arXiv subjects

Varinder Pal

Publications and source records attributed to Varinder Pal.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Atomically-Thin Tsumoite (BiTe) based All-Photonic-Isolator, Information Converter, and Logic-Gate

Two-dimensional tsumoite (BiTe), a polymorph of Bi2Te3, has emerged as a promising candidate for nonlinear photonic devices owing to its strong spin-orbit coupling, tunable bandgap, and high carrier mobility characteristics. This work presents a thorough examination of the third-order nonlinear optical response of BiTe dispersions using spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) spectroscopy. The nonlinear refractive index (n2) and third-order nonlinear susceptibility are quantitatively derived from the diffraction ring patterns, demonstrating third-order nonlinear susceptibility values, similar to or surpassing those of advanced 2D materials. The temporal development and distortion of the SSPM rings are examined using the wind-chime model, and thermal factors influencing the SSPM pattern are analyzed. First-principles electronic band structure studies reveal that the elevated nonlinear susceptibility arises from band dispersion. Direct correlation between carrier transport and third-order nonlinear susceptibility is established. Utilizing these qualities, all photonic devices, including a photonic isolator based on a 2D BiTe-2D hBN heterostructure, are depicted to show asymmetric propagation. A photonic information converter and a logic gate are designed using the cross-phase modulation technique. These findings establish 2D BiTe nanostructure as a formidable nonlinear optical platform for advanced photonic signal processing and integrated photonic applications.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Transforming Discarded Thermoelectrics into High-Performance HER Catalysts

With the increase in the complexity of the materials used in various sophisticated electronic devices, recycling of E-waste is becoming challenging. In the present study, we have converted thermoelectric (TE) waste into functional HER electrocatalyst by considering circular-economy and low-carbon approach. The as received TE waste was processed through ball milling (TE waste-BM) and melting casting (TE waste-M) routes. Morphological and structural evaluations revealed that the formation of BiSbTe3/ZnTe heterostructure in TE-waste-M promote HE efficiency when compared to the presence of Bi2Te3/BiSbTe3 heterostructure (TE-waste-BM). TE waste-M exhibited lower overpotential (641 mV at 10 mA/sq.cm), smaller Tafel slope (233 mV/dec) and stable operation for 5.5 h with negligible current decay than that of TE waste-BM, attributed to the accelerated charge transfer, fast water dissociation steps and rapid hydrogen adsorption in TE waste-M, originated from the presence of BiSbTe3/ZnTe heterostructure, defect enriched interfaces. Density functional theory calculations supported the experimental findings, revealing that heterostructures strengthens the bonding states near the Fermi level, thereby enhancing the HER activity of BiSbTe3/ZnTe heterostructure. This work simultaneously integrates waste management with green hydrogen production by offering an economically viable, scalable and low-carbon approach for HER catalysts.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Controlled Growth of Bronze Telluride for Scalable Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting

With the growing demand for sustainable and decentralized energy solutions, thermoelectric energy harvesting has emerged as a promising technology for directly converting waste heat into electricity through solid state, environmentally friendly means. Among copper chalcogenides, Cu2Te is a notable p-type material due to its degenerate semiconducting nature and low thermal conductivity. In this study, we present a sustainable synthesis strategy for Sn-doped Cu2Te referred to as bronze telluride (BT) via a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) assisted tellurization process using pre-alloyed Cu Sn (bronze) powder. The resulting BT exhibited an enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of 1 at 500 K. To assess practical applicability, BT was integrated with n type galena (PbS) in a cascaded p n thermoelectric module, which generated 2.8 mV across a temperature gradient of 35 K, demonstrating its potential for medium- to high-temperature waste heat recovery. Furthermore, thermodynamic calculations and density functional theory (DFT) simulations provided insights into the formation mechanism of Cu2Te and the thermoelectric behaviour of BT. This work introduces an efficient, scalable, and environmentally responsible pathway for developing copper-based thermoelectric materials using industrially relevant precursors.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

All Photonic Isolator using Atomically Thin (2D) Bismuth Telluride (Bi2Te3)

This study demonstrates that two-dimensional (2D) Bi2Te3 exhibits strong light-matter interaction, enabling a broadband Kerr nonlinear optical response. This characteristic is advantageous for nonreciprocal light propagation in passive photonic isolators. Using Spatial Self-Phase Modulation (SSPM) spectroscopy, self-induced diffraction patterns in the far field were observed at excitation wavelengths of 650 nm, 532 nm, and 405 nm to calculate the nonlinear refractive index (n2) and the third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility (chi^(3)) of the synthesized 2D Bi2Te3. The results show that 2D Bi2Te3 possesses a significantly higher nonlinear refractive index than graphene. The laser-induced hole coherence effect is responsible for the large magnitude of the third-order nonlinear susceptibility. Surface engineering techniques were also employed to enhance the response speed of the photonic system. Complementary ab initio simulations were performed to gain further insight into the observed nonlinear behavior. Leveraging the strong Kerr nonlinearity of 2D Bi2Te3, a nonlinear photonic isolator that breaks time-reversal symmetry and enables unidirectional light propagation was demonstrated. This work establishes Bi2Te3 as a novel 2D material for nonlinear photonics, expanding its potential applications in detectors, modulators, and optical switches.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Exceptionally High Nonlinear Optical Response in Two-dimensional Type II Dirac Semimetal Nickel di-Telluride (NiTe2)

Nickel ditelluride (NiTe2) is a newly identified Type-II Dirac semimetal, showing novel characteristics in electronic transport and optical experiments. In this study, we explored the nonlinear optical properties of two-dimensional NiTe2 using experimental and computational techniques (density functional theory-based approach). Few layered two-dimensional NiTe2 (2D-NiTe2) are synthesized using liquid phase exfoliation (LPE), which is characterized using X-ray diffraction technique, transmission electron, and atomic force microscopy. The nonlinear refractive index and third-order nonlinear susceptibility of the prepared 2D-NiTe2 are determined from the self-induced diffraction pattern generated using different wavelengths ( 405, 532, and 650 nm) in the far field. In addition, the diffraction pattern generated by spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) is further verified by varying concentration (2D-NiTe2 in the IPA solvent), wavelength (of incoming laser beams), and cuvette width (active path length). The high value of third-order nonlinear susceptibility (in order of 10-9 e.s.u.) determined using SSPM in the 2D-NiTe2 can be attributed to the laser-induced hole coherence effect. Lastly, utilizing the reverse saturable absorption property of 2D-hBN, asymmetric light propagation is also demonstrated in the 2D-NiTe2/2D-hBN heterostructure.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Development of a self-consistent thermodynamically optimized database along with phase transition experiments in Ni-Mn-Ga system for magnetocaloric applications

Magnetocaloric materials have received significant attention of research community as they can minimize the use of harmful gases (CFCs, HFCs) and render eco-friendly refrigeration. Heusler alloys (Ni2MnGa) are known for their magnetocaloric effects, which make them useful as energy efficient and eco-friendly refrigerating materials. Magnetocaloric properties significantly depend on the composition of these alloys. Ni-Mn-Ga is one of the interesting Heusler systems, which exhibits magnetocaloric properties. In the present study, we performed the thermodynamic optimization of two sub binaries of the Ni-Mn-Ga system: Mn-Ga and Ni-Ga, using CALPHAD approach. A Modified Quasichemical Model (MQM) was used to describe the thermodynamic properties of the liquid solutions in both the binaries. Both the binaries were combined with Mn-Ni to develop a self-consistent thermodynamic database for Ni-Mn-Ga. In order to resolve the existing experimental discrepancies in the Mn-Ga and Ni-Ga system, few alloy compositions were prepared and analyzed using differential thermal analysis. Finally, the developed thermodynamic database was used to calculate the ternary isothermal section of the Ni-Mn-Ga (Heusler alloy) system at 1073 K with a proposed phase region for magnetocaloric applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2021

Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Pentadiamond

In this work, We combined fully atomistic molecular dynamics and finite elements simulations with mechanical testings to investigate the mechanical behavior of atomic and 3D-printed models of pentadiamond. Pentadiamond is a recently proposed new carbon allotrope, which is composed of a covalent network of pentagonal rings. Our results showed that the stress-strain behavior is almost scale-independent. The stress-strain curves of the 3D-printed structures exhibit three characteristic regions. For low-strain values, this first region presents a non-linear behavior close to zero, followed by a well-defined linear behavior. The second regime is a quasi-plastic one and the third one is densification followed by structural failures (fracture). The Young's modulus values decrease with the number of pores. The deformation mechanism is bending-dominated and different from the layer-by-layer deformation mechanism observed for other 3D-printed structures. They exhibit good energy absorption capabilities, with some structures even outperforming kevlar. Interestingly, considering the Ashby chart, 3D-printed pentadiamond lies almost on the ideal stretch and bending-dominated lines, making them promising materials for energy absorption applications.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Liquid-phase reinforced Metal matrix (LMM) composite with non-intuitive properties

Over the ages, efforts have been made to use composite design to reinforce metals and alloys in order to increase their strength and modulus. On the other hand, nature herself improves the strength, ductility, stiffness and toughness of materials by strengthening them with liquids having zero strength/modulus. Here, emulating nature, efforts have been made to develop a new class of tin based alloy/composite with liquid metal reinforcement (LMM). Based on thermodynamic calculations, a composition has been designed such that on melting and casting it forms a solid metal (tin solid solution) and the eutectic mixture remains in liquid form at room temperature. The composite structure named as LMM shows multifold improvement in hardness, strength, ductility, toughness and wear resistance as compared to conventional solder alloys. A Finite Element Method (FEM) based simulation shows strain distribution in the composite which results in the unique behavior. The LMM also shows a negative coefficient of thermal expansion which is further verified using in-situ microscopy and thermodynamic calculations.

physics.app-ph↗