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In a groundbreaking development in nanophotonics, researchers have unveiled a novel method to create flexible near-infrared (NIR) plasmonic devices using cost-effective scandium nitride (ScN) films. This breakthrough could transform the design of future optoelectronic devices, flexible sensors, and medical imaging tools, offering a scalable and affordable solution for NIR-based technologies.
Plasmonics, the study of light’s interaction with free electrons in metals, enables the generation of highly confined electromagnetic fields. Traditionally, this field has been limited by the rigidity and high cost of materials like gold and silver, which restricts design possibilities and large-scale applications.
However, a research team led by Prof. Bivas Saha from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore, has demonstrated a novel approach to overcome these limitations. By growing high-quality ScN layers on flexible van der Waals substrates—materials characterized by weak interlayer interactions—the team has introduced a new avenue for developing adaptable plasmonic structures.
The researchers employed a process known as epitaxial growth to deposit single-crystal layers onto the substrate. This technique, termed van der Waals heteroepitaxy, allows for the creation of flexible device architectures by stacking materials with minimal interlayer bonding.
Their findings, recently published in the prestigious journal Nano Letters, highlight the potential of scandium nitride as a stable and flexible plasmonic material. The study demonstrates how ScN layers can support the propagation of plasmon-polaritons—quasiparticles formed by the coupling of plasmons with photons—in the near-infrared range.
“Scandium nitride’s stability, combined with its compatibility with van der Waals substrates, makes it an exciting candidate for next-generation flexible electronics,” Prof. Saha said. “Our findings are a step towards realizing advanced plasmonic devices that are not only high-performing but also adaptable to unconventional applications.”
The research team showed that ScN retains its optical properties even when subjected to bending and flexing, positioning it as a frontrunner for flexible device applications. This advancement is particularly significant for industries ranging from telecommunications to biomedicine, where flexible, high-precision devices are in demand.
Mr. Debmalya Mukhopadhyaya, the first author of the study, commented, “The results mark a critical step in merging plasmonics with flexible electronics, potentially setting the stage for innovations that leverage the unique properties of near-infrared plasmon-polaritons.”
As plasmonics continues to evolve, this innovative use of scandium nitride showcases the potential of materials science to redefine technological boundaries, paving the way for a new era of flexible, wearable, and scalable optoelectronic devices.
