Jing Zhang

This study presents a water-resistant SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ phosphor with enhanced afterglow performance via Sc³⁺ doping, surface oxygen vacancy engineering, and B₂O₃ coating. The optimized material exhibits over 20 h of persistent luminescence and excellent water stability, offering a promising solution for long-lasting luminescent applications under humid and harsh environmental conditions.

Abstract

Long afterglow phosphors are expected to find applications in biomedical imaging, security inks, and environmental monitoring, which typically involve aqueous environments. However, the current commercial phosphor, SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ (SAOED), is susceptible to hydrolysis. To overcome this limitation, crystal field engineering is combined with surface modification to simultaneously enhance the chemical stability and afterglow performance of SAOED. By incorporating Sc³⁺ doping and oxygen vacancies (V_O), a novel material, V_O-SAOEDS is developed, which demonstrated a 19.07% increase in luminescence intensity and a 37.04% extension in afterglow duration. Further, coating this material with B₂O₃ resulted in a highly chemically stable V_O-SAOEDS@B₂O₃. After 30 days of immersion in water, this coated material retained 81.8% of its initial brightness. Compared to commercial SAOED, V_O-SAOEDS@B₂O₃ exhibits significant enhancements, including more than a tenfold improvement in water resistance, a 22.87% increase in afterglow duration, a 12.03% boost in luminous intensity, and an 8.97% enhancement in thermostability. This study paves the way for the broader application of long afterglow phosphors in water-based systems.

This study presents a grayscale-based DLP 3D printing technique, achieving high-precision fabrication of microlens arrays through grayscale light pattern modulation. The method enables multi-level curing in a single exposure, significantly improving printing efficiency and structural precision. The printed microlenses demonstrate exceptional focusing and reprinting capabilities, achieving sub-micron resolution, offering new opportunities for advancements in micro/nano manufacturing.

Abstract

In modern micro/nano fabrication, 3D printing technology drives industry transformation. However, existing technologies face bottlenecks in improving process efficiency and precision, while also struggling to achieve accurate fabrication of composite 3D microstructures. This study proposes a microlens self-focusing printing technique that integrates digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing with an optical microscope platform. By controlling image grayscale, microlenses with precise optical focusing capabilities are fabricated through millisecond-level single-exposure. Subsequently, without requiring additional hardware modifications, the self-focusing property of microlenses enables pattern printing with a feature size below 4 µm. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the technology's advantage in the integrated fabrication of composites by successfully printing of tetrahedral magnetic microrobots, which exhibit dynamic motion control under external magnetic fields. This fabrication strategy provides a simple and versatile new approach for high-precision microstructure fabrication.

This study introduces a novel “Polymerization-Confined Crystallization” strategy for fabricating arbitrarily patterned perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) nanocomposites. Femtosecond laser direct writing technology induces two-photon polymerization, forming a polymer network for subsequent in situ PQDs crystallization. This approach enables the fabrication of stable, high-resolution, multicolor 2D/3D microstructures, demonstrating potential for high-performance displays, optical data storage, and secure anti-counterfeiting.

Abstract

Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have emerged as promising candidates for advanced optoelectronic applications. However, integrating them into functional microdevices requires precise patterning techniques. While femtosecond (fs) laser direct writing offers sub-diffraction-limited resolution and 3D  functionality, its direct patterning of PQDs may result in lattice overheating and material decomposition. To resolve this dilemma, a “Polymerization-Confined Crystallization” strategy is proposed, actualized through a specially designed Perovskite-Monomer Composite Precursor (PMCP). In this approach, fs laser direct writing induces two-photon polymerization within the PMCP solution, enabling monomers to polymerize into a stable network. Subsequently, PQDs crystallize in situ and are confined within the polymer network. This process ensures that PQDs are formed via a polymerization-confined mechanism, rather than through direct and potentially damaging interaction with the perovskite precursors. This technique achieves a sub-diffraction-limited resolution of 120.3 nm and enables the fabrication of multicolor high-resolution perovskite-polymer composite patterns. Furthermore, this method offers a significantly simpler approach to fabricating 3D multicolor microstructures compared to direct fabrication techniques within inorganic solid-state materials. Due to the encapsulation of PQDs within the polymer matrix, the resulting structures exhibit improved stability. This innovative approach enables PQDs applications in high-resolution patterning, data storage, anti-counterfeiting encryption, and 3D displays.

(BTEA)EuBr₃ (BTEA = benzyltriethylammonium) single crystals are prepared through a facile slow vaporization crystallization method. The strong covalency between neighboring Eu contributes to enhanced structural stability. The highly efficient sky-blue emission with a photoluminescence quantum yield of ≈88% can be observed, making Eu²⁺ achieve blue electroluminescence emission in electrically-driven light-emitting diodes.

Abstract

Substituting toxic lead (Pb²⁺) with bivalent lanthanide (Ln²⁺) ions in metal halide perovskites has garnered increasing interest for the development of high-performance and environmentally friendly optoelectronics. Among the common Ln²⁺ ions, europium (Eu²⁺) stands out as particularly attractive because it can produce pure blue emission with a narrow linewidth. However, due to the susceptibility of Eu²⁺ to oxidation, most Eu²⁺-based compounds experience reduced luminescence efficiency and require protection in an inert gas environment. Herein, this study presents an organic–inorganic low-dimensional Eu²⁺-bromide metal cluster, (BTEA)EuBr₃ (BTEA = benzyltriethylammonium), which demonstrates strong antioxidant activity and exhibits a high photoluminescence quantum yield of ≈88%. It attributes these qualities to the shorter Eu─Eu bond length in their faced-shared structures, which enhances the interchain Eu─Eu coupling, thereby leading to stronger covalency between neighboring Eu and their structural stability. Electrically-driven light-emitting diodes (LEDs) fabricated with (BTEA)EuBr₃ produce the characteristic emission of Eu²⁺, demonstrating their potential use in next-generation blue-light-emitting devices.

The unique strategy of engineering Ho³⁺-mediated energy transfer for enhanced Pr³⁺ NIR-II luminescence in NaYF₄ core–shell nanocrystals is introduced. By optimizing the concentration ratio and spatial distribution of these lanthanide ions, the thermal quenching of downshifting emission are suppressed. This approach enables high-sensitivity temperature sensing and multimodal anti-counterfeiting applications, providing a novel pathway for lanthanides biological application and security technologies.

Abstract

Near-infrared II (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) luminescence has emerged as a powerful tool for biomedical applications, including sensing, imaging, and drug delivery, owing to its superior tissue penetration depth and high spatial resolution. Lanthanide-based NIR-II nanoprobes are particularly promising due to their outstanding photostability and minimal cytotoxicity. However, two critical challenges impede their widespread implementation: severe thermal quenching at elevated temperatures and inefficient downshifting processes. Herein, a novel strategy is reported to address these limitations by precisely modulating energy transfer dynamics between Ho³⁺ and Pr³⁺ ions in NaYF₄ core–shell engineering. By carefully optimizing the concentration ratio and spatial distribution of these lanthanide ions in NaYF₄ core–shell nanocrystals, the population of ¹G₄ (Pr³⁺) is significantly increased, effectively suppressing thermal quenching while boosting downshifting efficiency. The optimized system leverages dual NIR-II emission channels ( ¹G₄ and ⁵I₆) in NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Ho³⁺@NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Pr³⁺ nanocrystals, enabling ultrasensitive temperature sensing with a maximum relative sensitivity (S_r ) of 2.03% K⁻¹ . Furthermore, the synergistic up/down-conversion properties of Ho³⁺ and Pr³⁺ facilitate multimodal anti-counterfeiting, offering a robust platform for advanced information encryption and storage. This work not only establishes a new paradigm for engineering NIR-II luminescence but also underscores their vast potential in advanced applications, from precision biosensing to high-security encoding technologies.

Nature Synthesis, Published online: 01 September 2025; doi:10.1038/s44160-025-00881-w

Alkaline earth metal-based perovskite ferroelectrics

Nature Photonics, Published online: 01 September 2025; doi:10.1038/s41566-025-01724-y

The Review discusses recent advances in single-molecule orientation and localization microscopy (SMOLM) along with remaining challenges and promises for future developments of the field.

The mechanisms of lithography and the development of Sn–oxo clusters are elucidated using an MPI model. By optimizing and modifying the molecular polarity, both the lithographic resolution and sensitivity have been simultaneously enhanced, achieving a resolution of 8 nm under high-energy irradiation exposure. This work is expected to pave the way for sub-10-nm nanofabrication applications.

Abstract

Tin-based metal–oxo clusters have recently garnered considerable attention in high-energy irradiation lithography because of their nanoscale patterning capabilities. However, achieving sub-10 nm resolution remains a challenge due to uncontrolled latent image gradients after exposure. In this study, the development mechanism of the Sn4–oxo cluster is investigated using a molecular polarity index model. Resolutions of 8 and 17 nm are successfully achieved for Sn4-TF using electron beam lithography (EBL) and extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL), respectively. A novel ultraviolet pre-irradiation modification strategy is proposed to enhance sensitivity by one-third for both EBL and EUVL. The experimental findings and theoretical analysis demonstrate that deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography primarily degrades organic ligands and promotes Sn–O–Sn crosslinking, whereas EBL and EUVL drive both Sn–O–Sn and hydrocarbon crosslinking among Sn4–oxo clusters. This study deepens our understanding of Sn–oxo cluster photolithographic reaction mechanisms, offering critical insights for optimizing developers and enhancing resolution and sensitivity. These findings are expected to aid the realization of sub-10 nm node technology.

A visible light-responsive polyacrylamide-azobenzene hydrogel enables safe, reversible stiffness control for studying cell mechanobiology without harmful UV exposure. This approach reveals stem cells respond rapidly to mechanical changes, showing altered shape and protein distribution within one hour. Aged cells demonstrate reduced adaptability with compromised nuclear structure, providing insights into age-related decline in mechanical adaptability critical to cell-based therapeutics.

Abstract

Dynamic changes in elasticity during tissue development, remodeling, and aging influence cell behavior through mechanotransduction, yet most studies rely on hydrogels with fixed mechanical properties. Although photoresponsive azobenzene-based hydrogels can control substrate stiffness dynamically, they require UV light, which can damage cells and DNA. This makes it difficult to determine whether cellular responses are due to mechanical changes or UV-induced damage. This study develops a polyacrylamide-azobenzene hydrogel system (PAMA) responsive to biocompatible blue and green light, enabling unambiguous investigation of cellular mechanosensing dynamics. The hydrogel system achieves rapid and reversible switching between physiologically relevant stiffness values (19 to 4 kPa), triggering immediate responses in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) including changes in cell shape and yes-associated protein (YAP) localization. When exposed to fluctuating substrate stiffness, early-passage MSCs demonstrate rapid adaptive responses through cell spreading, while late-passage MSCs exhibit delayed spreading and pronounced nuclear lamina wrinkling, indicating impaired mechanosensitivity. These findings provide new insights into cellular mechanosensing dynamics, particularly with respect to cellular aging. With the ability to simulate tissue development, homeostasis, aging, and pathological conditions such as fibrosis or tumorigenesis, this platform also offers exciting potential across multiple fields, from regenerative medicine to cancer research.

Long non-coding genetic reprogramming electrospun patch is invented to cellular lineage specific programming the imbalanced TGF-β/Smad signaling. Wrapping Lnc-GEP reduced the activation level of Smad3 phosphorylation and extracellular matrix secretion of myofibroblasts, downregulated tendon adhesion score and alleviated adhesion fibrosis and achieved fibroblasts-guided endogenous regeneration, demonstrating a new avenue for the prevention and treatment strategy of tissue adhesions.

Abstract

Reprogramming of scar cell lineages within the injury region is expected for tissue regeneration. However, the programming elements to achieve targeted enrichment of specific cell lineages and intracellular genetic editing in the regions remains challenging. Here, a long non-coding genetic reprogramming electrospun patch (Lnc-GEP) by remodeling poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) electrospun fibers with the reprogramming element regulatin lnc-H19 identified in the non-coding transcriptional profile of tendon adhesion tissue is reported. Through intracellular genetic programming element encapsulated in nanogels, lnc-GEP achieved 92.74% activity retention with indiscriminate transfection efficiency for effective remodeling of non-coding genetic material. In particular, lnc-GEP reduced the activation level of Smad3 phosphorylation by 73.52% and extracellular matrix secretion of myofibroblasts by, demonstrating the targeting reprogramming of mesenchymal cell phenotype. In mouse tendon injury, lnc-GEP downregulated tendon adhesion score by 3 grades and alleviated adhesion fibrosis from 78.41% to 32.63%, thus achieving endogenous healing from mechanical strength, ultrastructure, and gait function levels instead of adhesion scars. In conclusion, non-coding genetic remodeling electrospun patches via regional cellular reprogramming are applied to show scar-related cell lineage resetting in a targeted manner without interfering with the regenerative process, providing a new avenue for the prevention and treatment strategy of tissue adhesions.

Bilayer polymers comprising lanthanide-coordinated skins and polyurethane substrates exhibit programmable wrinkling dynamics during relaxation. The evolving surface topography modulates visible light, enabling transitions among scattering, iridescence, and transparency. Independently, the metallopolymer layer emits multicolor luminescence under UV light. These features offer a durable, rewritable, dual-mode anti-counterfeiting platform with high adaptability and spatiotemporal control.

Abstract

A family of lanthanide metallopolymer/polyurethane bilayer polymers exhibiting multicolor luminescence and tunable wrinkling behavior are engineered to combat escalating challenges in information forgery and data leakage. These architectures are fabricated by spin-coating a lanthanide-coordinated metallopolymer skin layer onto a polyurethane substrate, facilitating strained-induced topographical transformations through a tensile-release process. During dynamic relaxation, the emergent wrinkled topographies modulate optical diffraction, yielding three distinct states: diffuse scattering (frosted glass effect), constructive interference (iridescent rainbow effect), and optical transparency. The metallopolymer skin layer demonstrates high-efficiency luminescence with broad-spectrum chromatic emission, while the polyurethane substrate confers exceptional mechanical robustness, optical transparency, and intrinsic self-healing properties. Consequently, a dual-mode anti-counterfeiting platform integrating luminescence and structural coloration is realized, offering facile activation, immediate visual verification, and enhanced durability with recyclability. These multifunctional materials exhibit superior performance metrics in encryption and hierarchical anti-counterfeiting paradigms, surpassing contemporary security technologies in adaptability and functional sophistication.

Single-cell sequencing technologies have advanced our understanding of cellular heterogeneity and biological complexity. However, existing methods face limitations in throughput, capture uniformity, cell size flexibility, and technical extensibility. We ...

Current X-ray scintillators face critical challenges in efficiency, long-term stability, and scalable fabrication for advanced imaging applications. In this work, a lead-free Cs₂NaYCl₆:Tb³⁺ scintillator is reported, synthesized via a simple, low-temperature, and scalable “dissolution-drying” strategy, exhibiting high light yield, ultralow detection limit, excellent thermal stability, and enabling high-resolution X-ray imaging for next-generation radiography.

Abstract

Scintillators that convert high-energy X-ray photons into visible light are indispensable for a broad range of imaging applications. However, the development of high-performance scintillators combining high light yield, excellent stability, and scalable processability remains a significant challenge. Here, a simple, low-temperature, and scalable “dissolution-drying” strategy is presented for the synthesis of lead-free Cs₂NaYCl₆:Tb³⁺ double perovskite scintillators with outstanding performance. Taking advantage of the highly symmetric elpasolite structure and the efficient incorporation of Tb³⁺ions, the resulting microcrystals achieve a high light yield (≈62 359 photons MeV⁻¹), exceptional radiation resistance, an ultralow detection limit (15.19 nGy s⁻¹), and remarkable thermal stability up to 773 K. By incorporating the microcrystals into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix, flexible scintillator films are fabricated, demonstrating superior mechanical durability and high-resolution X-ray imaging capability (>24 lp mm⁻¹). These findings enable large-scale scintillator production and advance next-generation X-ray radiography, offering high sensitivity, stability, flexibility, and versatility for advanced radiographic systems and future optoelectronic applications.

Utilizing quasi-1D Tb³⁺ chains (3.92 Å intra-chain) with energy-matched Eu³⁺ activators, this scintillator achieves 98% energy transfer efficiency. It delivers 25 000 photons MeV⁻¹ light yield, 14 lp mm⁻¹ resolution, and 14.1 nGy s⁻¹ detection limit for low-dose X-ray imaging, providing a new paradigm for high-sensitivity radiography.

Abstract

A primary challenge in inorganic scintillators development is maximizing the X-ray energy conversion efficiency. Conventional low-doping strategies in rare-earth systems mitigate concentration quenching but result in inefficient host-to-activator energy transfer, leading to significant energy losses. To overcome this, a novel rare-earth matrix design is proposed: using Tb³⁺ ions as the host lattice and incorporating energy-matched Eu³⁺ ions as activators. This design enabled highly efficient energy transfer from the host to the luminescent centers. Experiments confirmed that quasi-1D Tb³⁺ chains (intra-chain distance: 3.92 Å, inter-chain distance: 5.92 Å) enabled Dexter-type energy transfer (Tb³⁺: ⁵D₄ → Eu³⁺: ⁵D₁/⁵D₂), achieving near-unity energy transfer efficiency. The optimized Tb_1.8W₃O₁₂:0.2Eu³⁺@PMMA film exhibited an X-ray light yield of 25 000 photons·MeV⁻¹ at 22 keV, a spatial resolution of 14 lp mm⁻¹, and an ultra-low detection limit (14.1 nGy_air s⁻¹). High-resolution radiography of biological specimens validated imaging capability at the 0.1 mm scale. This work established a paradigm for designing high-sensitivity scintillators through quasi-1D energy transfer, advancing low-dose X-ray imaging applications in medical diagnostics and industrial inspection.

Intrinsically-stretchable, heavy-metal-free quantum dot color conversion layers are produced via a versatile crosslinking strategy. The color conversion layers exhibit minimal backlight leakage under mechanical strain, support high-resolution patterning, and integrate seamlessly with micro-light-emitting diodes. Their incorporation in haptic-responsive robotic skin and wearable healthcare sensors highlights their potential for next-generation stretchable displays.

Abstract

Stretchable displays are essential components as signal outputs in next-generation stretchable electronics, particularly for robotic skin and wearable device technologies. Intrinsically-stretchable and patternable color conversion layers (CCLs) offer practical solutions for developing full-color stretchable micro-light-emitting diode (LED) displays. However, significant challenges remain in creating stretchable and patternable CCLs without backlight leakage under mechanical deformation. Here, a novel material strategy for stretchable and patternable heavy-metal-free quantum dot (QD) CCLs, potentially useful for robotic skin and wearable electronics is presented. Through a versatile crosslinking technique, uniform and high-concentration QD loading in the elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane matrix without loss of optical properties is achieved. These CCLs demonstrate excellent color conversion capabilities with minimal backlight leakage, even under 50% tensile strain. Additionally, fine-pixel patterning process with resolutions up to 300 pixels per inch is compatible with the QD CCLs, suitable for high-resolution stretchable display applications. The integration of these CCLs with micro-LED displays is also demonstrated, showcasing their use in haptic-responsive robotic skin and wearable healthcare monitoring sensors. This study offers a promising material preparation methodology for stretchable QDs/polymer composites and highlights their potential for advancing flexible and wearable light-emitting devices.

In the NiFeTb single-layer system, field-free perpendicular magnetization switching at an ultra-low current density of ≈2.8 × 10⁶ A cm^{− 2} is achieved. This magnetization switching phenomenon is characterized by chiral controllability, which can be manipulated through the alteration of the in-plane magnetization history. This work proposes that the mechanism underlying this novel field-free magnetization switching stems from the sperimagnetic structure of NiFeTb, which is confirmed by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements. These findings highlight the potential of sperimagnetic NiFeTb films for advanced spintronic applications.

Abstract

Field-free magnetization switching with low critical current density is a fundamental pursuit for spin-orbit torque (SOT) devices. Here, a novel strategy is provided that utilizes the sperimagnetism of NiFeTb to achieve current-induced field-free magnetization switching with high efficiency and controllable chirality. The critical current density required for field-free magnetization switching is as low as 2.8 × 10⁶ A cm⁻², an order of magnitude lower than that in conventional heavy metal-based magnetic heterostructures. The ultralow critical current density is attributed to the exceptional soft magnetism, the nucleation-dominant switching characteristic of NiFeTb, and the strong spin Hall effect associated with the large spin-orbital coupling of Tb 4f electrons. Notably, the switching chirality can be designed by manipulating the history of the in-plane magnetic field. The field-free and chirality-controlled magnetization switching in NiFeTb is facilitated by the symmetry-broken sperimagnetic structural arrangement. Utilizing the rich intermediate resistance states and non-volatility of the device, neural network computation is simulated. The findings reveal sperimagnetic rare-earth-transition metal alloys as vital candidates for multifunctional, ultra-low-power storage and computing applications.

A multi-layered anti-counterfeiting platform is developed based on an azopolymer (PAzo) system. By leveraging the molecular orientation control of PAzo under linearly polarized light (LPL), encrypted patterns are fabricated that remain invisible under standard conditions and require polarized optical microscopy (POM) for decryption. To further enhance security, dynamic dual pattern anti-counterfeiting and Moiré pattern animation anti-counterfeiting are introduced.

Abstract

Anti-counterfeiting technology is crucial for ensuring the authenticity of currency, identification documents, and high-value products. To address the growing sophistication of counterfeit techniques, a multi-layered anti-counterfeiting platform is developed based on an azopolymer (PAzo) system that integrates challenge-response authentication and physically unclonable function (PUF)-like characteristics within a unified framework. By leveraging the molecular orientation control of PAzo under linearly polarized light (LPL), encrypted patterns are fabricated that remain invisible under standard conditions and require polarized optical microscopy (POM) for decryption. The fabrication process involves sequential LPL exposures with patterned masks, inducing spatially defined anisotropic molecular alignment, potentially enabling PUF-like authentication through unique structural variations. To further enhance security, two dynamic anti-counterfeiting strategies are introduced: 1) dynamic dual pattern anti-counterfeiting, which encodes multiple polarization-dependent patterns that appear sequentially under POM as the analyzer is rotated, 2) Moiré pattern animation anti-counterfeiting, which encodes multiple patterns into a single composite structure that requires a predefined scan pattern for decryption. These multi-dimensional decryption conditions significantly increase security by introducing both physical and optical constraints. This PAzo-based approach offers a scalable and adaptive authentication solution, providing enhanced protection against increasingly sophisticated counterfeiting threats.

This study proposes a conceptual model of tuning interfacial energy transfer (IET) in a core–shell–shell nanostructure to spatiotemporally control Er³⁺ downconversion luminescence and lifetime. Nanoscale manipulation of Er-Yb interfacial interactions enhances downconversion. Additionally, increasing the thickness of Yb³⁺ interlayer effectively modulates the Nd-Yb-Er energy transfer pathway, simultaneously 8.2-fold suppressing emission intensity and 1.8-fold prolonging luminescence lifetime, enabling high-security optical anti-counterfeiting.

Abstract

Lanthanide-based multilayer nanoparticles exhibiting near-infrared II (NIR-II, 1,000–1,700 nm) emissions have garnered significant interest for diverse frontier optical applications. However, precisely manipulating emissions simultaneously in intensity and lifetime remains challenging. This study proposes a conceptual model of tuning interfacial energy transfer (IET) in a core–shell–shell nanostructure to spatiotemporally control Er³⁺ downconversion luminescence and lifetime. Nanoscale manipulation of the interfacial interactions between Er and Yb sublattices enhances downconversion. Additionally, increasing the thickness of Yb³⁺ interlayer effectively modulates the Nd-Yb-Er energy transfer pathway, simultaneously 8.2-fold of suppressing emission intensity and 1.8-fold prolonging luminescence lifetime. This strategy enables multifunctional tuning of optical properties through combined steady-state excitation and time-gated detection, offering new opportunities for photonic applications such as high-security optical anti-counterfeiting.

The first electrically-driven 2D semiconductor microcavity laser is achieved at room temperature under AC voltage driving conditions. The demonstration of the compact 2D TMDC laser establishes a new area of research to assist with the implementation of diverse 2D material-based practical photonic devices and integrated circuits in the future.

Abstract

2D monolayered transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are promising materials for realizing ultracompact, low-threshold semiconductor lasers. And the development of the electrical-driven TMDC devices is crucial for enhancing the integration potential of practical optoelectronic systems. However, at the current stage, the electrically-driven 2-D TMDC laser has never been realized. Herein, the first electrically-driven 2-D TMDC microcavity laser have been developed. In this device, an alternating current (AC) generates electroluminescence lasing in suspended monolayered WSe₂ integrated on a microdisk cavity. The input–output curve, bandwidth narrowing, and second-order coherence is analyzed to confirm the lasing characteristics at room temperature. The realization of the room-temperature AC-driven 2-D TMDC laser establishes a new area of research on electrically pumped compact lasers and is likely to assist with the implementation of diverse TMDC-based practical photonic devices in the future.

“Sketch and peel” method nano-fabricates black phosphorus (BP) with minimal damage. A focused-neon ion beam “sketches” the pattern, followed by polyvinyl acetate-based “peeling” to remove surrounding flakes. Thermal treatment preserves the mid-infrared (MIR) emission of the isolated “Koala” structure, proving it as an enabling technology for future BP-based MIR nanophotonic devices.

Abstract

Black phosphorus (BP) is an important mid-infrared semiconductor, having a direct bandgap from monolayer (≈1.7 eV) to bulk (≈0.31 eV) thicknesses. The ability to nanopattern BP could enable new optoelectronic devices. However, existing nanopatterning techniques are either limited to thin flakes or produce BP with poor optical properties. Here, focused neon ion beam lithography is used to produce functional BP nanostructures. We demonstrate a “sketch and peel” method. The “sketch” step removes BP in a narrow line that outlines the desired structure. In the “peel” step, a hardened polymer droplet is used as a handle to pull off the surrounding flake. The “sketch and peel” method minimizes the damage to BP. We show that thermal treatment allows the small amount of damage that still occurs to be mitigated, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and mid-infrared photoluminescence. For the first time, this work demonstrates a method to nanopattern BP with very high resolution and to repair damage by producing high quality BP nanostructures. It thus could be an important enabling technology for future BP nanophotonic devices.

This work reports the synthesis of a composite nanostructure via a single-step melt spinning process with a non-equilibrium ductile crystalline Tb₈₀Fe₂₀ phase dispersed in a nanoglass Tb₅₀Fe₅₀ matrix. During loading, the composite nanostructure undergoes co-deformation and offers exceptional tensile ductility, i.e., a total elongation to failure of ≈39%.

Abstract

Nanostructured alloys and metallic glasses (MGs) typically exhibit low tensile ductility, while composite nanostructures with intermetallics improve mechanical performance mainly under compression. A composite nanostructure is reported here achieved via a single-step melt spinning process with a non-equilibrium ductile crystalline Tb₈₀Fe₂₀ phase dispersed in a nanoglass Tb₅₀Fe₅₀ matrix. The high density of nano-amplitude pop-in events evidenced during nanoindentation tests strengthened the proposition that heterogeneous interfaces discretize the shear banding in 3D nanoglass matrix – a key mechanism to improve ductility of MGs. Consequently, the nanoglass-crystalline composite achieved a tensile plasticity of ≈22% and a total elongation to failure of ∼39%. These findings confirm the potential for designing highly ductile nanostructured materials, essential for advanced structural applications.

The local integration of dopants enables the selective modification of color, luminescence or refractive index within a three-dimensionally shaped glass with micron resolution. Following the fabrication of porous glass preforms and infusion with a dopant mixture, the dopant is immobilized by lithographic techniques and subsequently debinded and sintered. This enables to integrate functions in complex-shaped glass components.

Abstract

Glasses are utilized for their outstanding optical, mechanical, and thermal properties. However, conventional production methods mostly yield in glasses with uniform compositions and material properties. Here a novel lithographic approach is presented for high-resolution 3D dopant integration at defined positions, which enables property modifications in specific regions. For this, a porous glass matrix derived from nanocomposites is shaped using 3D printing or injection molding. Using volumetric 3D printing like computed axial or two-photon lithography, doping is performed within the porous glass using photocurable metal oxide precursors. The dopant is then permanently integrated within the glass during a final sintering step. The local integration of dopants like Ti⁴⁺, Co²⁺, Eu³⁺ or Tb³⁺ allow to selectively change the color, luminescence or refractive index within a 3D-shaped glass with micron resolution. The process enables a wide range of novel applications from integrated optics and photonics to mass customization, anti-counterfeiting, and information storage.

The role of moiré ferroelectricity is investigated in modulating the interfacial charge transfer dynamics in a graphene twisted WSe₂ (tWSe₂) hybrid, where the marginally twisted WSe₂ serves both as a photosensitive layer and a ferroelectric substrate beneath the graphene channel and enhances the opto-electronic response by several orders of magnitude while photo-induced doping results in an unconventional photoresponse.

Abstract

Sliding ferroelectricity is an emergent phenomenon observed in twisted bilayers of boron nitride and twisted homobilayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) arranged in a rhombohedral stacking configuration. While the signature of such a phenomenon is observed in several electronic devices through hysteretic transfer characteristics, nonlocality etc., the strong sensitivity of the TMDs to optical irradiation have neither been explored nor exploited in an optoelectronic architecture that also hosts sliding ferroelectricity. In this work, an edge-contacted encapsulated graphene-twisted WSe₂ heterostructure is created, in a dual-gated field-effect configuration to study the impact of the moiré polar domains on the optical response of the two dimenstional (2D) hybrid. A specific detectivity of 5.2 × 10¹³ Jones which is among the highest in all-2D optoelectronic architectures is observed. This is attributed to the polarization-induced electric field that facilitates charge-transfer across the graphene-ferroelectric interface. It is argued that compared to non-ferroelectric homobilayers and monolayers, the photoresponse in the minimally twisted layers is significantly enhanced due to large exciton lifetimes, staggered band alignment and a polarization-induced in-built electric field. This work highlights the functionality of the 2D ferroelectric, acting both as the photosensitive layer while effectively controlling the charge-transfer dynamics.

A novel space-confined template method is proposed for the synthesis of clusteroluminescence clusters from non-aromatic and even non-conjugated molecules, offering controllable size down to sub-10 nm. The successful use of these clusteroluminescence clusters in cell nucleus imaging verifies their potential for widespread biological applications.

Abstract

Clusteroluminescence (CL) clusters in the absence of aromatic or π-conjugated structures have emerged as a new family of luminescent materials due to their abundant sources and inherent biocompatibility. However, there is an inborn challenge in controlling the size of CL clusters from random aggregation of micrometers to ordered assembly of sub-10 nanometers. Such an inherent drawback significantly restricts their progress from theoretical research to practical applications. To address this obstacle, a novel approach using space-confined templates is proposed to synthesize CL clusters with tunable sizes. Space-confined templates with sizes of ≈2–6 nm are constructed to effectively confine non-aromatic molecules, yielding size-controllable and luminescence-tunable CL clusters. The versatility of this synthetic strategy is further proved by using non-conjugated molecules, such as L-valine and L-isoleucine. Finally, the potential applications of the synthesized CL clusters have been implemented in cell nucleus imaging owing to their sub-10 nm size and efficient luminescence. The success of this work not only offers a versatile space-confined approach to synthesize size-tunable CL clusters within sub-10 nm, but also opens new avenues for the deployment of CL clusters in advanced applications.