Researchers from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the National Institute for Materials Science in Japan have made a significant advancement in the precise positioning of nano-light sources, which could have implications for the energy sector, particularly in optoelectronic devices and quantum technologies. The team, led by Tomoyasu Fujimaru and including Kanta Hirai, Masato Inamata, Hiromu Tanaka, Midori Ikeuchi, Hidehiro Yamashita, Mitsutaka Haruta, Takehiko Tamaoka, Naohiko Kawasaki, and Hikaru Saito, has demonstrated a novel method for generating and controlling light-emitting nanoparticles within a stable host material using electron beam irradiation.
The study focuses on halide perovskite nanoparticles, which are known for their high quantum efficiency and potential as single photon emitters. These nanoparticles must be embedded in a host material to ensure chemical stability and to passivate surface defects. The researchers fabricated a Cs4PbBr6-CsBr film, initially not containing the CsPbBr3 phase, and showed that CsPbBr3 nanoparticles can be locally generated within the Cs4PbBr6 host by irradiating it with a focused electron beam. This method allows for the precise positioning of these nano-light sources, which is crucial for integrating them into nanophotonic structures or optoelectronic devices.
The researchers further demonstrated the creation of perovskite nano-light source arrays with submicron spacing using this technique. This level of control and precision is essential for advancing on-chip optical control and quantum technologies. The ability to generate and position these nano-light sources accurately can lead to more efficient and compact optoelectronic devices, which are integral to various energy applications, including solar cells, LEDs, and other photonic technologies.
The research was published in the journal Nature Communications, providing a robust foundation for further exploration and development in the field of nanophotonics and optoelectronics. This work not only enhances our understanding of the effects of electron beam irradiation on halide perovskite materials but also opens up new avenues for practical applications in the energy sector.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.