Jing Zhang

We present the extracellular vesicle (EV) Bimodal Functional Regulator (eBFR), an integrated platform combining CLEAR (Cargo Luminal Elimination to Attenuate Risk), SWITCHER (SWITCHable EV Releaser), and eSimoa (EV single-molecule array) to dissect and reprogram EV function with spatial and subpopulation-level precision. By eliminating oncogenic cargo while preserving native surface functionality and enabling ultrasensitive protein profiling, eBFR enhances the safety, standardization, and therapeutic potential of tumor EVs, advancing their clinical translation.

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) hold great promise for diagnostics and therapeutics, but clinical translation is hindered by their heterogeneity and the lack of tools for spatially resolved, subpopulation-specific functional analysis. Here, the EV bimodal functional regulator (eBFR), an integrated platform combining: (1) CLEAR (Cargo Luminal Elimination to Attenuate Risk) for selective luminal depletion while preserving surface integrity; (2) SWITCHER (SWITCHable EV Releaser) for modular EV subpopulation enrichment; and (3) eSimoa (EV single-molecule array) for ultrasensitive, compartment-specific protein quantification. Using tumor-derived EVs, CLEAR removed pro-tumor luminal cargo—attenuating their pro-tumorigenic activity—while preserving preferential uptake by autologous tumor cells, enhancing drug loading by 8430-fold and improving anticancer efficacy by 37%. Omics-guided functional assays reveal a spatial “division of labor,” with surface proteins driving uptake and luminal cargo regulating proliferation and migration. These insights inform a 3D EV Functional Decision Matrix linking spatial molecular signatures to phenotypic outcomes. Applied to SARS-CoV-2 Spike EVs, eBFR uncovers dose-, compartment-, and cell type-dependent effects, including a “Trojan Horse” mechanism for viral protein transfer and propagation via secondary EVs. eBFR offers a mechanistically informed framework for decoding EV biology, reprogramming vesicle function, and guiding rational design of biosafety-enhanced, next-generation EV-based therapeutics in precision nanomedicine.

Nature Physics, Published online: 14 October 2025; doi:10.1038/s41567-025-03060-y

Anisotropic hybridization between conduction and unpaired f electrons is rarely observed. Now, a lanthanide-based two-dimensional compound exhibits nodal hybridization, giving rise to heavy-fermion behaviour.

This work reports a novel InSe crystal grown on the China Space Station, exhibiting an expanded lattice structure and reduced defects. These lattice variations contribute to unique electronic characteristics and facilitate carrier transport, significantly boosting electrical and photoelectrical performance. The findings offer valuable insights for developing promising electronic materials in the post-Moore era.

Abstract

Intrinsic defect plays a crucial role in the electrical and photoelectrical performance of InSe-based FETs. Here, a space-growth InSe on China Space Station with reduced intrinsic defects is reported and high-performance InSe field-effect transistors are developed. Spherical aberration corrected transmission electron microscope analysis reveals that the space grown InSe presents lattice expansion of 1.29% along the intralayer direction (a,b plane) and 3.65% along the interlayer direction (c-axis). Density functional theory calculations reveal that the defect generation energy of expanded space InSe is larger than that of ground InSe, improving lattice integrity. The lattice variations in space InSe contribute to unique electronic properties with a narrower bandgap, smaller effective mass of electrons, and increased electronic states near the Fermi level, which reduces carrier scattering and facilitates electron transport. Space InSe FET presents better electrical characteristics (I_on of 6.0 µA µm⁻¹, on/off ratio of 10⁸ and hysteresis voltage of 0.6 V) and photoelectrical performance (responsivity of 5316 A W⁻¹ and detectivity of 1.38 × 10¹² Jones) than the ground InSe FET, in which InSe is grown on the ground. This study provides unique insights into the investigation of crystal structure and promotes the development of high-performance 2D FETs.

Mineral, organic phase, and water are the essential components in mollusk shell nacre formation. Their interplay is not well understood, because the hydrated material is difficult to observe at high resolution, under close to native conditions. Forming nacre is studied using environmental and cryo-electron microscopy and hydrated ACC phases, together with nascent and crystalline aragonite, are observed.

Abstract

Mollusk shell nacre is an advanced functional material composed of layers of flat tablet-shaped crystals of aragonite. The formation and growth of individual tablets can be studied on the forming surface. Such studies reveal that a disordered precursor phase of hydrated and anhydrous amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is first formed which then transforms into a single crystal of aragonite. Here, the formation of nacre is studied from living specimens of the bivalve Brachidontis pharaonis, using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) and cryo-SEM under hydrated conditions. It is shown that the forming tablets are rounded ellipsoids that form inside an organic gel. The ellipsoids have an aspect ratio of ≈2 irrespective of size, as in aragonite. Etching the surface in the ESEM reveals rounded and triangular etch pits, indicating the presence of ACC and aragonite domains. Spherical particles embedded in a gel-like organic material that is observed as they mature decrease in size presumably due to dehydration. These diverse observations lead to the conclusion that the forming ellipsoids are composed of co-existing hydrated ACC phases, nascent aragonite, and crystalline aragonite. The type and the proportions of different phases are changed if care is not taken to maintain this sample under hydrated conditions.

Nature Materials, Published online: 01 October 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02361-0

Resistance drift, also known as the temporal change in electrical resistance, hampers the application of phase-change materials for neuromorphic computing. Here an amorphous CrTe3 thin film with no resistance drift in the working temperature from −200 °C to 165 °C is reported.

Nature Materials, Published online: 01 October 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02360-1

The authors identify two coexisting incommensurate charge density waves whose interplay leads to joint commensuration and a long-period moiré structure.

Lanthanide-doped halide perovskites typically show low NIR efficiency due to weak f − f absorption. Mo⁴⁺–Er³⁺ co-doped Cs₂ZrCl₆ phosphors featuring dual NIR emission at 960 and 1543 nm, with 66.7% PLQY, and broadband excitation (250–850 nm) is presented. The underlying energy transfer is explored with temperature-dependent steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence studies. This will open new avenues for NIR light sources excitable by low-cost multicolor LEDs.

Abstract

Lanthanide (Ln³⁺)-doped lead-free inorganic metal halide perovskites with near-infrared (NIR) luminescence have shown great promise in optoelectronics. However, these materials exhibit low NIR efficiency due to insufficient absorption from forbidden f − f transitions. Herein, a strategy based on Mo⁴⁺–Er³⁺ co-doping is reported to achieve efficient NIR emission in Cs₂ZrCl₆ phosphors, which are excitable by low-cost multicolor light-emitting diode (LED) chips. Besides a broadband NIR emission of dyz,zx→dxy${{\rm{d}}_{{\rm{yz,zx}}}} \to {{\rm{d}}_{{\rm{xy}}}}$ transition of Mo⁴⁺ ions centered at 960 nm, the co-doped sample also exhibits an NIR-II emission peak at 1543 nm. These Mo⁴⁺− Er³⁺ codoped samples achieved an overall photoluminescence quantum yield of 66.7%, with Er³⁺ emission contributing 8.3%. Mo⁴⁺ ions not only sensitize Er³⁺ ions but also possess broad-band excitation extending from ultraviolet to NIR region (250–850 nm). Further, temperature-dependent (10–400 K) steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence provide mechanistic information on excitation, emission, and sensitization mechanisms. These findings provide a general approach to achieve efficient NIR emission by codoping of optically active metal cations. The admirable stability and dual NIR bands of Mo⁴⁺–Er³⁺ co-doped Cs₂ZrCl₆ microcrystals will open new avenues for NIR light sources excitable by low-cost multicolor LED chips in potential optical communication, night-vision, and bio-imaging applications.

Submillimeter, ultrathin single-crystal NdOCl nanosheets are synthesized via modified PVD. It exhibits high-κ (≈11.7), ultralow leakage (≈10⁻⁷ A cm⁻²), and a wide bandgap (4.57 eV). MoS₂/NdOCl FETs show a high I _on/I _off ratio, steep subthreshold swing, suppressed scattering, and enhanced mobility. The 100-nm channel MoS₂ FETs and high-gain inverters with NdOCl gate, demonstrating their potential as a next-generation 2D dielectric.

Abstract

2D dielectrics integrated with atomically thin semiconductors hold immense potential to address the scaling challenges in future nanoelectronics. However, existing 2D dielectrics are limited by insufficient dielectric constants, poor interfacial quality, and degraded gate controllability. Here, a controlled synthesis of single-crystal neodymium oxychloride (NdOCl) nanosheets with submillimeter sizes (169 µm) and ultrathin thickness (5 nm) is presented using a modified physical vapor deposition (PVD) approach. The NdOCl nanosheets exhibit a high dielectric constant (κ≈11.7), ultralow leakage currents (≈10⁻⁷ A cm⁻²), and a wide bandgap of 4.57 eV. MoS₂/NdOCl field-effect transistors (FETs) achieve high on/off current ratios (10⁸), steep subthreshold swings, and suppressed Coulomb scattering, enabling a carrier mobility of 123 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 80 K, a value three times higher than MoS₂/SiO₂ FETs. The implementation of high-κ NdOCl dielectrics facilitates the successful fabrication of short-channel MoS₂ FETs (100 nm) and high-gain logic inverters (60.9). These findings underscore the great potential of NdOCl as a next-generation 2D gate dielectric for advanced, miniaturized nanoelectronic applications.

The schematic illustrates functionalized chitosan micro/nanopatterns enabling ECM-free adhesion, growth, and alignment of mesenchymal stem cells. Cells showed elongated morphology with nuclear alignment, distinct focal adhesions and enhanced coherency of actin stress fibers emphasizing the significance of the patterned substrates in regulating cellular response, underscoring its potential as an advanced culture platform for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissues comprises of micro/nanoscale topographical features that critically influence cell behavior. Mimicking these features in vitro has emerged as a promising strategy in biomaterials engineering, offering the potential to guide cellular responses. However, conventional patterning techniques use multistep, mask-based fabrication and synthetic polymers that lack biocompatibility, and require additional surface modifications for cell culture applications. This emphasizes the need for a functionalized micro/nanostructured platform that better recapitulate the native microenvironment. In this study, high-resolution, biocompatible, functionalized substrates with anisotropic/isotropic patterns are fabricated on chitosan using single-step femtosecond (fs) laser lithography and physiochemically characterized. The anisotropic patterned substrates are checked for cytocompatibility and supported the direct adhesion and growth of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), eliminating the need for any surface modifications. Surface characterization of these micro/nanostructured patterns confirmed the presence of functional carbonaceous surface groups, suitable for ECM-free cell attachment. hMSCs cultured on these substrates showed directional growth and alignment along the grooves, with notable changes in focal adhesion orientation, actin remodelling and nuclear elongation indicating effective mechanotransduction. This study demonstrates the potential of fs laser-fabricated biopolymeric patterns for controlled cell adhesion and alignment, offering promising applications in mechanobiology, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

A dual-semicircular structured core fiber (DSSCF) is proposed to enable a 1.0 and 1.5 µm dual-band fiber laser. Low transmission loss in the DSSCF is achieved through an modified preform fabrication method, which involves preheating treatment to bond the two core glasses, followed by cold processing. Independent dual-band gain is realized through careful structural design and the manipulation of core glass properties. Based on the proposed DSSCF, an effective 1.0 and 1.5 µm dual-band fiber laser has been demonstrated.

Abstract

Dual-band lasers are essential for applications of broadband light sources, mid-infrared generation, advanced microscopy, and pump-probe sensing. Yet, achieving compact all-fiber configurations remains challenging due to the difficulties in dual-band gain fiber fabrication, high gain requirement, and the competitive energy transfer process of rare earth (RE) ions. Herein, a strategy of co-engineering fiber structure and gain material is proposed to address these challenges. A dual semicircular structured core fiber (DSSCF) is designed, featuring spatially separated Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ and Yb³⁺ doped regions in multicomponent phosphate glass. This design enables independent emission at 1.0 and 1.5 µm, supported by an exceptional Yb³⁺ → Er³⁺ energy transfer efficiency of 99.7% that minimizes the influence of Yb³⁺ emission in the co-doped region. Experimental results demonstrate dual-band lasing at 1.0 and 1.5 µm using a short gain fiber of 4.6 cm. Notably, the dual-band laser system achieves outstanding performance with slope efficiencies of 24.0% and 5.6% at 1.0 and 1.5 µm, respectively, coupled with low dual thresholds below 180 mW. This work highlights the potential of DSSCFs for compact and efficient dual-band all-fiber lasers and advances the integration and miniaturization of laser systems.

This review focuses on recent advancements in ice lithography, including breakthroughs in compatible precursors and substrates, processes and applications, hardware, and digital methods. Moreover, it offers a roadmap to uncover innovation opportunities for ice lithography in fields such as biological, nanoengineering and microsystems, biophysics and quantum, computational methods, advanced materials, and software and instrumentation.

Abstract

Ice lithography (IL) is an emerging and versatile direct write method that complements two photon lithography and focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID). Based on interaction between energetic electrons and frozen materials, IL permits the creation of high-resolution 2D patterns and intricate 3D micro- and nanostructures. This review highlights advancements spanning the past five years. Several notable breakthroughs have been reported during this time frame including the development of i) new classes of low-toxicity IL materials, including organometallics and renewable materials such as CO2 and ethanol; ii) innovative new substrates such as biological materials and even living micro-organisms; iii) disruptive processes, hardware and digital methods to obtain complex 3D objects; and iv) cutting-edge applications in 2D materials research, direct synthesis of quantum dots for sensing, and ultra-high density data storage. These discoveries offer the opportunity to focus on exciting future applications, and this review peeks into the future through a roadmap on how recent progress in IL might enable innovations into apparent unrelated fields of cancer screening, fundamental biophysics, quantum technology, future microsensor production, and more generally advanced functional materials research.

This study presents silk fibroin-based long-lived, versatile RTP platforms. Through multivalent phosphor anchoring in the silk matrix, high-performance RTP is achieved alongside customizable configurations, multi-mode tunable afterglow, multilevel processing, and functional diversity. The approach transcends key limitations in biomass-based RTP systems, offering a transformative solution for renewable and biocompatible photoluminescent technologies with enhanced applications in sustainable technologies and biointerfaces.

Abstract

The development of sustainably sourced, biocompatible room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials with rich formats, multimodal tunability, and multifunctional capabilities presents a transformative opportunity for sustainable technologies and biomedical interfaces, yet it remains a significant challenge. Here, RTP silk fibroin systems that feature improved processability, responsiveness, and functionality by multivalently anchoring phosphors to a versatile protein matrix are reported. The RTP silk fibroin can be processed into various fully biodegradable platforms, exhibiting strong RTP emission with a lifetime of up to 233 ms driven by multiple robust phosphor–fibroin interactions. The resulting platforms exhibit multi-responsiveness to UV light, vapor, and temperature, along with diversified functionalities that include recyclability, weldability, morphability, and adhesion. Moreover, their adaptability with diverse micro/nano-processing techniques enables complex RTP patterning and multidimensional information integration. Finally, it is demonstrated that these convergent advantages endow the platforms with multifunctionality and multi-interface compatibility, enabling applications such as smart labels for electronic devices, conformal networks for pharmaceuticals, and scalable textiles for face masks.

This review highlights recent advances in label-free optical biosensors based on 2D materials and rationally designed mixed-dimensional nanohybrids, emphasizing their synergistic effects and novel functionalities. It also discusses multifunctional sensing platforms and the integration of machine learning for intelligent data analysis. Finally, it outlines current challenges and future opportunities.

Abstract

The increasing demand for rapid detection and remote monitoring with high sensitivity and selectivity has driven the development of label-free optical biosensors based on 2D materials (2DMs). Owing to their high surface-to-volume ratio and unique, tunable electrical and optical properties, 2DMs are highly attractive for biosensing applications. Van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) that combine different 2DMs allow the creation of hybrid materials with synergistic or novel functionalities. Beyond purely 2D vdWHs, mixed-dimensional hybrid architectures have recently emerged, offering enhanced sensitivity, stability, and reproducibility in label-free optical detection. This review highlights recent advances in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)- and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensing using 2DMs and their hybrid nanostructures, discussing the role of each component and emphasizing their synergistic effects. It also provides an overview of recent progress in multifunctional sensing platforms and the integration of machine learning to improve performance and enable intelligent data analysis. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities for advancing next-generation label-free optical biosensors are highlighted.

This work proposes neuromorphic visual receptive field hardware with vertically integrated amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O optoelectronic memristors and Si neuron transistors for retina-inspired visual processing. The visual receptive field array, comprising ON- and OFF-type cells, facilitates edge detection, thereby enhancing perception in complex images, such as fingerprints. This demonstrates the potential of neuromorphic visual systems to extract critical features from intricate visual data efficiently.

Abstract

Event-driven processing in neuromorphic vision systems, utilizing spiking neural networks, can offer improved energy efficiency compared to conventional von Neumann systems. This study proposes an artificial retinal neuron with a vertically integrated optoelectronic memristor (optomemristor) and a neuron transistor (neuristor), inspired by the visual receptive field (VRF) of the biological retina. This design performs pre-processing in the sensor to extract essential image features, such as edges. The optomemristor on top consists of an In-Ga-Zn-O thin film, which detects light, while the neuristor at the bottom is made of a Si field-effect transistor (FET), converting the spikes into an electrical signal. The VRF hardware comprises excitatory (ON-type) and inhibitory (OFF-type) cells. The spiking frequency of the Si FET increases in response to light exposure for ON-type cells, which are composed of a serially connected optomemristor and neuristor. In contrast, OFF-type cells, composed of parallelly connected devices, decrease the spiking frequency under light exposure. The dual-type configuration, which incorporates both ON- and OFF-type cells, achieves a remarkable 99.8% accuracy in fingerprint pattern classification due to the efficient extraction of edge information. This represents a significant improvement over the 56.1% accuracy of the single-type configuration that relies solely on ON-type cells.

Vivid structural colors are generated with MXene as the absorbing layer in a multilayer interference film. The light-lossy refractive indices of various MXenes largely expand the color gamut, outperforming the conventional metals and semiconductors. The unique optical properties of the MXene family offer a versatile platform for the physical manipulation of light.

Abstract

Thin-film interference with a Fabry–Pérot cavity is a classic approach to generating structural colors for anti-counterfeiting, sensors, and aesthetical demands. However, an absorbing layer capable of balancing the reflectance and absorption bands remains elusive, thereby limiting the chromatic and luminant tunability of structural coloration. Here wide-color-gamut films are reported with MXene as the absorbing layer in a simple trilayer configuration for vivid structural colors, outperforming conventional metal- and semiconductor-based films. It is demonstrated that the ‘lossy’ refractive indices of different metallic MXene compositions broaden the absorption bandwidth of multilayer films and maintain the high reflectance, enabling a substantial and complementary gamut with high tunability beyond the area of sRGB color space. Various structural color films/patterns based on MXenes showcase the compatibility for different scenarios. The results accompanied by theoretical calculations provide insights into the fundamental understanding of light-MXene interaction in coloration. The unique optical absorbance and solution processibility of the MXene family offer a versatile platform for the physical manipulation of light beyond conventional manufacturing approaches.

Nature, Published online: 24 September 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09510-0

An electrostatic-repulsion-enabled advanced transfer technique based on ammonia solution is introduced for separating van der Waals thin-film materials from their substrates, demonstrating suitability for its use in the complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) industry.

The researchers compile and review recent advancements in green-emitting QLEDs based on cadmium-based, lead-based perovskite, and heavy-metal-free QDs, with a particular focus on discussing and analyzing strategies for improving green electroluminescent devices. The insights gained provide valuable guidance for subsequent optimizations of QD materials and device architectures. Last, the existing challenges and future prospects of green QLEDs are discussed.

Abstract

Colloidal quantum dot (QD)-based light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) hold tremendous potential for next-generation solid-state lighting and full-color display technologies and are the focus of extensive research since many years. In particular, green QLEDs, which are more friendly to the human eye, see significant advancements in terms of external quantum efficiency and operational stability, largely due to the design optimization and structural regulation of QD materials and the architecture regulation of devices. While numerous reviews exist on QDs and QLEDs in general, comprehensive summaries specifically focusing on green QLEDs—covering aspects such as synthesis, structure, performance, mechanisms, and regulation strategies—remain scarce. This gap hinders subsequent researchers from developing higher-performance green QLEDs. In response, this review adopts a material classification approach, summarizing green-emitting cadmium-based, lead-based perovskite, and heavy-metal-free QDs. Alongside discussing the latest research progress of these three types of QDs, strategies to enhance device performance from a mechanistic perspective, including QD crystal structure and composition engineering, QD surface defect passivation, and device architecture modulation are also proposed. Finally, existing challenges are highlighted and feasible solutions are proposed, offering valuable insights for the future development of green QLEDs.

This strain-engineered monolayer-MoS₂ spectrometer exploits mechanical resonance to deliver 9 nm resolution across 470–750 nm in a 0.7 nm-thin, CMOS-compatible, chip-scale platform. Hyperspectral imaging is demonstrated and is readily scalable to arrays and other 2D materials, establishing a paradigm for miniaturized, dispersion-free optical systems.

Abstract

The development of ultracompact spectrometers is critically important for applications with stringent size and weight constraints, including implantable medical devices, portable electronics, and field-deployable characterization systems. A monolithic spectrometer based on strain-engineered monolayer MoS₂ that achieves broadband visible operation (470–750 nm) with 9 nm resolution through a novel strain-mediated spectral decoding mechanism, is presented. Leveraging the exceptional electromechanical coupling and strain-tunable optoelectronic properties of 2D MoS₂, the device utilizes resonant-frequency electromechanical excitation (20.02–20.08 MHz) to systematically control the spectral response, enabling sub-10-nm resolution (Δλ = 9 nm) without conventional dispersive optics. A computationally efficient reconstruction algorithm incorporating Tikhonov regularization with generalized cross-validation solves the ill-posed inverse problem while maintaining spectral fidelity (>90% correlation with commercial systems). The 6.5 Å-thick active layer enables unprecedented miniaturization (50 × size reduction vs conventional systems) while preserving exceptional performance (Q >800, response time <100 µs). This architecture not only establishes a new paradigm for on-chip spectroscopic systems but also demonstrates immediate applications in hyperspectral imaging (100 µm spatial resolution), CIE-standard color reconstruction (ΔE <3), and spectrally encrypted communications. By bridging atomic-scale strain engineering and macroscopic spectroscopy, this work provides an avenue for lab-on-a-chip diagnostic platforms, wearable biosensors, and integrated photonic systems.

A new strategy enables multiplexed single-particle imaging by precisely tuning the red-to-green (R/G) emission ratios of Yb/Er co-doped upconversion nanoparticles. Quantitative modeling and experimental validation reveal that R/G modulation is dictated by excited Yb³⁺ density (n1′${n}_{1}^{\prime}$), which governs energy redistribution among Er³⁺ states. This mechanism allows more than a tenfold spectral tunability and enables reliable multicolor tracking of molecular dynamics.

Abstract

Single-particle tracking (SPT) offers critical insights into nanoscale molecular dynamics, but is limited by short tracking durations due to irreversible photobleaching and the technical complexity of multicolor imaging. Here, a non-photobleaching ratiometric imaging strategy is developed based on lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), exploiting their intrinsic, tunable red-to-green (R/G) emission ratios for multiplexed SPT. Single-particle characterization reveals over 10-fold tunability. Mechanistic investigations show that this ratiometric behavior is governed by Yb³⁺ excitation density, which modulates the energy distribution within energy levels of Er³⁺ ions. Specifically, high Yb³⁺ excitation densities enhance three-photon transitions, favoring red emission, while lower densities promote two-photon upconversion and green emission. Both processes proceed through a shared energy level of ²H_11/2, leading to competitive energy transfer dynamics. Based on this competition mechanism, a quantitative relationship is further established between UCNPs structure and the resulting R/G emission ratio, allowing reliable prediction of spectral output across different designs. Leveraging this tunable ratiometric principle, simultaneous five-color single-particle imaging is demonstrated with a misidentification rate below 5%. This strategy is further applied to visualize receptor-mediated endocytosis in live cells. This work highlights the advantages of upconversion luminescence-based R/G ratio discrimination for long-term, multicolor SPT, offering a simple and reliable tool for probing complex biological processes.

Nanoscale rainbow light trapping for lasing emission in the 1550 nm telecom band is experimentally demonstrated. Ultra-compact 1D and 2D topological rainbow nanolasers are presented, featuring ultra-small mode volumes, ultra-low lasing thresholds, and remarkable robustness against fabrication imperfections and defects.

Abstract

Topological rainbow trapping, spatially separating and confining multiple topologically protected light frequencies, offers a prospective scheme for achieving robust multi-wavelength single-mode coherent emission within a single nanodevice. Here, ultra-compact topological photonic crystal rainbow nanolasers operating in the 1550 nm telecom band are experimentally demonstrated. Specifically, rainbow-like single-mode emission with a controllable free spectral range and a wavelength-scale mode volume is presented in a one-dimensional topological rainbow nanolaser, exhibiting robust rainbow spectral emission across a wide temperature range and a spectral tuning capability of approximately 70 nm. Additionally, an ultra-compact two-dimensional topological rainbow nanolaser is demonstrated in an exceptionally small footprint, featuring a broad rainbow spectrum with 64 continuously tuned single-mode lasing peaks. This work provides a promising approach for realizing robust and nanoscale multi-wavelength single-mode coherent emission within a single device, paving the way for numerous potential applications in ultra-compact high-throughput data processing systems, including on-chip wavelength-division-multiplexing and optical interconnects.

This work presents a novel method of patterning an RFID antenna on flexible paper substrates using the hydrophilicity of MXene Ti₃C₂T _x solution to form conductive traces. To prevent MXene material waste by uncontrolled spreading, and to avoid the difficulties associated with applying and removing conventional masks after drop-casting, superhydrophobic regions are created around the hydrophilic antenna patterns. This method allows MXene, with various concentrations, to self-align only in the designated regions, without the requirement for ink-formulation. Three different antenna patterns are fabricated using this technique, each achieving ≈ 97% impedance matching.

Abstract

MXenes are an emerging class of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides, known for their mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties, which make them suitable for electromagnetic applications such as antennas and radio frequency identification (RFID) devices. This research demonstrates that MXene-based RFID antennas can be patterned by modifying the hydrophobicity of a hydrophilic paper substrate. A Ti₃C₂T _x MXene colloid with a concentration of 32 mg g⁻¹ with a conductivity of (≈10 000 S cm⁻¹) is used to fabricate conductive traces of RFID antennas through dip-coating, using a superhydrophobic layer patterning technique. Ink spreading is minimized by controlling the water repellency of the surfaces and taking advantage of the inherent hydrophilicity of MXene, resulting in improved pattern fidelity. The versatility of the proposed patterning method is demonstrated through the fabrication of three different RFID antenna tags, including dipole, meander, and T-matched antennas, designed to operate at ultrahigh frequency (UHF) (800–920 MHz). The method also enabled impedance matching for dipole and meander-shaped RFIDs to 50 Ω, achieving ≈ 97% efficiency compared to copper-based counterparts fabricated using subtractive methods. This approach enables well-defined, self-confined deposition and offers a scalable process for MXene conductive traces and microstrip lines patterning.

Cs₃DyI₆:Er³⁺ perovskite achieves strong 1540 nm emission via synergistic dual energy transfer pathways (STE → Er³⁺ and Dy³⁺ → Er³⁺), enhanced by phonon-assisted processes. This mechanism enables high-performance NIR LEDs with record EQE and stability, promising for optical communication applications.

Abstract

Er³⁺-doped 1.54 µm light-emitting diodes (LEDs) operating in the optical communication C-band are central to the development of integrated photonic systems. Given the pressing need for efficient, stable, cost-effective, and low-voltage-driven 1.54 µm light sources, a lanthanide-based metal halide Cs₃DyI₆:Er³⁺ nanocrystal is engineered with a tetragonal phase structure. The study reveals a unique dual-channel energy transfer mechanism. The 574 nm emission, stemming from ⁴F_9/2-²H_13/2 orbital transitions of Dy³⁺ ions, enables phonon-assistant energy transfer to excite ⁴I_15/2- ⁴S_3/2 of Er³⁺ ions. Meanwhile, self-trapped excitons (STEs) contribute additional energy via a 488 nm broadband emission to excite ⁴I_15/2-⁴F_7/2 of Er³⁺. The two pathways synergize to facilitate efficient 1.54 µm emission from Er³⁺ ions, overcoming limitations of traditional single-path energy transfer systems. To optimize device performance, 2,4,6-triphenyl-1,3,5-trioxane (TPPO) is employed for passivating surface defects to enhance the overall photoluminescence quantum yield up to 87.4%. Precise control of the LiF interlayer thickness (1–2 nm) achieves balanced electron–hole injection, significantly improving both external quantum efficiency (EQE) and operational stability. The fabricated infrared LED device demonstrates outstanding performance, with a record EQE of 2.76% at 1.54 µm and a half-life of 345 min, marking a significant milestone in optical communication technology.

The twisted bilayer moiré elastic metasurface with a Lieb lattice achieves structural reconstruction through twisting, enabling all-magic-angle-tuned​ anisotropic transmission and unidirectional propagation under specific conditions. The Lieb lattice configuration reduces energy dissipation while enhancing energy concentration through its intrinsic band engineering.

Abstract

Moiré metasurfaces generate novel optical characteristics, such as photonic polariton and topological Lifshitz transition by stacking multiple metasurfaces with periodic structures. This configuration demonstrates significant flexibility and tunability in the manipulation of optical, electrical, acoustic, and thermal properties. In this work, a bilayer twisted moiré elastic metasurface is presented, constructed using periodically arranged tilted and rhombic prism resonators in Lieb lattice configuration. By utilizing the twisting mechanism, the design enables systematic reconstruction of the moiré metasurface, which facilitates precise manipulation of elastic wave propagation, particularly achieving both the “all-magic-angle” and anisotropic transmission. The inherent band structure of the Lieb lattice plays a key role in reducing energy dissipation during wave transmission, thereby enhancing energy concentration. Furthermore, a novel phenomenon of unidirectional polariton-like polarized waveguide mode is observed, where propagation is biased along specific directions. This study establishes a comprehensive theoretical framework throughderivation of the governing wave equations and systematic construction of band structures with corresponding dispersion relations. These findings significantly enhance the potential applications of moiré metasurfaces in elastic wave manipulation, particularly in critical technologies such as non-destructive testing and energy harvesting.

Topological design of pyrene-based MOFs with tunable 3D to 2D structures provides biocompatible and efficient photoluminescent thermometer over 7 to 300 K at a nanometer scale for live bioimaging.

Abstract

Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) represent an attractive family of materials for diverse biomedical applications due to their porosity, chemical versatility, and stimuli-responsive properties. Next to their drug delivery and bioimaging applications, MOFs have been recently considered as efficient luminescent thermal probes. However, the relatively low thermal sensitivity together with the biocompatibility of most MOF thermometers limits their practical applications. Here, a series of new MOFs based on Zn ions and a rectangular tetratopic ligand H₄TBAPy (1,3,6,8-tetrakis(p-benzoic acid)pyrene) is reported, demonstrating a temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) with up to 2.12% K⁻¹ relative thermal sensitivities over the 7 – 300 K temperature range. Using a topological design approach, the structure of the obtained MOFs is tuned from two- to three-dimensions via solvent exchange in order to build the optimal structure of the PL thermometer. Then, the resulting MOFs have been exfoliated to obtain MOF nanosheets (NSs) to be easily injected into living organisms. As a result, MOF NSs, intracardiac injected or introduced into the digestive system of the Casper fish, reveal a 100% survival rate together with an efficient in vivo PL thermometry of organs, thereby, paving the way to a rational design of highly sensitive and biocompatible MOF-based thermometers.

Using high-speed laser carving to achieve precisely controlled two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor material patterns. These patterns serve as a stable template for the lateral epitaxial growth of other 2D materials, enabling the fabrication of 2D lateral periodic heterostructures, heterostructure crossbar arrays, and patterned heterostructures.

Abstract

Precise control over the spatial distribution of chemical composition and electronic structure in two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors is essential for the development of next-generation integrated circuits. However, fabricating 2D lateral patterned heterostructures with atomically sharp interfaces and high spatial periodicity remains a significant challenge. Herein, this work reports a general strategy to synthesize 2D semiconductor lateral patterned heterostructures through carving of 2D semiconductor single crystal and the follow-up robust epitaxial growth approach. Using the high-speed laser carving (HSLC) technique, this work obtains precisely controlled 2D semiconductor material patterns with clean edges, which are used as a robust template for laterally epitaxial growth to produce 2D lateral periodic heterostructures, heterostructure crossbar arrays and other complex patterned heterostructures. Systematic microscopic and spectral characterization reveal that heterostructures have atomically sharp interlines. The high periodicity of these heterostructures facilitates scalable device integration, providing a practical route toward large-area 2D electronic circuits. By constructing functional electronic components such as p-n diode and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverters arrays, this work demonstrates the potential of these heterostructures for monolithic circuit applications. This technique offers a new idea for micro/nano machining of 2D materials and lays a foundation for large-scale integrated circuits based on 2D semiconductors.