Some 2D materials such as graphene, silicene (other than silicone), black phosphorus, and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are electrically and mechanically superior to others.
These materials could give rise to fast photodetectors, advanced sensors, hi-tech flexible electronics and solar cells that are much more efficient than the cells we use today.
However, scientists do not yet have the perfect technique to manipulate and process these 2D materials, and this is holding us back from exploiting their potential. Findings from a new study, however, reveal a solution to this problem.
A team of researchers from Finland’s University of Jyväskylä and the Serbia-based University of Novi Sad suggests that ultrafast laser processing could help us unlock the potential of 2D materials.
The advantage of ultra-fast laser processing
Currently, 2D materials such as graphene and TMD are manipulated using continuous-wave (CW) and long-pulsed optical methods. These methods involve shooting light beams at 2D material surfaces to induce changes in their physical and chemical properties.
However, both continuous wave and long pulse methods have one major limitation. When light continuously strikes a material in the form of waves or energy bursts, it results in the generation of heat which, if not managed properly, can damage the material.
This is where ultra-fast laser processing can make a big difference. This technique uses ultra-short laser pulses to modify materials with high precision and minimal heat damage.
It can bring about changes in materials at the nanoscale. “By exploiting the synergistic effect between the energy states within the atomic layers and ultrafast laser irradiation, it is feasible to achieve unprecedented resolutions down to a few nanometers,” the study authors note.
“The ability to manipulate 2D materials at such a fine scale opens up countless possibilities for the development of new photonic, electronic and sensor applications,” she added.
The technology has yet to emerge from the laboratory
When used at the atomic scale, ultrafast laser machining can effectively enable processes such as exfoliation, reduction (adding electrons to improve electrical conductivity), and doping (adding impurities to change a material’s properties) in a 2D material.
These processes are crucial for altering the physical and chemical properties of a 2D material, enabling their use in the development of next-generation electronic and photonic devices.
However, ultrafast laser machining is still a developing technology. Even in laboratory environments, it involves the use of expensive equipment and poses several challenges in terms of optimization and scale-up. “This technology is currently evolving from a laboratory concept to a practical production tool,” the study authors say.
Hopefully, further research will shed light on ways to make this approach more practical and reveal its other unknown benefits.
The research has been published in the journal Advanced materials.
ABOUT THE EDITORS
Rupendra Brahambhatt Rupendra Brahambhatt is an accomplished writer, researcher, journalist and filmmaker. With a B.Sc (Hons.) in Science and PGJMC in Mass Communication, he has actively worked with some of the most innovative brands, news agencies, digital magazines, documentary makers and non-profit organizations from different parts of the world. globe. As an author, he works with a vision to bring out the right information and encourage a constructive mindset among the masses.