Researchers from IIT Guwahati and Columbia University have developed a simple optical technique to induce vibrations in materials at their resonance frequency, which can be used to create nanopatterns with controlled precision. This technique is capable of producing nanopatterns with a hundred thousand times smaller resolution than a single human hair.
The novel approach is based on “optical driving”, which involves using an infrared laser to excite and cause vibrations in the material. This technique is much more accessible and cost-effective than conventional methods, which often require specialised equipment and infrastructure.
The researchers successfully tested the technique on a hexagonal boron nitride material, using an infrared laser with a wavelength of 7.3 micrometres. This technique enabled the team to create atomically sharp lines across the sample with a width of just a few nanometers. The team was also able to create two parallel lines, which combined to form a nano-dimensional cavity capable of trapping photon-polaritons, which are unique quasi-particles created from the interaction of light and vibrations. These trapped particles have the potential to concentrate light into sub-nanometric spots, which could be useful for highly sensitive mid-infrared sensing and spectroscopy.
The research team believes that the new technique has the potential to lead to a wide range of applications, including the development of hard masks for electrode fabrication on 2D materials and the creation of twisted heterostructures for quantum technologies. The simplicity and effectiveness of the technique make it a highly promising candidate for a variety of different areas.
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The study has been published in the prestigious journal Science Advances.
The development of this cost-effective and efficient nanopatterning technique could revolutionise various technological fields, making advanced nanotechnology more accessible and practical for widespread use.
For more detailed information, you can view a demonstration video of the process here.
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