Searcharxiv⌕ Search

arXiv subjects

Lujun Huang

Publications and source records attributed to Lujun Huang.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Enhanced Light-Matter Interactions in Dielectric Nanostructures via Machine Learning Approach

A key concept underlying the specific functionalities of metasurfaces, i.e. arrays of subwavelength nanoparticles, is the use of constituent components to shape the wavefront of the light, on-demand. Metasurfaces are versatile and novel platforms to manipulate the scattering, colour, phase or the intensity of the light. Currently, one of the typical approaches for designing a metasurface is to optimize one or two variables, among a vast number of fixed parameters, such as various materials' properties and coupling effects, as well as the geometrical parameters. Ideally, it would require a multi-dimensional space optimization through direct numerical simulations. Recently, an alternative approach became quite popular allowing to reduce the computational cost significantly based on a deep-learning-assisted method. In this paper, we utilize a deep-learning approach for obtaining high-quality factor (high-Q) resonances with desired characteristics, such as linewidth, amplitude and spectral position. We exploit such high-Q resonances for the enhanced light-matter interaction in nonlinear optical metasurfaces and optomechanical vibrations, simultaneously. We demonstrate that optimized metasurfaces lead up to 400+ folds enhancement of the third harmonic generation (THG); at the same time, they also contribute to 100+ folds enhancement in optomechanical vibrations. This approach can be further used to realize structures with unconventional scattering responses.

physics.optics↗

Broadband Control on Scattering Events with Interferometric Coherent Waves

We propose a universal strategy to realize a broadband control on arbitrary scatterers, through multiple coherent beams. By engineering the phases and amplitudes of incident beams, one can suppress the dominant scattering partial waves, making the obstacle lose its intrinsic responses in a broadband spectrum. The associated coherent beams generate a finite and static region, inside which the corresponding electric field intensity and Poynting vector vanish. As a solution to go beyond the sum-rule limit, our methodology is also irrespective of inherent system properties, as well as extrinsic operating wavelength, providing a non-invasive control on the wave-obstacles interaction for any kinds of shape.

physics.optics↗

Multipolar second-harmonic generation from high-$Q$ quasi-BIC states in nanoresonators

Multimode interference and multipolar interplay govern functionalities of optical nanoresonators and nonlinear nanoantennas. Recently, excitation of the high-quality supercavity modes (quasi-BIC states) in individual subwavelength dielectric particles has been predicted to boost the nonlinear frequency conversion at the nanoscale. Here, we put forward the multipolar model which captures the physics behind linear and nonlinear response driven by such high-$Q$ modes in nanoresonators. We show that formation of the quasi-BIC state in the AlGaAs nanodisk can be understood through multipolar transformations of coupled leaky modes. In particular, the hybridized axially symmetric TE-polarized modes can be viewed as superpositions of multipoles, with a basis of parent multipoles constituted mainly by magnetic dipoles and octupole. The quasi-BIC point in the parameter space appears where dipolar losses are totally suppressed. The efficient optical coupling to this state is implemented via azimuthally polarized beam illumination matching its multipolar origin. We establish a one-to-one correspondence between the standard non Hermitian coupled-mode theory and multipolar models that enables transparent interpretation of scattering characteristics. Using our approach, we derive the multipolar composition of the generated second-harmonic radiation from the AlGaAs nanodisk and validate it with full-wave numerical simulations. Back-action of the second-harmonic radiation onto the fundamental frequency is taken into account in the coupled nonlinear model with pump depletion. A hybrid metal-dielectric nanoantenna is proposed to augment the conversion efficiency up to tens of per cent and actualize the nonlinear parametric downconversion. Our findings delineate the in-depth conceptual framework and novel promising strategies in the design of functional elements for nonlinear nanophotonics applications.

physics.optics↗

Pushing the Limit of High-Q Mode of a Single Subwavelength Dielectric Nanocavity

High index dielectric nanostructure supports different types of resonant modes. However, it is very challenging to achieve high-Q factor in a single subwavelength dielectric nanoresonator due to non-hermtian property of the open system. Here, we present a universal approach of finding out a series of high-Q resonant modes in a single nonspherical dielectric nanocavity by exploring quasi-bound state in the continuum. Unlike conventional method relying on heavy computation (ie, frequency scanning by FDTD), our approach is built upon leaky mode engineering, through which many high-Q modes can be easily achieved by constructing avoid-crossing (or crossing) of the eigenvalue for pair leaky modes. The Q-factor can be up to 2.3*10^4 for square subwavelength nanowire (NW) (n=4), which is 64 times larger than the highest Q-factor (Q=360) reported so far in single subwavelength nanodisk. Such high-Q modes can be attributed to suppressed radiation in the corresponding eigenchannels and simultaneously quenched electric(magnetic) at momentum space. As a proof of concept, we experimentally demonstrate the emergence of the high-Q resonant modes (Q=380) in the scattering spectrum of a single silicon subwavelength nanowire.

physics.optics↗

High-temperature cyclic oxidation kinetics and microstructural transition mechanisms of Ti-6Al-4V composites reinforced with hybrid (TiC+TiB) networks

The microstructural features and high-temperature oxidation resistance of hybrid (TiC+TiB) networks reinforced Ti-6Al-4V composites were investigated after fabricated with reaction hot pressing technique. The inhomogeneous distribution of hybrid reinforcers resulted in a sort of stress-induced grain refinement for α-Ti matrix phase, which was further facilitated by heterogeneous nucleation upon additive interfaces. HRTEM analyses revealed the crystallographic orientation relation between TiB and alpha-Ti phases as (201)TiB//(-1100)alpha-Ti plus [11-2]//[0001] alpha-Ti, while TiC and α-Ti phases maintained the interrelation of (-200)TiC//(-2110) α-Ti and [001]TiC//[01-10] alpha-Ti. The hybridly reinforced Ti-6Al-4V/(TiC+TiB) composites displayed superior oxidation resistance to both the sintered matrix alloy and the two composites reinforced solely with TiC or TiB addition during the cyclic oxidation at 873, 973 and 1073 K respectively for 100 h. The hybrid reinforcers volume fraction was a more influential factor to improve oxidation resistance than the matrix alloy powder size. As temperature rose from 873 to 1073 K, the oxidation kinetics transferred from the nearly parabolic type through qusilinear tendency into the finally linear mode. This corresponded to the morphological transition of oxide scales from a continuous protective film to a partially damaged layer and ended up with the complete spallation of alternating alumina and rutile multilayers. A phenomenological model was proposed to elucidate the growth process of oxides scales. The release of thermal stress, the suppression of oxygen diffusion and the fastening of oxide adherence were found as the three major mechanisms to enhance the oxidation resistance of hybrid reinforced composites.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Ordered C vacancies in titanium carbides: a correlation between crystal structure and the effects on oxidation behavior at elevated temperature

It has been widely accepted that the introduction of titanium carbides into titanium-based alloys can significantly enhance the oxidation resistance due to their superior physicochemical stability at elevated temperatures. The present study reported for the first time that the ordered C vacancies within titanium carbides could lead to an uncommon phenomenon particularly at the very initial stage of oxidation. The intrinsic micro-to-macro oxidation mechanisms were systematically clarified with the aids of transmission electron microscope and ab-initio molecular dynamics simulation.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Giant Gating Tunability of Optical Refractive Index in Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayers

We report that the refractive index of transition metal dichacolgenide (TMDC) monolayers, such as MoS2, WS2, and WSe2, can be substantially tuned by > 60% in the imaginary part and > 20% in the real part around exciton resonances using CMOS-compatible electrical gating. This giant tunablility is rooted in the dominance of excitonic effects in the refractive index of the monolayers and the strong susceptibility of the excitons to the influence of injected charge carriers. The tunability mainly results from the effects of injected charge carriers to broaden the spectral width of excitonic interband transitions and to facilitate the interconversion of neutral and charged excitons. The other effects of the injected charge carriers, such as renormalizing bandgap and changing exciton binding energy, only play negligible roles. We also demonstrate that the atomically thin monolayers, when combined with photonic structures, can enable the efficiencies of optical absorption (reflection) tuned from 40% (60%) to 80% (20%) due to the giant tunability of refractive index. This work may pave the way towards the development of field-effect photonics in which the optical functionality can be controlled with CMOS circuits.

physics.optics↗

Enhancing Multifunctionalities of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayers via Intercalation of Molecules and Ions

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) monolayers present a remarkable multifunctional material with potential to enable the development of a wide range of novel devices. However, the functionalities observed often fall short of the expectation, which hinders the device development. Here we demonstrate that the optical, catalytic, and thermal functionalities of TMDC monolayers can all be substantially enhanced by up to orders of magnitude with the intercalation of water molecules or small cations (H+ and Li+) between the monolayers and underlying substrates. In contrast, the same molecules or cations adsorbed on top of the monolayers show negligible effects. We also discover two major roles of the intercalated species in the enhancement: doping the monolayers and modifying the interaction of the monolayers with the substrate. The result points out a versatile and convenient strategy of using the intercalation of molecules or ions to enhance the functionalities of TMDC monolayers.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Ultrathin Semiconductor Perfect Light Absorbers with High Spectral, Polarization, and Angle Selectivity for Arbitrary Wavelengths

Enabling perfect light absorption in ultrathin materials promises the development of exotic photonic devices. Here we demonstrate new strategies that can provide capabilities to rationally design ultrathin (thickness < λ/10~λ/5) semiconductor perfect absorbers for arbitrary wavelengths, including those at which the intrinsic absorption of the semiconductor is weak, e.g. Si for near-IR wavelengths. This is in stark contrast with the existing studies on ultrathin perfect absorbers, which have focused on metallic materials or highly-absorptive semiconductors. Our design strategies are built upon an intuitive model, coupled leaky mode theory that we recently developed and can turn the design for perfect absorbers to the design for leaky modes. The designed absorber is featured with extraordinary absorption enhancement, miniaturized dimension, and high selectivity for the wavelength, polarization, and angle of incident light. It can enable the development of flexible, light-weight, high-performance, cost-effective, and multifunctional optoelectronic devices that are difficult with current light absorbers.

physics.optics↗

Efficient Interlayer Relaxation and Transition of Excitons in Epitaxial and Non-epitaxial MoS2/WS2 Heterostructures

Semiconductor heterostructures provide a powerful platform for the engineering of excitons. Here we report the excitonic properties of two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures that consist of monolayer MoS2 and WS2 stacked epitaxially or non-epitaxially in the vertical direction. We find similarly efficient interlayer relaxation and transition of excitons in both the epitaxial and nonepitaxial heterostructures. This is manifested by a two orders of magnitude decrease in the photoluminescence and the appearance of an extra absorption peak at low energy region. The MoS2/WS2 heterostructures show weak interlayer coupling and can essentially act as atomicscale heterojunctions with the intrinsic bandstructures of the two monolayers largely preserved. They are particularly promising for the applications that request efficient dissociation of excitons and strong light absorption, including photovoltaics, solar fuels, photodetectors, and optical modulators. Our results also indicate that 2D heterostructures promise unprecedented capabilities to engineer excitons from the atomic level without concerns of interfacial imperfection.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Experimental realization of a carpet cloak for temperature field and heat flux

Based on transformation optics (TO), we present and experimentally realize a new thermal carpet cloak. The device, which we call a "thermal carpet", provides a considerable cloaking effect. The device is designed, fabricated and measured to verify the thermal cloaking performance. In comparison with previous experimental work, the advantage of this design is that the required medium parameter is inherently isotropic and thus easier to fabricate.

physics.optics↗

Solar Superabsorption of Semiconductor Materials

We theoretically demonstrate the fundamental limit in volume for given materials (e.g. Si, a-Si, CdTe) to fully absorb the solar radiation above bandgap, which we refer as solar superabsorption limit. We also point out the general principles for experimentally designing light trapping structures to approach the superabsorption. This study builds upon an intuitive model, coupled leaky mode theory (CLMT), for the analysis of light absorption in nanostructures. The CLMT provides a useful variable transformation. Unlike the existing methods that rely on information of physical features (e.g. morphology, dimensionality) to analyze light absorption, the CLMT can evaluate light absorption in given materials with only two variables, the radiative loss and the resonant wavelength, of leaky modes, regardless the physical features of the materials. This transformation allows for surveying the entire variable space to find out the solar superabsorption and provides physical insights to guide the design of solar superabsorbing structures.

physics.optics↗

Semiconductor solar superabsorber

Understanding the maximal enhancement of solar absorption in semiconductor materials by light trapping promises the development of affordable solar cells. However, the conventional Lambertian limit is only valid for idealized material systems with weak absorption, and cannot hold for the typical semiconductor materials used in solar cells due to the substantial absorption of these materials. Herein we theoretically demonstrate the maximal solar absorption enhancement for semiconductor materials and elucidate the general design principle for light trapping structures to approach the theoretical maximum. By following the principles, we design a practical light trapping structure that can enable an ultrathin layer of semiconductor materials,for instance, 10 nm thick a-Si, absorb > 90% sunlight above the bandgap. The design has active materials with one order of magnitude less volume than any of the existing solar light trapping designs in literature. This work points towards the development of ultimate solar light trapping techniques.

physics.optics↗

General modal properties of optical resonances in subwavelength nonspherical dielectric structures

Subwavelength dielectric structures offer an attractive low loss alternative to plasmonic structures for the development of resonant optics functionality such as metamaterials. Nonspherical like rectangular structures are of most interest from the standpoint of device development due to fabrication convenience. However, no intuitive fundamental understanding of optical resonance in nonspherical structures is available, which has substantially delayed the device development with dielectric materials. Here we elucidate the general fundamentals of optical resonances in nonspherical subwavelength dielectric structures of different shapes (rectangular or triangular) and dimensionalities (1D nanowires and 0D nanoparticles). We demonstrate that the optical properties (i.e. light absorption) of nonspherical structures are dictated by the eigenvalue of the structure's leaky modes. Leaky modes are defined as natural optical modes with propagating waves outside the structure. We also elucidate the dependence of the eigenvalue on physical features of the structures. The eigenvalue shows scaling invariance with the overall size, weakly relies on the refractive index, but linearly depends on the size ratio of different sizes of the structure. We propose a modified Fabry-Perot model to account for this linear dependence. Knowledge of the dominant role of leaky modes and the dependence of leaky mode on physical features can serve as a powerful guide for the rational design of devices with desired optical resonances. It opens up a pathway to design devices with functionality that has not been explored due to lack of intuitive understanding, for instance, imaging devices able to sense incident angle, or superabsorbing photodetectors.

physics.optics↗

A carpet cloak for heat flux and temperature field

Based on transformation optics theory, we present a new carpet device that can be used to thermally protect a region from the invasion of external heat flux. The designed device is termed 'thermal carpet', which provides considerable cloaking effect. The cloaking performance for heat flux originating from different directions are analyzed. Unlike most thermal cloak designs reported in the literature, the material parameters are constant with position throughout the cloak, indicating that only one type of metamaterial composite to fabricate such a carpet is required.

physics.optics↗

Nonmagnetic invisibility cloak with minimized scattering cross section

We propose one kind of transformation functions for nonmagnetic invisibility cloak with minimized scattering on the basis of generalized transformation. By matching the impedance at the outer surface of the cloak, the transformations with two parameters are determined. To confirm the performance of the cloak, full wave simulation based on the finite element method is carried out. Furthermore, total scattering cross section is computed to better illustrate the scattering characteristics of cloak with different parameters. In addition, based on the effective media theory, alternating layered system composed of two isotropic materials is employed to realize the cloak practically.

physics.optics↗