Nanomaterials for Photonics and Optoelectronics: Practical Applications and Advances

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Novel materials with properties that are relevant for technological applications addressing societal demands have motivated the search for even more innovative materials: new types of glass, glass ceramics, hybrid materials, colloids, polymers, and quantum dots, among others. This Topic will focus on diverse aspects of innovative methods for the synthesis and characterization of these materials, highlighting their applications for photonics and optoelectronics and reviewing recent advances in the field. This issue will cover different emerging topics based on advanced nanomaterials for new light sources, photovoltaic devices, optical amplifiers, random lasers, and technological solutions for flexible photonics, among others. We intend to make this Topic an important research reference for those wanting to learn more about nanomaterials and the way they can be used in photonics and optoelectronics.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Luciana R. P. Kassab
Dr. Raúl Rangel-Rojo
Dr. Rafael Salas-Montiel
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.3	9.2	2010	15.4 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Polymers polymers	4.9	9.7	2009	14 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Photonics photonics	1.9	3.5	2014	14.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Nanomanufacturing nanomanufacturing	-	-	2021	39.8 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Crystals crystals	2.4	5.0	2011	12.7 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	19.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Optics optics	1.6	2.6	2020	23 Days	CHF 1200	Submit

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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All Nanomaterials Polymers Photonics Nanomanufacturing Crystals Applied Sciences Optics

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17 pages, 1970 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Tunable Structural Color in Au-Based One-Dimensional Hyperbolic Metamaterials

by Ricardo Téllez-Limón, René I. Rodríguez-Beltrán, Fernando López-Rayón, Mauricio Gómez-Robles, Katie Figueroa-Guardiola, Jesús E. Chávez-Padua, Victor Coello and Rafael Salas-Montiel

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(24), 1898; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15241898 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 106

Abstract

Structural coloration arising from nanoscale light–matter interactions has emerged as a key research area in nanophotonics. Among the various materials investigated, noble metals—particularly gold—play a central role due to their well-defined plasmonic response and chemical stability, but their structural coloring typically requires complex [...] Read more.

Structural coloration arising from nanoscale light–matter interactions has emerged as a key research area in nanophotonics. Among the various materials investigated, noble metals—particularly gold—play a central role due to their well-defined plasmonic response and chemical stability, but their structural coloring typically requires complex and highly engineered nanostructures. However, modern photonic technologies demand scalable approaches to produce structural colors that can be finely tuned. In this contribution, we experimentally and numerically demonstrate the fine tunability of structural color in gold-based one-dimensional hyperbolic metamaterials (1D-HMMs) by varying their structural parameters: number of layers (N), period (T), and filling fraction (p). Our results show that variations in N lead to changes in luminance with minimal shifts in chromaticity, while variations in T introduce moderate color shifts without affecting luminance. In contrast, changes in p produce the largest modifications in chromaticity, though the trend is non-monotonic and less predictable. These findings highlight the potential of 1D-HMMs for achieving finely controlled gold-based coloration for advanced photonic technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Photonics and Optoelectronics: Practical Applications and Advances)

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11 pages, 1530 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Photophysical, Electrochemical, Density Functional Theory, and Spectroscopic Study of Some Oligothiophenes

by Mamoun M. Bader, Phuong-Truc T. Pham, Juri A. Busaili, Samar M. Alrifai, Sarah H. Younas and El Hadj Elandaloussi

Optics 2025, 6(4), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/opt6040056 - 10 Nov 2025

Viewed by 361

Abstract

Dicyanovinyl (DCV) oligothiophenes are interesting materials due to their unique optical and electronic properties. They are relatively easy to prepare using Knoevenagel condensation reactions from the corresponding aldehydes. Understanding their optical and electrochemical characteristics is important for both building structure/property relationships and for [...] Read more.

Dicyanovinyl (DCV) oligothiophenes are interesting materials due to their unique optical and electronic properties. They are relatively easy to prepare using Knoevenagel condensation reactions from the corresponding aldehydes. Understanding their optical and electrochemical characteristics is important for both building structure/property relationships and for optimizing their performance in various applications. We report on the electrochemical and photophysical properties of three oligothiophenes end-capped with dicyanovinyl -CH=C(CN)₂ or DCV groups. The compounds included in this study are DCV-T-DCV (1), DCV-2T-DCV (2), and DCV-3T-DCV (3), where T represents one thiophene unit. Introduction of the DCV groups into oligothiophenes results in unique evolution of their electrochemical and optical behavior. First, new reversible two-electron reduction processes in the series DCV-nT-DCV start to appear with a gradual increase in the reduction potential with an increasing number of thiophene units. This was consistent with the electronic spectroscopic results. These results demonstrate that the DCV groups can be used in molecular design and fine-tuning of the optical and redox properties of oligothiophene and presumably this strategy can be extended to other conjugated organic molecules. We also report on the photophysical and vibrational spectroscopic properties of these compounds. The C=C stretching bands in Raman and IR spectra reveal more quinoidal nature in shorter molecules and more dominant benzoidal character in longer molecules. The DCV-induced modulation of electrochemical, optical, and vibrational properties highlights their potential in diverse optoelectronic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Photonics and Optoelectronics: Practical Applications and Advances)

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32 pages, 6854 KB  

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Synthesis, Structural, and Optical Properties of TiO₂ Nanoparticles: Current State of the Art and Potential Applications

by Mohd Al Saleh Alothoum

Crystals 2025, 15(11), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15110944 - 31 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1751

Abstract

The manufacturing techniques, structural features, and optical attributes of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles are highlighted in this study. These nanoparticles are notable for their remarkable photocatalytic activity, cheap cost, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. TiO₂ consists of three polymorph structures: anatase, [...] Read more.

The manufacturing techniques, structural features, and optical attributes of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles are highlighted in this study. These nanoparticles are notable for their remarkable photocatalytic activity, cheap cost, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. TiO₂ consists of three polymorph structures: anatase, rutile, and brookite. Because of its electrical characteristics and large surface area, anatase is the most efficient for photocatalysis when exposed to UV light. The crystallinity, size, and shape of titania nanoparticles (NPs) are influenced by diverse production techniques. Sol-gel, hydrothermal, solvothermal, microwave-assisted, and green synthesis with plant extracts are examples of common methods. Different degrees of control over morphology and surface properties are possible with each approach, and these factors ultimately affect functioning. For example, microwave synthesis provides quick reaction rates, whereas sol-gel enables the creation of homogeneous nanoparticles. XRD and SEM structural investigations validate nanostructures with crystallite sizes between 15 and 70 nm. Particle size, synthesis technique, and annealing temperature all affect optical characteristics such as bandgap (3.0–3.3 eV), fluorescence emission, and UV-visible absorbance. Generally speaking, anatase has a smaller crystallite size and a greater bandgap than rutile. TiO₂ nanoparticles are used in gas sensing, food packaging, biomedical coatings, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), photocatalysis for wastewater treatment, and agriculture. Researchers are actively exploring methods like adding metals or non-metals, making new composite materials, and changing the surface to improve how well they absorb visible light. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Photonics and Optoelectronics: Practical Applications and Advances)

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9 pages, 294 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Germanium-Based Temperonic Crystal

by Jesus Manzanares-Martinez, Diego Soto-Puebla and Gerardo Morales-Morales

Crystals 2025, 15(10), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15100899 - 16 Oct 2025

Viewed by 686

Abstract

We propose a germanium-based temperonic crystal consisting of a two-layer unit cell designed to enable interference of thermal waves in the non-Fourier regime. Each layer features temperature-dependent properties, including thermal diffusivity $D\left(T\right)$, thermal conductivity $\kappa \left(T\right)$, [...] Read more.

We propose a germanium-based temperonic crystal consisting of a two-layer unit cell designed to enable interference of thermal waves in the non-Fourier regime. Each layer features temperature-dependent properties, including thermal diffusivity $D\left(T\right)$, thermal conductivity $\kappa \left(T\right)$, and relaxation time $\tau \left(T\right)$. Utilizing the Cattaneo-Vernotte model, we predict band gaps in the temperature oscillation frequencies. Our analysis reveals that band gaps emerge when one layer is maintained at 110 K and the other at 50 K; however, these gaps close rapidly as the temperature contrast diminishes or the overall temperature increases. Drawing from the temperonic-crystal paradigm and inspired by recent experimental observations of thermal waves in germanium, this design offers a promising pathway for on-chip control of ultrafast thermal pulses and thermal-management devices in semiconductors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Photonics and Optoelectronics: Practical Applications and Advances)

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13 pages, 534 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Theoretical Investigation of Ru-Doped Wurtzite Zno: Insights into Electronic Structure and Photocatalytic Potential

by Desta Regassa Golja and Megersa Olumana Dinka

Optics 2025, 6(4), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/opt6040045 - 25 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO), a wide-bandgap semiconductor, has garnered significant interest for photocatalytic applications due to its excellent chemical stability, non-toxicity, and strong oxidative capability. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to explore the impact of ruthenium (Ru) doping on [...] Read more.

Zinc oxide (ZnO), a wide-bandgap semiconductor, has garnered significant interest for photocatalytic applications due to its excellent chemical stability, non-toxicity, and strong oxidative capability. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to explore the impact of ruthenium (Ru) doping on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of wurtzite ZnO. The introduction of Ru leads to bandgap narrowing and the emergence of impurity states, thereby enhancing visible light absorption. Charge density analysis reveals enhanced electron delocalization, while the projected density of states (PDOS) indicates strong hybridization between the Ru 4d orbitals and the ZnO electronic states. The density of states at the Fermi level, N(EF), exhibits a notable dependence on doping concentration and magnetic configuration. For non-magnetic states, N(EF) reaches 11 states/eV and 9.5 states/eV at 12.5% and 25% Ru concentrations, respectively. In ferromagnetic configurations, these values decrease to 0.65 states/eV and 1.955 states/eV, while antiferromagnetic states yield 4.945 states/eV and 0.65 states/eV. These variations highlight Ru’s crucial role in regulating electronic density, thereby affecting electrical conductivity, magnetic properties, and photocatalytic efficiency. The results offer theoretical guidance for designing high-performance Ru-doped ZnO photocatalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Photonics and Optoelectronics: Practical Applications and Advances)

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14 pages, 1791 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Rigorous Coupled-Wave Analysis Algorithm for Stratified Two-Dimensional Gratings with Unconditionally Stable H-Matrix Methods

by Kaixuan Song, Jiyong Wang and Gaofeng Wang

Photonics 2025, 12(9), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12090943 - 22 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1248

Abstract

Nanostructures with the two-dimensional (2D) periodicity are attracting increasing attention due to their promising applications in planar optical devices and their potential for scalable industrial production. While Rigorous Coupled-Wave Analysis (RCWA) has proven to be an efficient electromagnetic solver for simulating the diffraction [...] Read more.

Nanostructures with the two-dimensional (2D) periodicity are attracting increasing attention due to their promising applications in planar optical devices and their potential for scalable industrial production. While Rigorous Coupled-Wave Analysis (RCWA) has proven to be an efficient electromagnetic solver for simulating the diffraction of large-scale periodic nanostructures, it has been largely applied in nanostructures with one-dimensional (1D) periodicity and suffers from potentially low computational stability. In this study, we present a step-by-step formulation of the RCWA algorithm for 2D stratified grating structures. Through dimensionality reduction, we show that the boundary conditions in 2D gratings can be transformed into forms analogous to those of 1D gratings. Additionally, we implement a hybrid matrix algorithm to enhance the computational stability of the RCWA. The stability and accuracy of the hybrid matrix-enhanced RCWA algorithm are compared with other recursive methods. An exemplary application in metalens demonstrates the effectiveness of our algorithms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Photonics and Optoelectronics: Practical Applications and Advances)

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14 pages, 15441 KB  

Open AccessCommunication

Numerical Study of Electric Field Enhancement in Inverted-Pyramid Gold Arrays with Tunable Spacing

by Yaumalika Arta, Iman Santoso, Hao Chang, Ying-Pin Tsai, Fu-Li Hsiao, Tsung-Shine Ko and Yang-Wei Lin

Photonics 2025, 12(5), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12050522 - 21 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1390

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive numerical and experimental investigation of electric field enhancement in inverted-pyramidal gold (Au) array substrates, focusing on variable inter-pyramidal spacing for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. We conducted a series of finite element method (FEM) simulations to model the [...] Read more.

This study presents a comprehensive numerical and experimental investigation of electric field enhancement in inverted-pyramidal gold (Au) array substrates, focusing on variable inter-pyramidal spacing for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. We conducted a series of finite element method (FEM) simulations to model the spatial distribution of electromagnetic fields within plasmonic metasurfaces under 780 nm laser excitation. The results show that reducing the spacing between inverted pyramidal structures from 10 μm to 3.2 μm significantly increases the electric field intensity at both the tip and edge regions of the inverted-pyramidal Au structure, with maximum fields reaching 6.75 × 10⁷ V/m. Experimental SERS measurements utilizing 4-mercaptobenzoic acid as a Raman reporter support the simulation findings, indicating enhanced signal intensity in closely spaced configurations. These results confirm that geometric field concentration and plasmonic coupling are the dominant mechanisms responsible for SERS enhancement in these systems. This work provides a strategic framework for optimizing the geometry of plasmonic substrates to improve the sensitivity and reliability of SERS-based sensing platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nanomaterials for Photonics and Optoelectronics: Practical Applications and Advances)

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