In an advance at the intersection of neuromorphic engineering and photonics, researchers have developed an ionic-electronic photodetector that not only detects light but also performs in-sensor image processing, offering the potential to surpass some limitations of human vision—including color vision deficiencies.
In one of the most extreme environments on Earth—the Large Hadron Collider—normal electronics fail almost instantly. But engineers at Columbia University have created custom microchips that not only survive the collider’s intense radiation but play a pivotal role in unlocking the secrets of the univ
As technology advances, photonic systems are gaining ground over traditional electronics, using light to transmit and process information more efficiently. One such optical system is laser beam scanning (LBS), where laser beams are rapidly steered to scan, sense, or display information.
This technology is used in applications ranging from barcode scanners at grocery stores to laser projectors in light shows. To process a wider range of signals or enable full-color output, these systems utilize multiplexers that merge the red, green, and blue (RGB) laser beams into a single beam.
Traditionally, this was achieved by directly modulating each laser, turning them on and off to control the output. However, this approach is relatively slow and energy intensive. A recent study by researchers at the TDK Corporation (Japan) reports the development of a faster and more energy-efficient RGB multiplexer based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN).
Scientists control atomically thin semiconductors using ultrashort pulses of terahertz light.
Discover how ultrashort terahertz light pulses can control semiconductors, leading to faster electronic components.
As soon as 2DMs are employed for devices, at some point they have to be grown or transferred onto insulators. A wide range of insulators has already been suggested for the use with 2DMs, starting with the amorphous 3D oxides known from Si technologies (SiO2, HfO2, Al2O3), and expanding to native 2D oxides (MoO3, WO3, Bi2SeO5), layered 2D crystals (hBN, mica) and 3D crystals like fluorides (CaF2, SrF2, MgF2) or perovskites (SrTiO3, BaTiO3). These insulators also contain various defects which can also be detrimental to device stability and reliability. Again, on the other hand, these defects can be exploited for added functionality like resistive switching devices, neuromorphic devices, and sensors.
Finally, 2DMs need to be contacted with metals, which typically introduces defects in the 2DMs which then have a strong impact on the behaviour of the resulting Schottky contacts as they tend to pin the Fermi-level and result in large series resistances.
This collection aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest research on defect characterization and control in 2D materials and devices. By bringing together studies that utilize advanced theoretical calculations, such as density functional theory (DFT) and first-principles calculations, as well as experimental techniques like transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and various optical spectroscopies, this collection seeks to deepen our understanding of defect formation, propagation, control, and their impact on device performance.