromic and photoluminescent properties, spiropyrans have demonstrated significant potential for advanced information encryption and anti-counterfeiting applications. However, its inherent water insolubility leads to incompatibility with aqueous polymers, and even more, its ease of leaching from the matrix hinders the formation of stable stimuli-responsive platforms through direct blending with all polymers. Here, the fabrication of amphiphilic spiropyran-octapeptide molecules is reported that can spontaneously self-assemble into highly water-dispersible supramolecular nanofibers in water. These assemblies exhibit universal polymer matrix compatibility while retaining the rapid photo-responsiveness of spiropyrans. The formation of strong interactions between the supramolecular assembly and polymer chains ensures the long-term stability of the resultant stimuli-responsive materials in aqueous environments. These platforms fully preserve the base polymers’ processing properties, with silk fibroin as the matrix offering exceptional opportunities for constructing photo-responsive platforms in various forms (e.g., films, gels, fibers, and coatings) with multiple functionalities using diverse solution processing techniques. Integrating distinct photochromic and photoluminescent responses within a single format without interference, combined with environmental stability and processing flexibility, enables the creation of dual-mode, high-security encryption devices for diverse application scenarios. The outlined strategy provides innovative concepts for developing high-performance, versatile intelligent systems utilizing stimulus-responsive molecules.

Different deposition energies of Pt atoms constructed two types of interfacial structures in Fe₅GeTe₂/Pt heterostructures, which greatly changed the Curie temperature and magnetic anisotropy of the two systems. The results suggest that the interfacial artifacts cannot be neglected in measuring static magnetic properties and dynamic magnetization behavior, especially in 2D van Waals-based stacks prepared by the physical deposition method.

Abstract

Interface engineering is a promising strategy for controlling the Curie temperature (T _c) and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in magnetic 2D van der Waals (2D vdWs)-based heterostructures. However, establishing high-quality interface structures in magnetic 2D vdWs/metal stacks, crucial for maximizing interface effects, remains a significant challenge. Here, a Fe_5-xGeTe₂/Pt (F5GT/Pt) prototype with a superior interface quality is achieved using a low-power physical vapor deposition technique. The magnetic properties of the F5GT/Pt heterostructures are strongly influenced by employing the specific physical deposition method. Stable ferromagnetism at 400 K is observed when depositing Pt atoms with relatively high energy, despite the T _c of pristine F5GT being below 300 K. This unexpected high-temperature ferromagnetism is attributed to the formation of a ferromagnetic alloy at the interface, commonly present in vdWs-based stacks fabricated through physical deposition but often overlooked. The deposit of Pt atoms with ultralow energy leads to the formation of a unique Fe_5-xGeTe₂/Fe_3-xGeTe₂ heterojunction at the interface, significantly enhancing the PMA. This work emphasizes the importance of interface structures in vdWs-based devices, suggesting that controlling the growth process offers an effective approach to construct and engineer vdWs heterostructures, thus improving the performance and introducing new functionalities to spintronic devices.

This article summarizes significant technological advancements in materials, photonic devices, and bio-interfaced systems, which demonstrate successful applications for impacting human healthcare via improved therapies, advanced diagnostics, and on-skin health monitoring.

Abstract

Recent advances in developing photonic technologies using various materials offer enhanced biosensing, therapeutic intervention, and non-invasive imaging in healthcare. Here, this article summarizes significant technological advancements in materials, photonic devices, and bio-interfaced systems, which demonstrate successful applications for impacting human healthcare via improved therapies, advanced diagnostics, and on-skin health monitoring. The details of required materials, necessary properties, and device configurations are described for next-generation healthcare systems, followed by an explanation of the working principles of light-based therapeutics and diagnostics. Next, this paper shares the recent examples of integrated photonic systems focusing on translation and immediate applications for clinical studies. In addition, the limitations of existing materials and devices and future directions for smart photonic systems are discussed. Collectively, this review article summarizes the recent focus and trends of technological advancements in developing new nanomaterials, light delivery methods, system designs, mechanical structures, material functionalization, and integrated photonic systems to advance human healthcare and digital healthcare.

Single-Cell Exosome

The background shows a microwell array chip with a light beam symbolizing photothermal technology for single-cell isolation. A magnified view highlights exosome secretion by a purple cell. Multicolored markers identify different exosomes. More details can be found in article number 2411259 by Lin Han and co-workers.