Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yingying Xue, Zuowei Zhou, Miao Xu, Hongbo Lu
Summary: In this study, an LCMLA with a tunable focal length was designed using a self-assembled polymer convex array. By rotating the polarization direction of the incident light or changing the electric field, the focal length of the LCMLA can be continuously tuned from negative to positive.
Article
Optics
Wenbin Feng, Zhiqiang Liu, Mao Ye
Summary: By designing the shape of the indium tin oxide electrode and controlling the driving voltage range, a cylindrical liquid crystal lens with near-ideal phase profile was successfully designed and manufactured.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Houchao Zhang, Tianyu Qi, Xiaoyang Zhu, Longjian Zhou, Zhenghao Li, Yuan-Fang Zhang, Wenchao Yang, Jianjun Yang, Zilong Peng, Guangming Zhang, Fei Wang, Pengfei Guo, Hongbo Lan
Summary: The study introduces a method for efficiently manufacturing CMLAs with a high fill-factor using electric-field-driven microscale 3D printing of PDMS. By adjusting printing parameters, the profile and fill-factor of CMLAs can be controlled to enhance their optical performance. The results show good morphology and optical properties of the prepared CMLAs, suggesting a potential cost-effective route for manufacturing large-area CMLAs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ya Zhong, Haibo Yu, Yangdong Wen, Peilin Zhou, Hongji Guo, Wuhao Zou, Xiaofeng Lv, Lianqing Liu
Summary: This paper proposes a method for fabricating optofluidic tunable micro-lens arrays (MLAs) in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microchannels via electrohydrodynamic jet (E-jet) printing. The MLAs with diameters ranging from 15 to 80 μm can be fabricated in microfluidic channels with widths of 200 and 300 μm using this method. By alternately using solutions with different refractive indices, the optofluidic microlenses demonstrate reversible modulation properties while preserving their morphology and refractive indices. The resulting optofluidic chip has a threefold tunable focal length, achieving an imaging depth of approximately 450 μm. This advantage is useful for observing microspheres and cells flowing in microfluidic systems, making the proposed optofluidic chip highly promising for cell counting and imaging applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ya Zhong, Haibo Yu, Peilin Zhou, Yangdong Wen, Wenxiu Zhao, Wuhao Zou, Hao Luo, Yuechao Wang, Lianqing Liu
Summary: In this study, a highly integrated planar annular microelectrode array was proposed to achieve an electrowetting tunable MLA. By utilizing a unique fabrication process, 36 tunable liquid microlenses were successfully created in a compact space, offering potential benefits for cell imaging, optofluidic systems, and microfluidic chips.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Optics
Hui Li, Yancheng He, Yi Yu, Yuntao Wu, Shuiping Zhang, Yanduo Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrates a light field display system utilizing a combination of a liquid crystal microlens array and a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film. By adopting a depolarization algorithm, high-resolution intermediate 3D images are generated using the microlens array without polarization effects. The polymer dispersed liquid crystal film efficiently modulates the reconstructed 3D images, resulting in full-parallax images with a wide field of view.
Article
Optics
Yang Shu, Wenchen Zhou, Zhixiong Zhou, Allen Y. Yi
Summary: In this study, a rapid non-isothermal imprinting process for Fresnel lens arrays was proposed, which can be carried out at room temperature to greatly reduce thermal cycle time and energy consumption. The process allows for production of high-quality microlenses with a high precision surface finish.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Devin J. Roach, Xiaohao Sun, Xirui Peng, Frederic Demoly, Kun Zhou, Hang Jerry Qi
Summary: In this study, a LCE-SMP composite was created using 4D printing technology, which enables rapid and reversible shape changes and tunable shape morphing regulated by cooling rate. The composite has a high stiffness at low temperature to support heavy loads, offering a novel approach for future engineering applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Yayan Huang, Rui Zhao, Wenhao Miao, Dan Liang, Zhiqiang Liu, Xian Wei, Zhongcheng Liang
Summary: This paper proposes a tunable zoom bifocal liquid lens based on selective wettability. The lens consists of immiscible internal and external droplets that can change their curvatures by applying different voltages, resulting in continuous movement of the long and short focal points. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and practicability of this concept.
Article
Optics
Yang Cheng, Chuanxun Chen, Jie Cao, Chun Bao, Ao Yang, Qun Hao
Summary: The research introduces a compact tunable lens using a dielectric elastomer and transparent conductive liquid, achieving high transmittance and fast response time, which shows potential for various compact imaging systems.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pravinraj Selvaraj, Sheng-Le Wang, Tsung-Yi Hou, Cheng-Kai Liu, Ko-Ting Cheng
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of reflective phase-only spatial light modulator (RLC-SLM) to achieve white light focusing and color separation with high diffraction efficiency in the visible range. These recent advances open up new possibilities for adaptive camera systems, microscopes, holograms, and portable and wearable devices.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Wenbin Feng, Mao Ye
Summary: A design method for a liquid crystal lens with adjustable positive-negative focal length and rectangular aperture is proposed. The designed electrodes create a parabolic profile of voltage difference over the lens aperture, enabling the realization of high-quality liquid crystal lens.
IEEE PHOTONICS TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Chunxin Liu, Taras Oriekhov, Cherrie Lee, Clarissa M. Harvey, Michael Fokine
Summary: This study demonstrates that rapid manufacturing of high purity fused silica glass micro-optics can be achieved using a filament-based glass 3D printer, resulting in fully dense lenses with uniform focal lengths and good imaging performance.
3D PRINTING AND ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chih-Hsiung Lin, Kun-Huang Chen
Summary: The study constructed an optical depth-sensing system with a focus distance equal to its object distance using a lens with a shortened depth of field. By scanning a region and discerning the sharpness of the object's outline, the system can obtain the relationship curve between the focus distance and the motor step, initializing the motor step when the object is in focus. The developed system has a simple optical path and minimal volume, making it suitable for integration with cell phone lenses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OPTOMECHATRONICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiuyun Lu, Yanan Li, Kehinde Kassim, Ben Bin Xu, Mohamed Gamal El-Din, Xuehua Zhang
Summary: This study develops reusable concave microlens arrays (MLAs) for more efficient solar photodegradation by optimizing light distribution. The concave MLAs possess a non-contact reactor configuration and significantly enhance the photodegradation efficiency of organic pollutants in water.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xijian Duan, Jingrui Ma, Wenda Zhang, Pai Liu, Haochen Liu, Junjie Hao, Kai Wang, Lars Samuelson, Xiao Wei Sun
Summary: HF processing was used to eliminate the InPOx defect in red InP quantum dots and improve the fluorescence efficiency. The record-breaking red InP quantum dots were synthesized with the assistance of tri(dimethylamino)phosphine [(DMA)3P], achieving a maximum photoluminescence quantum yield of 97.7%. The external quantum efficiency and brightness of the quantum dot light-emitting diode device were also improved accordingly.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoxue Du, Fei Yang, Yanjun Liu, Helen F. Gleeson, Dan Luo
Summary: This paper demonstrates light-driven changes in the topological configuration of cholesteric liquid crystals (CLC) droplets, which are experimentally examined. By doping azo-LC into CLC droplets and irradiating them with UV light, novel topological configurations with stable 3D structures are created. The configuration changes are a result of light-induced cholesteric-isotropic phase transition in liquid crystals. Various topological configurations are achieved, such as closed-ring structures with cone-shaped centers and concentric elliptical centers, and open-ring structures formed under unidirectional UV light illumination. Structures with parallel CLC pitch lines at the center and a central point singularity are also formed under multidirectional illumination. These new topological configurations are stable and controllable by light, enabling CLC droplets with novel characteristics and potential applications in biosensors and microlasers.
Article
Optics
Y. O. N. G. LI, Z. H. E. N. Yin, D. A. N. Luo
Summary: In this study, a free-standing fiber based on blue phase liquid crystals (BPLCs) with excellent stability, flexibility, and multifunctionality was successfully fabricated. The use of an etching agent allowed for the fixed connection of a multi-mode fiber (MMF) and the free-standing BPLC fiber, enabling the development of VOC vapor sensors, vector position sensors, and color fibers. This is the first demonstration of such devices using free-standing BPLC fibers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenming Wang, Thomas Raistrick, Aidan Street, Matthew Reynolds, Yanjun Liu, Helen F. Gleeson
Summary: This study demonstrates the direct observation of biaxial order in an auxetic liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) under strain. The findings provide important insights into the mechanism of the auxetic response in LCEs and suggest that biaxial order is responsible for the negative Poisson's ratio exhibited by these materials.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lixuan Chen, Jinyang Zhao, Zhiqing Shi, Miao Zhou, Shengdong Zhang, Xiao Wei Sun, Xin Zhang
Summary: Semiconductor quantum rods (QRs) emit polarized light and have great potential for energy-efficient and color-enhancing modern display devices. We present the stretching of an aligned QR polarized film to improve brightness and optical efficiency in quantum-dot based displays. The study of QR material, stretching ratio, and alignment degree guides the fabrication of highly polarized QR film. A large-area film with an alignment degree of 0.635 achieved more than 1.6-fold enhancement in brightness and transmittance compared to traditional structures, making it a viable option for various energy-saving display devices.
Article
Physics, Applied
Xiangwei Qu, Guohong Xiang, Jingrui Ma, Pai Liu, Aung Ko Ko Kyaw, Kai Wang, Xiao Wei Sun
Summary: In this work, we find that blue quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) exhibit electron over-injection compared to hole injection using impedance spectroscopy and capacitance-voltage characteristics analysis. We also observe the spatial distribution of the exciton recombination zone in blue QLEDs using a red quantum dot as a fluorescent sensor. Our findings provide a practical method for identifying excess carrier in blue QLEDs and have implications for other types of QLEDs.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Gang-Gang Xu, Xiao-Wei Sun, Xiao-Dong Wen, Xi-Xuan Liu, Ting Song, Zi-Jiang Liu
Summary: This study uses a pair of triangular prisms to construct hexagonal-lattice phononic crystal plates that mimic the dual-band elastic valley Hall effect. Based on spatial inversion symmetry conditions, the relationship between the resonance frequencies of the resonators and the valley degeneracies, topological nontrivial bandgaps, and energy band inversion characteristics of multiple resonance modes is investigated. Edge passbands with distinct topology phases exist in each of the two nontrivial bandgaps of the ribbon configuration. This work provides a reference for valley edge protection in subwavelength continuous elastic plate media and for the manipulation of elastic waves at multiple frequencies.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ning Li, Jun-Hong Tian, Ting Song, Lie-Juan Li, Zi-Jiang Liu, Xiao-Wei Sun
Summary: The effects of In, Sn, and Sb alloying in PbH4 on the superconductivity at high pressure were investigated using first-principles calculations. The alloying structures exhibited thermodynamical, mechanical, and dynamic stability, as indicated by the calculated formation enthalpy, elastic constants, and phonon dispersion. The superconductivity of Pb2MH12 (M = In, Sn, and Sb) was improved by the addition of M. The superconducting transition temperature increased from 62 K for PbH4 to 70, 69, and 66 K for Pb2MH12 (M = In, Sn, and Sb), respectively. Electronic structure and electron-phonon coupling calculations showed an increase in the contribution of H atoms to the density of states at the Fermi energy and enhancement of the strength of electron-phonon coupling. The results suggest that alloying lighter elements with lower electronegativity is an effective method to improve superconducting properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Yuri D. Glinka, Tingchao He, Xiao Wei Sun
Summary: Separate relaxation dynamics of long-lived holes in Bi2Se3 film were observed at room temperature using transient absorption spectroscopy. The ultraslow dynamics and long rise time are attributed to the resonance conditions for multiphoton photoemission and the intervalley scattering in the film. The dynamics of massive Dirac fermions predominantly determines the relaxation of photoexcited carriers.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xin-Wei Wang, Xiao-Wei Sun, Ting Song, Jun -Hong Tian, Zi-Jiang Liu
Summary: A comprehensive investigation of the melting curve and P-T phase diagram of CaO, a candidate mineral in the Earth's lower mantle, is conducted through atomistic simulations using newly developed interatomic potentials. The efficiency and reliability of the new potentials under high temperature and pressure are verified. The study also explores the structure, diffusion, and other physical properties of CaO.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fengyuan Lin, Jinzhi Cui, Zhihong Zhang, Zhipeng Wei, Xiaobing Hou, Bingheng Meng, Yanjun Liu, Jilong Tang, Kexue Li, Lei Liao, Qun Hao
Summary: A high-performance GaAs nanowire photodetector was fabricated by modifying the surface defects with Au nanoparticles. Plasmons and Schottky barriers were introduced to enhance light absorption and carrier separation. The modified photodetectors showed reduced dark current and increased photocurrent and responsivity. The improvement in performance was analyzed using the energy band theory model. This work proposes a new method to enhance the performance of GaAs nanowire photodetectors.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chun Qi, Yuao Guo, Yanjun Liu, Dan Luo
Summary: An untethered automatic light-harvesting system is proposed, which can automatically adjust the solar cell panel to face the sun through controls of bending and rotation. Compared to traditional mini photovoltaic panels, this system increases the solar energy absorption efficiency by 27.68% for the whole day and 230.15% in morning or dawn sunlight with a small incident angle. This compact and inexpensive system shows great potential in solar automation and robot systems, as well as energy-saving fields.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Optics
Xudong Yan, Jiawei Wang, Wei Zhang, Yanjun Liu, Dan Luo
Summary: In this study, a liquid crystal reflective gradient polarization volume grating is proposed and demonstrated for achieving large angular bandwidth in waveguide near-eye display, providing a wide field-of-view for augmented reality.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zongjun Ma, Zhenming Wang, Ming Cheng, Delai Kong, Wenfeng Cai, Mengjia Cen, Jianxun Liu, Dan Luo, Yan Jun Liu
Summary: In this work, we propose an acoustically tunable plasmonic device based on liquid crystal (LC)-covered gold nanostructures. The effective refractive index of LCs can be tuned by utilizing standing surface acoustic waves (SSAWs) to realign LC molecules, which subsequently tunes localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of the gold nanostructures. A 15 nm blue shift of the LSPR peak is observed experimentally with a driving voltage of 400 mVpp. The LC molecules and LSPR peak can return to their original states upon removal of the applied SSAWs. This active plasmonic device features excellent reversibility, low power consumption, and easy integration, making it suitable for various applications including switches, modulators, and couplers.
OPTICAL MATERIALS EXPRESS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zixuan Wu, Jianxun Liu, Zhenming Wang, Lei Chen, Yiwei Xu, Zongjun Ma, Delai Kong, Dan Luo, Yan Jun Liu
Summary: We demonstrated a low-cost, highly sensitive hybrid Ag-Cu substrate with enhanced absorption for the excitation laser beam via the nanosphere lithography technique. The substrate consists of a Cu nanoarray covered with Ag nanoparticles, resulting in optimized absorption for the laser beam. Raman enhancement is achieved by incorporating plasmonic hotspots formed by dense Ag nanoparticles. The hybrid Ag-Cu SERS substrates exhibit a highly sensitive and reproducible SERS activity, with potential applications in biosensors, environmental monitoring, and food safety.
