arXiv subjects

Emanuele Marino

Publications and source records attributed to Emanuele Marino.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Quantum Dot Colloidosomes as Triggerable Microlasers

Quantum dot (QD) supraparticle lasers are promising platforms for microscale light sources and photonic labeling, yet their optical properties are set during assembly. Here we introduce QD colloidosomes, liquid-core/solid-shell supraparticles that combine whispering-gallery-mode optical feedback with stimulus-triggered structural collapse. Intact QD colloidosomes show cavity-defined lasing with fluence thresholds of ~2.8 mJ/cm2 and linewidths of 2.2-3.7 nm, demonstrating efficient light trapping without a solid core. We identify shell continuity as a critical determinant for whispering-gallery feedback and lasing by exploring a morphological continuum of suprastructures comprising solid supraparticles, colloidosomes, and microporous hollow shells. Intact colloidosomes support narrow cavity modes, whereas porous shells remain broadband even at high pump fluence. We show that colloidosomes can be driven to rupture and release payload through well-defined pathways, including meniscus-driven capillary failure, uniform heating, and localized near-infrared activation, thereby reconfiguring their optical response from cavity-defined lasing to broadband emission. These results establish QD colloidosomes as reconfigurable microlasers that couple optical-state switching and triggered release within a single self-assembled platform.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Cavity-Mediated Radiative Energy Transfer Enables Stable, Low-Threshold Lasing in Hybrid Quantum Dot-Nanoplatelet Supraparticles

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals are promising building blocks for optoelectronics due to their solution processability, spectral tunability, and ability to self-assemble into complex architectures. However, their use in lasing application remains limited by high working thresholds, rapid nonradiative losses from Auger recombination, and sensitivity to environmental conditions. Here, we report hybrid microscale supraparticles composed of core/shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and CdSe/CdxZn1-xS nanoplatelets (NPLs), which overcome these limitations through efficient, cavity-mediated energy funneling and coupling. Broadband absorbing QDs rapidly transfer excitation to narrow emitting NPLs, enabling stable whispering gallery mode lasing with a low threshold of 0.35 mJ/cm2. These supraparticles retain optical performance after prolonged exposure to air, water, and continuous irradiation, offering practical advantages for optoelectronic devices and advanced pigment technologies. Ultimately, our approach provides a versatile, programmable platform for optical amplification and tunable emission control within colloidal photonic architectures. Keywords

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Quantum and Critical Casimir Effects: Bridging Fluctuation Physics and Nanotechnology

Fluctuation-induced forces, primarily represented by quantum and critical Casimir effects, play a pivotal role at the nanoscale. This review explores the theoretical and experimental landscapes of these forces, offering a comprehensive analysis of their similarities and distinctions. We emphasize the effects of material properties, geometry, and temperature in shaping these forces and their roles in various nanoscale systems, both colloidal and solid-state. We devote special attention to the Casimir torque, the influence of magnetism on the Casimir force, and the use of Casimir effects for the generation of optical resonators. Through this comparative study, we elucidate the underlying physics of these phenomena, fostering insights that advance applications in nanomechanics, optomechanics, and quantum technologies.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Crystallization of Binary Nanocrystal Superlattices and the Relevance of Short-Range Attraction

The synthesis of binary nanocrystal superlattices (BNSLs) enables the targeted integration of orthogonal physical properties, like photoluminescence and magnetism, into a single superstructure, unlocking a vast design space for multifunctional materials. Yet, the formation mechanism of BNSLs remains poorly understood, restricting the use of simulation to predict the structure and properties of the superlattices. Here, we use a combination of in situ scattering and molecular simulation to elucidate the self-assembly of two common BNSLs through emulsion templating. Our self-assembly experiments reveal that no intermediate structures precede the formation of the final binary phases, indicating that their formation proceeds through classical nucleation. Using simulations, we find that, despite the formation of AlB2 and NaZn13 typically being attributed to entropy, their self-assembly is most consistent with the nanocrystals possessing short-range interparticle attraction, which we find can dramatically accelerate nucleation kinetics in BNSLs. We also find homogenous, classical nucleation in simulation, corroborating our experiments. These results establish a robust correspondence between experiment and theory, paving the way towards a priori prediction of BNSLs.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2022

Tunable Localized Charge Transfer Excitons in a Mixed Dimensional van der Waals Heterostructure

Observation of interlayer, charge-transfer (CT) excitons in van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) based on 2D-2D systems has been well investigated. While conceptually interesting, these charge transfer excitons are highly delocalized and spatially localizing them requires twisting layers at very specific angles. This issue of localizing the CT excitons can be overcome via making mixed dimensional vdWHs (MDHs) where one of the components is a spatially quantum confined medium. Here, we demonstrate the formation of CT excitons in a 2D/quasi-2D system comprising MoSe2 and WSe2 monolayers and CdSe/CdS based core/shell nanoplates (NPLs). Spectral signatures of CT excitons in our MDHs were resolved locally at the 2D/single-NPL heterointerface using tip-enhanced photoluminescence (TEPL) at room temperature. By varying both the 2D material, the shell thickness of the NPLs, and applying out-of-plane electric field, the exciton resonance energy was tuned by up to 120 meV. Our finding is a significant step towards the realization of highly tunable MDH-based next generation photonic devices.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Direct Nano-Imaging of Light-Matter Interactions in Nanoscale Excitonic Emitters

Strong light-matter interactions in localized nano-emitters when placed near metallic mirrors have been widely reported via spectroscopic studies in the optical far-field. Here, we report a near-field nano-spectroscopic study of the localized nanoscale emitters on a flat Au substrate. We observe strong-coupling of the excitonic dipoles in quasi 2-dimensional CdSe/CdxZnS1-xS nanoplatelets with gap mode plasmons formed between the Au tip and substrate. We also observe directional propagation on the Au substrate of surface plasmon polaritons launched from the excitons of the nanoplatelets as wave-like fringe patterns in the near-field photoluminescence maps. These fringe patterns were confirmed via extensive electromagnetic wave simulations to be standing-waves formed between the tip and the emitter on the substrate plane. We further report that both light confinement and the in-plane emission can be engineered by tuning the surrounding dielectric environment of the nanoplatelets. Our results lead to renewed understanding of in-plane, near-field electromagnetic signal transduction from the localized nano-emitters with profound implications in nano and quantum photonics as well as resonant optoelectronics.

physics.optics↗