Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.8
3.1
Journals
Materials
Special Issues
Preparation, Characterization and Application of Photonic Materials and Devices
materials-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Materials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Preparation, Characterization and Application of Photonic Materials and Devices

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical and Photonic Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 6708

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Pinghui Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Center for Photonic Technology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Micro-nano Photonics Technology and Devices & Key Laboratory of Information Functional Material for Fujian Higher Education, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou 362000, China
Interests: nanophotonics; plasmonics devices; metamaterials; metasurfaces; super-resolution imaging; optical manipulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Kaihua Wei

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Interests: nanostructured biosensor; quantum-dot doped fiber laser/amplifier
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jinhua Hu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Information & Electrical Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
Interests: silicon photonics; subwavelength optics; optics sensing; and optics communication
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, “New Advances in Photonic Materials and Devices”, will present a collection of high-quality original research papers as well as comprehensive reviews on the design, synthesis, growth, processing, characterization, demonstration, modelling, simulation, and applications of photonic materials and devices.

This Special Issue aims to highlight new understanding, new techniques, new results, new theories, and new innovative approaches as well as developments in all aspects of the design, fabrication, characterization, manipulation, and application of micro/nanostructures, metamaterials/metasurfaces, and devices as well as their integration into existing and emerging applications. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Properties, synthesis, growth, and characterization of micro/nanostructured materials.
  • Nanocrystals, nanowires, nanotubes, and nanobelts.
  • Metamaterials and metasurfaces.
  • Theoretical modelling and simulation.
  • Integrated photonics.
  • Light manipulation.
  • Light-emitting devices.
  • Photodetectors.
  • Modulators.
  • Sensors.
  • Solar cells.
  • Optoelectronic devices.

It is our pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Full papers, short communications, and reviews will be greatly appreciated.

Prof. Dr. Pinghui Wu
Dr. Kaihua Wei
Dr. Jinhua Hu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • micro/nanostructured materials
  • metamaterials/metasurfaces
  • fabrication and design
  • photonic devices
  • analytical and computational modelling
  • theoretical studies.

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

17 pages, 3949 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Long-Term In-Sensing Memory in ZnO Nanoparticle-Based Optoelectronic Synaptic Devices Through Thermal Treatment
by Dabin Jeon, Seung Hun Lee and Sung-Nam Lee
Materials 2025, 18(6), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18061321 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 401
Abstract
Two-terminal optoelectronic synaptic devices based on ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated to investigate the effects of thermal annealing control (200 °C–500 °C) in nitrogen and oxygen atmospheres on surface morphology, optical response, and synaptic functionality. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed improved grain [...] Read more.
Two-terminal optoelectronic synaptic devices based on ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated to investigate the effects of thermal annealing control (200 °C–500 °C) in nitrogen and oxygen atmospheres on surface morphology, optical response, and synaptic functionality. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed improved grain growth and reduced surface roughness. At the same time, UV–visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence confirmed a blue shift in the absorption edge and enhanced near-band-edge emission, particularly in nitrogen-annealed devices due to increased oxygen vacancies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the O 1s spectra confirmed that oxygen vacancies were more pronounced in nitrogen-annealed devices than in oxygen-annealed ones at 500 °C. Optical resistive switching was observed, where 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induced a transition from a high-resistance state (HRS) to a low-resistance state (LRS), attributed to electron–hole pair generation and oxygen desorption. The electrical reset process, achieved by applying −1.0 V to −5.0 V, restored the initial HRS, demonstrating stable switching behavior. Nitrogen-annealed devices with higher oxygen vacancies exhibited superior synaptic performance, including higher excitatory postsynaptic currents, stronger paired-pulse facilitation, and extended persistent photoconductivity (PPC) duration, enabling long-term memory retention. By systematically varying UV exposure time, intensity, pulse number, and frequency, ZnO NPs-based devices demonstrated the transition from short-term to long-term memory, mimicking biological synaptic behavior. Learning and forgetting simulations showed faster learning and slower decay in nitrogen-annealed devices, emphasizing their potential for next-generation neuromorphic computing and energy-efficient artificial synapses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization and Application of Photonic Materials and Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 4389 KiB  
Article
Light Absorption-Enhanced Ultra-Thin Perovskite Solar Cell Based on Cylindrical MAPbI3 Microstructure
by Wenfeng Fu, Chong Pan, Aixuan Zhou, Pengcheng Shi, Zao Yi and Qingdong Zeng
Materials 2024, 17(24), 6284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17246284 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 906
Abstract
In order to promote power conversion efficiency and reduce energy loss, we propose a perovskite solar cell based on cylindrical MAPbI3 microstructure composed of a MAPbI3 perovskite layer and a hole transport layer (HTL) composed of PEDOT:PSS. According to the charge transport [...] Read more.
In order to promote power conversion efficiency and reduce energy loss, we propose a perovskite solar cell based on cylindrical MAPbI3 microstructure composed of a MAPbI3 perovskite layer and a hole transport layer (HTL) composed of PEDOT:PSS. According to the charge transport theory, which effectually increases the contact area of the HTL, promoting the electronic transmission capability, the local field enhancement and scattering effects of the surface plasmon polaritons help to couple the incident light to the solar cell, which can increase the absorption of light in the active layer of the solar cell and improve its light absorption efficiency (LAE). based on simulation results, a cylindrical microstructure of the perovskite layer increases the contact area of the hole transport layer, which could improve light absorption, quantum efficiency (QE), short-circuit current density (JSC), and electric power compared with the perovskite layer of other structures. In the AM 1.5 solar spectrum, the average light absorption efficiency is 93.86%, the QE is 80.7%, the JSC is 24.50 mA/cm2, and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is 20.19%. By enhancing the efficiency and reducing material usage, this innovative design approach for perovskite solar cells is expected to play a significant role in advancing solar technology and positively impacting the development of renewable energy solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization and Application of Photonic Materials and Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 8579 KiB  
Article
Fano and Electromagnetically Induced Transparency Resonances in Dual Side-Coupled Photonic Crystal Nanobeam Cavities
by Yong Zhao, Yuxuan Chen and Lijun Hao
Materials 2024, 17(24), 6213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17246213 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 679
Abstract
We propose two types of structures to achieve the control of Fano and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) line shapes, in which dual one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystal nanobeam cavities (PCNCs) are side-coupled to a bus waveguide with different gaps. For the proposed type Ⅰ [...] Read more.
We propose two types of structures to achieve the control of Fano and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) line shapes, in which dual one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystal nanobeam cavities (PCNCs) are side-coupled to a bus waveguide with different gaps. For the proposed type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ systems, the phase differences between the nanobeam periodic structures of the two cavities are π and 0, respectively. The whole structures are theoretically analyzed via the coupled mode theory and numerically demonstrated using the three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D FDTD) method. The simulation results show that the proposed structure can achieve several kinds of spectra, including Fano, EIT and asymmetric EIT line shapes, which is dependent on the width of the bus waveguide. Compared to the previously proposed Fano resonator with 1D PCNCs, the proposed structures have the advantages of high transmission at the resonant peak, low insertion loss at non-resonant wavelengths, a wide free spectral range (FSR) and a high roll-off rate. Therefore, we believe the proposed structure can find broad applications in optical switches, modulators and sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization and Application of Photonic Materials and Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4533 KiB  
Article
Synthesis Strategy Toward Minimizing Adventitious Oxygen Contents in the Mechanochemically Made Semiconductor Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 Nanopowders
by Katarzyna Kapusta, Zbigniew Olejniczak and Jerzy F. Janik
Materials 2024, 17(24), 6091; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17246091 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 588
Abstract
A multipronged approach to the refined mechanochemical synthesis of the semiconductor kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 with minimal quantities of adventitious oxygen as well as to optimizing handling procedures from that angle is described. Three precursor systems are used to provide a pool [...] Read more.
A multipronged approach to the refined mechanochemical synthesis of the semiconductor kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 with minimal quantities of adventitious oxygen as well as to optimizing handling procedures from that angle is described. Three precursor systems are used to provide a pool of freshly made cubic prekesterite nanopowders with no semiconductor properties and the thermally annealed at 500 °C tetragonal kesterite nanopowders of the semiconductor. Based on the previously reported high propensity of such nanopowders to long-term deteriorating oxidation in ambient air, suitable modifications of all crucial synthesis steps are implemented, which are directed toward excluding or limiting the materials’ exposure to air. The nanopowders are comprehensively characterized by powder XRD, FT-IR/Raman/UV-Vis spectroscopies, solid-state 65Cu/119Sn MAS NMR, TGA/DTA-QMS analysis, SEM, BET/BJH specific surface area, and helium density determinations, and, significantly, are directly analyzed for oxygen and hydrogen contents. The important finding is that following the anaerobic procedures and realistically minimizing the materials’ exposure to air in certain manipulation steps results in the preparation of better oxidation-resistant nanopowders with a dramatic relative decrease in their oxygen content than previously reported. The adherence to the strict synthesis conditions that limit contact of the no-oxygen-containing kesterite nanopowders with ambient air is emphasized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization and Application of Photonic Materials and Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 14141 KiB  
Article
Integrating Cu2O Colloidal Mie Resonators in Structurally Colored Butterfly Wings for Bio-Nanohybrid Photonic Applications
by Gábor Piszter, Krisztián Kertész, Dávid Kovács, Dániel Zámbó, Ana Cadena, Katalin Kamarás and László Péter Biró
Materials 2024, 17(18), 4575; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17184575 - 18 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1266
Abstract
Colloidal Cu2O nanoparticles can exhibit both photocatalytic activity under visible light illumination and resonant Mie scattering, but, for their practical application, they have to be immobilized on a substrate. Butterfly wings, with complex hierarchical photonic nanoarchitectures, constitute a promising substrate for [...] Read more.
Colloidal Cu2O nanoparticles can exhibit both photocatalytic activity under visible light illumination and resonant Mie scattering, but, for their practical application, they have to be immobilized on a substrate. Butterfly wings, with complex hierarchical photonic nanoarchitectures, constitute a promising substrate for the immobilization of nanoparticles and for the tuning of their optical properties. The native wax layer covering the wing scales of Polyommatus icarus butterflies was removed by simple ethanol pretreatment prior to the deposition of Cu2O nanoparticles, which allowed reproducible deposition on the dorsal blue wing scale nanoarchitectures via drop casting. The samples were investigated by optical and electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectrophotometry, microspectrophotometry, and hyperspectral spectrophotometry. It was found that the Cu2O nanoparticles integrated well into the photonic nanoarchitecture of the P. icarus wing scales, they exhibited Mie resonance on the glass slides, and the spectral signature of this resonance was absent on Si(100). A novel bio-nanohybrid photonic nanoarchitecture was produced in which the spectral properties of the butterfly wings were tuned by the Cu2O nanoparticles and their backscattering due to the Mie resonance was suppressed despite the low refractive index of the chitinous substrate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization and Application of Photonic Materials and Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 5677 KiB  
Article
Polarization-Doped InGaN LEDs and Laser Diodes for Broad Temperature Range Operation
by Muhammed Aktas, Szymon Grzanka, Łucja Marona, Jakub Goss, Grzegorz Staszczak, Anna Kafar and Piotr Perlin
Materials 2024, 17(18), 4502; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17184502 - 13 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1091
Abstract
This work reports on the possibility of sustaining a stable operation of polarization-doped InGaN light emitters over a particularly broad temperature range. We obtained efficient emission from InGaN light-emitting diodes between 20 K and 295 K and from laser diodes between 77 K [...] Read more.
This work reports on the possibility of sustaining a stable operation of polarization-doped InGaN light emitters over a particularly broad temperature range. We obtained efficient emission from InGaN light-emitting diodes between 20 K and 295 K and from laser diodes between 77 K and 295 K under continuous wave operation. The main part of the p-type layers was fabricated from composition-graded AlGaN. To optimize injection efficiency and improve contact resistance, we introduced thin Mg-doped layers of GaN (subcontact) and AlGaN (electron blocking layer in the case of laser diodes). In the case of LEDs, the optical emission efficiency at low temperatures seems to be limited by electron overshooting through the quantum wells. For laser diodes, a limiting factor is the freeze-out of the magnesium-doped electron blocking layer for temperatures below 160 K. The GaN:Mg subcontact layer works satisfyingly even at the lowest operating temperature (20 K). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization and Application of Photonic Materials and Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 8580 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Controlled Switchable Photonic Nanojet Generated by Truncated Cylindrical Structure
by Ning Su, Weiming Zhang, Xintao Zeng, Pinghui Wu, Lina Cui and Xiaohui Chen
Materials 2023, 16(22), 7209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16227209 - 17 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1266
Abstract
We propose a novel micro-nano structure that can realize a photonic nanojet (PNJ) switch by adjusting the temperature, which is composed of a truncated cylinder coated with a thin vanadium dioxide (VO2) film. The influence of temperature on the maximum strength, [...] Read more.
We propose a novel micro-nano structure that can realize a photonic nanojet (PNJ) switch by adjusting the temperature, which is composed of a truncated cylinder coated with a thin vanadium dioxide (VO2) film. The influence of temperature on the maximum strength, full width at half maximum (FWHM), working distance, and focal length of the PNJ were studied by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The results demonstrate that the structure can adjust the open and close state of the PNJ by changing the temperature. A PNJ with varying characteristics can be obtained at both high and low temperatures, and the maximum intensity ratio of the PNJ can reach up to 7.25. This discovery provides a new way of optical manipulation, sensing and detection, microscopy imaging, optoelectronic devices, and other fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization and Application of Photonic Materials and Devices)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop