ABSTRACT
Strong coupling between light and mechanical strain forms the foundation for next-generation optical micro- and nano-electromechanical systems. Such optomechanical responses in two-dimensional materials present novel types of functionalities arising from the weak van der Waals bond between atomic layers. Here, by using structure-sensitive megaelectronvolt ultrafast electron diffraction, we report the experimental observation of optically driven ultrafast in-plane strain in the layered group IV monochalcogenide germanium sulfide (GeS). Surprisingly, the photoinduced structural deformation exhibits strain amplitudes of order 0.1% with a 10 ps fast response time and a significant in-plane anisotropy between zigzag and armchair crystallographic directions. Rather than arising due to heating, experimental and theoretical investigations suggest deformation potentials caused by electronic density redistribution and converse piezoelectric effects generated by photoinduced electric fields are the dominant contributors to the observed dynamic anisotropic strains. Our observations define new avenues for ultrafast optomechanical control and strain engineering within functional devices.
ABSTRACT
The strong excitonic effect in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductors has enabled many fascinating light-matter interaction phenomena. Examples include strongly coupled exciton-polaritons and nearly perfect atomic monolayer mirrors. The strong light-matter interaction also opens the door for dynamical control of mechanical motion through the exciton resonance of monolayer TMDs. Here, we report the observation of exciton-optomechanical coupling in a suspended monolayer MoSe2 mechanical resonator. By moderate optical pumping near the MoSe2 exciton resonance, we have observed optical damping and antidamping of mechanical vibrations as well as the optical spring effect. The exciton-optomechanical coupling strength is also gate-tunable. Our observations can be understood in a model based on photothermal backaction and gate-induced mirror symmetry breaking in the device structure. The observation of gate-tunable exciton-optomechanical coupling in a monolayer semiconductor may find applications in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and in exciton-optomechanics.
ABSTRACT
The ability to control, manipulate, and read out nanomechanical resonators is of great significance for many applications. In this work, we start by constructing a nonlinear dynamic model that is deduced from the fundamental beam-photon-electron interaction and energy band theories, with the aim of describing a complicated cavity-free optomechanical coupling process. Based on the model established, we first reveal the manipulation of a resonator's response, including softening and hardening effects due to laser injection. By driving the laser parametrically, we comprehensively investigate the control of the resonator's dynamics, in particular, in the nonlinear regime. It is found that both the laser power and frequency can be used to directly manipulate the NEMS resonator's dynamics, e.g., by amplitude amplification, periodicity changes, and periodic-chaotic state conversion. We then provide bifurcation diagrams, which evidence a deterministic evolution of dynamics. Finally, we perform a special study of the control of chaotic states of the nanomechanical resonator using laser parametric driving. The maximal Lyapunov exponents together with time series calculation show that the chaotic states can be controlled at a few specific frequency points of the injecting laser. This work not only provides guidance for using lasers to control nanoscale resonators, but also sheds light on the exploration of novel applications based on nonlinear NEMS resonators.
ABSTRACT
We demonstrate a photoexcitation-friction coupling in bilayered black phosphorus, a two-dimensional semiconductor crystallized via van der Waals interaction, using density functional theory and the Prandtl-Tomlinson model. Under an experimentally accessible electron-hole density of 5 × 1013 cm-2, the energy barrier for interlayer sliding can be reduced by 13% and the resultant reduction of critical force for stick-slip transition can be up to 4.7%. With the carrier density being doubled, the frictional anisotropy can even be eliminated. Analysis based on Born-Oppenheimer approximation shows that photoexcitation-friction coupling can be universal for van der Waals crystals with interlayer electronic states responsive to both photoexcitation and interlayer sliding.
ABSTRACT
Recent advances in chemical sciences have enabled the tailorable synthesis of colloidal particles with variable composition, size, shape, and properties. Building superstructures with colloidal particles as building blocks is appealing for the fabrication of functional metamaterials and nanodevices. Optical nanoprinting provides a versatile platform to print various particles into arbitrary configurations with nanometric precision. In this review, we summarize recent progress in optical nanoprinting of colloidal particles and its related applications. Diverse techniques based on different physical mechanisms, including optical forces, light-controlled electric fields, optothermal effects, laser-directed thermocapillary flows, and photochemical reactions, are discussed in detail. With its flexible and versatile capabilities, optical nanoprinting will find promising applications in numerous fields such as nanophotonics, energy, microelectronics, and nanomedicine.