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A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanophotonics Materials and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 17327

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dawei Li

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Guest Editor

School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Interests: nonlinear optics in low-dimensional systems; scanning probing studies of ferroelectric oxide and polymer thin films; laser processing and spectroscopy of low-dimensional materials; nanofabrication and electronic transport studies of 2D materials (MoS2, ReS2, etc.) and 2D material-based hybrid devices (2D ferroelectric field-effect transistors, etc.)

Dr. Mengmeng Wang

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Guest Editor

Laser Micro/Nano Fabrication Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: ultrafast laser-matter interaction; nonlinear optics in low-dimensional materials; laser precision manufacturing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nonlinear optics describes the study of optical phenomena related to the interaction between intense light fields and matter. Conventional nonlinear optical devices are based on bulk materials such as LiNbO₃, although it should be noted that these nonlinear materials have certain limitations, such as low nonlinear susceptibility, large size dimension, and phase matching issues, that make them unsuitable for the future development of compact, integrated nonlinear optical devices. Recent investigations show that a wide variety of low-dimensional materials can provide strong nonlinear optical responses compared to bulk nonlinear materials. Thus, nonlinear optics in low-dimensional materials have become an active research field, making them a versatile playground for exploring ultrafast light–matter interactions and developing nonlinear nanophotonic and optoelectronic applications that range from wavelength conversion and ultrashort laser pulse generation to quantum photonics and integrated photonics.

This Special Issue aims to present the latest experimental and theoretical research on nonlinear optics in various low-dimensional materials (including 2D, 1D, 0D materials, and van der Waals heterostructures, etc.) and low-dimensional material-based nonlinear optical applications. We invite authors to contribute original research articles and review papers that cover current progress on nonlinear optics in low-dimensional materials. Research topics primarily include, but are not limited to:

Nonlinear optics in two-dimensional materials (graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, transition metal carbides, black phosphorus, etc.);
Nonlinear optics in one-dimensional materials (nanotubes, nanowires, etc.);
Nonlinear optics in zero-dimensional materials (nanoparticles, quantum dots, etc.);
Nonlinear optics in other novel nano-/microstructures (metasurfaces, 2D/2D heterostructures, 2D/3D heterostructures, etc.);
Modulation of nonlinear optical responses in low-dimensional materials;
Low-dimensional material-based nonlinear optical applications, including laser technology, ultrafast photonics, integrated photonics devices, nonlinear light control, bio-imaging, etc.;
Nonlinear optical characterization methods for low-dimensional materials;
Theoretical study on nonlinear responses in low-dimensional materials.

Prof. Dr. Dawei Li
Dr. Mengmeng Wang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

nonlinear optics
low-dimensional materials
nanostructures
nonlinear optical metasurfaces
optical harmonic generation
nonlinear optical absorption
nonlinear optical characterization
nonlinear optical imaging
nonlinear optical applications

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 7936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Controlled Fabrication of Wafer-Scale, Flexible Ag-TiO₂ Nanoparticle–Film Hybrid Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates for Sub-Micrometer Plastics Detection

by Fanyi Kong, Chenhua Ji, Gaolei Zhao, Lei Zhang, Zheng Hao, Hu Wang, Jianxun Dai, Huolin Huang, Lujun Pan and Dawei Li

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1597; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191597 - 3 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1114

Abstract

As an important trace molecular detection technique, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been extensively investigated, while the realization of simple, low-cost, and controllable fabrication of wafer-scale, flexible SERS-active substrates remains challenging. Here, we report a facile, low-cost strategy for fabricating wafer-scale SERS substrates based on Ag-TiO₂ nanoparticle–film hybrids by combining dip-coating and UV light array photo-deposition. The results show that a centimeter-scale Ag nanoparticle (AgNP) film (~20 cm × 20 cm) could be uniformly photo-deposited on both non-flexible and flexible TiO₂ substrates, with a relative standard deviation in particle size of only 5.63%. The large-scale AgNP/TiO₂ hybrids working as SERS substrates show high sensitivity and good uniformity at both the micron and wafer levels, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy and Raman measurements. In situ bending and tensile experiments demonstrate that the as-prepared flexible AgNP/TiO₂ SERS substrate is mechanically robust, exhibiting stable SERS activity even in a large bending state as well as after more than 200 tensile cycles. Moreover, the flexible AgNP/TiO₂ SERS substrates show excellent performance in detecting sub-micrometer-sized plastics (≤1 μm) and low-concentration organic pollutants on complex surfaces. Overall, this study provides a simple path toward wafer-scale, flexible SERS substrate fabrication, which is a big step for practical applications of the SERS technique. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Optics in Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials)

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11 pages, 3804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optical Characterization of the Interband Cascade LWIR Detectors with Type-II InAs/InAsSb Superlattice Absorber

by Krzysztof Murawski, Kinga Majkowycz, Małgorzata Kopytko, Tetiana Manyk, Karol Dąbrowski, Bartłomiej Seredyński, Łukasz Kubiszyn and Piotr Martyniuk

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171393 - 26 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1111

Abstract

The long-wave infrared (LWIR) interband cascade detector with type-II superlattices (T2SLs) and a gallium-free (“Ga-free”) InAs/InAsSb (x = 0.39) absorber was characterized by photoluminescence (PL) and spectral response (SR) methods. Heterostructures were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on a GaAs substrate (001) orientation. The crystallographic quality was confirmed by high-resolution X-Ray diffraction (HRXRD). Two independent methods, combined with theoretical calculations, were able to determine the transitions between the superlattice minibands. Moreover, transitions from the trap states were determined. Studies of the PL intensity as a function of the excitation laser power allowed the identification of optical transitions. The determined effective energy gap (E_g) of the tested absorber layer was 116 meV at 300 K. The transition from the first light hole miniband to the first electron miniband was red-shifted by 76 meV. The detected defects’ energy states were constant versus temperature. Their values were 85 meV and 112 meV, respectively. Moreover, two additional transitions from acceptor levels in cryogenic temperature were determined by being shifted from blue to E_g by 6 meV and 16 meV, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Optics in Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials)

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14 pages, 4422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Controlled Morphological Growth and Photonic Lasing in Cesium Lead Bromide Microcrystals

by Mamoon Ur Rashid, Zeeshan Tahir, Muhammad Sheeraz, Farman Ullah, Yun Chang Park, Faisal Maqbool and Yong Soo Kim

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(15), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14151248 - 25 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1748

Abstract

Morphology plays a crucial role in defining the optical, electronic, and mechanical properties of halide perovskite microcrystals. Therefore, developing strategies that offer precise control over crystal morphology during the growth process is highly desirable. This work presents a simple scheme to simultaneously grow distinct geometries of cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr₃) microcrystals, including microrods (MR), microplates (MP), and microspheres (MS), in a single chemical vapor deposition (CVD) experiment. By strategically adjusting precursor evaporation temperatures, flux density, and the substrate temperature, we surpass previous techniques by achieving simultaneous yet selective growth of multiple CsPbBr₃ geometries at distinct positions on the same substrate. This fine growth control is attributed to the synergistic variation in fluid flow dynamics, precursor substrate distance, and temperature across the substrate, offering regions suitable for the growth of different morphologies. Pertinently, perovskite MR are grown at the top, while MP and MS are observed at the center and bottom regions of the substrate, respectively. Structural analysis reveals high crystallinity and an orthorhombic phase of the as-grown perovskite microcrystals, while persistent photonic lasing manifests their nonlinear optical characteristics, underpinning their potential application for next-generation photonic and optoelectronic devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Optics in Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials)

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15 pages, 2394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Asymmetry Observed between the Effects of Photon–Phonon Coupling and Crystal Field on the Fine Structure of Fluorescence and Spontaneous Four-Wave Mixing in Ion-Doped Microcrystals

by Huanrong Fan, Zhongtai Zhang, Iqbal Hussain, Qinyue Yang, Muhammad Kashif Majeed, Muhammad Imran, Faizan Raza, Peng Li and Yanpeng Zhang

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(8), 671; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14080671 - 12 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1604

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the asymmetry observed between the effects of photon–phonon coupling (nested-dressing) and a crystal field (CF) on the fine structure of fluorescence (FL) and spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM) in Eu³⁺: BiPO₄ and Eu³⁺: NaYF₄. The competition between the CF and the strong photon–phonon dressing leads to dynamic splitting in two directions. The CF leads to static splitting in one direction under weak phonon dressing. The evolution from strong dressing to weak dressing results in spectral asymmetry. This spectral asymmetry includes out-of-phase FL and in-phase SFWM. Further, the large ratio between the dressing Rabi frequency and the de-phase rate leads to strong FL and SFWM asymmetry due to photon–phonon constructive dressing. Moreover, the experimental results suggest the analogy of a spectra asymmetry router with a channel equalization ratio of 96.6%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Optics in Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials)

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18 pages, 3587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gap-Free Tuning of Second and Third Harmonic Generation in Mechanochemically Synthesized Nanocrystalline LiNb_1−xTa_xO₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) Studied with Nonlinear Diffuse Femtosecond-Pulse Reflectometry

by Jan Klenen, Felix Sauerwein, Laura Vittadello, Karsten Kömpe, Vasyl Hreb, Volodymyr Sydorchuk, Uliana Yakhnevych, Dmytro Sugak, Leonid Vasylechko and Mirco Imlau

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(3), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14030317 - 4 Feb 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2085

Abstract

The tuning of second (SHG) and third (THG) harmonic emission is studied in the model system LiNb

_{1 - x}

_{x}

_{3}

(

0 \leq x \leq 1

, LNT) between the established edge compositions lithium niobate (LiNbO [...] Read more.

The tuning of second (SHG) and third (THG) harmonic emission is studied in the model system LiNb

_{1 - x}

_{x}

_{3}

(

0 \leq x \leq 1

, LNT) between the established edge compositions lithium niobate (LiNbO

_{3}

x = 0

, LN) and lithium tantalate (LiTaO

_{3}

x = 1

, LT). Thus, the existence of optical nonlinearities of the second and third order is demonstrated in the ferroelectric solid solution system, and the question about the suitability of LNT in the field of nonlinear and quantum optics, in particular as a promising nonlinear optical material for frequency conversion with tunable composition, is addressed. For this purpose, harmonic generation is studied in nanosized crystallites of mechanochemically synthesized LNT using nonlinear diffuse reflectometry with wavelength-tunable fundamental femtosecond laser pulses from 1200 nm to 2000 nm. As a result, a gap-free harmonic emission is validated that accords with the theoretically expected energy relations, dependencies on intensity and wavelength, as well as spectral bandwidths for harmonic generation. The SHG/THG harmonic ratio ≫1 is characteristic of the ferroelectric bulk nature of the LNT nanocrystallites. We can conclude that LNT is particularly attractive for applications in nonlinear optics that benefit from the possibility of the composition-dependent control of mechanical, electrical, and/or optical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Optics in Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials)

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11 pages, 10802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simultaneous 3D Construction and Imaging of Plant Cells Using Plasmonic Nanoprobe-Assisted Multimodal Nonlinear Optical Microscopy

by Kun Liu, Yutian Lei and Dawei Li

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(19), 2626; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13192626 - 23 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1520

Abstract

Nonlinear optical (NLO) imaging has emerged as a promising plant cell imaging technique due to its large optical penetration, inherent 3D spatial resolution, and reduced photodamage; exogenous nanoprobes are usually needed for nonsignal target cell analysis. Here, we report in vivo, simultaneous 3D labeling and imaging of potato cell structures using plasmonic nanoprobe-assisted multimodal NLO microscopy. Experimental results show that the complete cell structure can be imaged via the combination of second-harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon luminescence (TPL) when noble metal silver or gold ions are added. In contrast, without the noble metal ion solution, no NLO signals from the cell wall were acquired. The mechanism can be attributed to noble metal nanoprobes with strong nonlinear optical responses formed along the cell walls via a femtosecond laser scan. During the SHG-TPL imaging process, noble metal ions that crossed the cell wall were rapidly reduced to plasmonic nanoparticles with the fs laser and selectively anchored onto both sides of the cell wall, thereby leading to simultaneous 3D labeling and imaging of the potato cells. Compared with the traditional labeling technique that needs in vitro nanoprobe fabrication and cell labeling, our approach allows for one-step, in vivo labeling of plant cells, thus providing a rapid, cost-effective method for cellular structure construction and imaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Optics in Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials)

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15 pages, 1940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation of Nonlinear Refraction and Three-Photon Absorption of Indium–Tin Oxide Quantum Dot Thin Films and Solutions in Near Infrared Range

by Arturs Bundulis, Anete Berzina, Vyacheslav V. Kim, Boris Polyakov, Aleksandrs Novikovs and Rashid A. Ganeev

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(16), 2320; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13162320 - 12 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1472

Abstract

We characterize the nonlinear optical properties of indium–tin oxide (ITO) quantum dots (QDs) in the IR range using the Z-scan method. We present results of three-photon absorption (3PA), third harmonic generation (3HG), and Kerr-effect-induced nonlinear refraction in ITO QDs. Z-scan measurements were carried out for the QDs solution, while 3HG was demonstrated using QD thin films. The Kerr-induced nonlinear refractive index was analyzed along the 800–950 nm range showing an increase in this parameter from −6.7 × 10⁻¹⁸ to −1.5 × 10⁻¹⁷ m² W⁻¹. At longer wavelengths (1000–1100 nm), the higher-order effects started to contribute to a nonlinear refractive index. The 3PA coefficient at 950 nm was measured to be 1.42 × 10⁻²⁵ m³/W². We discuss the peculiarities in the wavelength-dependent variation of the coefficient of nonlinear absorption responsible for 3PA in the range of 800–1150 nm. Third harmonic generation was analyzed in the 1200–1550 nm spectral range. The absolute value of 3HG conversion efficiency in the 150 nm thick film at the wavelength of laser radiation (1350 nm) was estimated to be ~10^–5. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Optics in Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials)

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Review

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17 pages, 8405 KiB

Open AccessReview

Stealth Materials Based on Laser-Induced Graphene: Developments and Challenges

by Xinjian Lu, Ruige Su, Guiyong Chen, Wenxin Li, Misheng Liang and Rui You

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(8), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15080623 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 240

Abstract

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has become a promising stealth material due to its excellent electromagnetic loss characteristics in the terahertz and microwave bands (2–18 Ghz) and the advantages of low-cost large-scale manufacturing. With the rapid advancement of electromagnetic detection technologies toward multispectral and high-dynamic-range capabilities, there is an increasing demand for LIG-based stealth materials with superior absorption performance. The synergistic design of functional material doping and structural configurations has been identified as a critical approach to achieve high electromagnetic shielding performance in LIG-based composites. This article briefly reviews the developmental progress of LIG-based electromagnetic stealth materials, with a particular emphasis on doping technologies and shielding mechanisms tailored for stealth applications. Furthermore, we propose potential future development pathways for LIG-based stealth materials to facilitate their transition toward broader practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Optics in Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials)

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25 pages, 4658 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nonlinear Optics in Two-Dimensional Magnetic Materials: Advancements and Opportunities

by Ziqian Xin, Bingyuan Xue, Wenbo Chang, Xinping Zhang and Jia Shi

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15010063 - 2 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1255

Abstract

Nonlinear optics, a critical branch of modern optics, presents unique potential in the study of two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials. These materials, characterized by their ultra-thin geometry, long-range magnetic order, and diverse electronic properties, serve as an exceptional platform for exploring nonlinear optical effects. Under strong light fields, 2D magnetic materials exhibit significant nonlinear optical responses, enabling advancements in novel optoelectronic devices. This paper outlines the principles of nonlinear optics and the magnetic structures of 2D materials, reviews recent progress in nonlinear optical studies, including magnetic structure detection and nonlinear optical imaging, and highlights their role in probing magnetic properties by combining second harmonic generation (SHG) and multispectral integration. Finally, we discuss the prospects and challenges for applying nonlinear optics to 2D magnetic materials, emphasizing their potential in next-generation photonic and spintronic devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Optics in Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials)

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36 pages, 11731 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Optical Second Harmonic Generation of Low-Dimensional Semiconductor Materials

by Yue Fu, Zhengyan Liu, Song Yue, Kunpeng Zhang, Ran Wang and Zichen Zhang

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(8), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14080662 - 11 Apr 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3871

Abstract

In recent years, the phenomenon of optical second harmonic generation (SHG) has attracted significant attention as a pivotal nonlinear optical effect in research. Notably, in low-dimensional materials (LDMs), SHG detection has become an instrumental tool for elucidating nonlinear optical properties due to their pronounced second-order susceptibility and distinct electronic structure. This review offers an exhaustive overview of the generation process and experimental configurations for SHG in such materials. It underscores the latest advancements in harnessing SHG as a sensitive probe for investigating the nonlinear optical attributes of these materials, with a particular focus on its pivotal role in unveiling electronic structures, bandgap characteristics, and crystal symmetry. By analyzing SHG signals, researchers can glean invaluable insights into the microscopic properties of these materials. Furthermore, this paper delves into the applications of optical SHG in imaging and time-resolved experiments. Finally, future directions and challenges toward the improvement in the NLO in LDMs are discussed to provide an outlook in this rapidly developing field, offering crucial perspectives for the design and optimization of pertinent devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Optics in Low-Dimensional Nanomaterials)

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