Correction - Infrared nonlinear optical properties of lithium-containing diamond-like semiconductors Li2ZnGeSe4 and Li2ZnSnSe4
At a Glance
Section titled āAt a Glanceā| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2017-01-01 |
| Journal | Dalton Transactions |
| Authors | Ashley Weiland, JianāHan Zhang, Daniel J. Clark, Jacilynn A. Brant, Charles W. Sinagra |
| Institutions | Institute of Applied Astronomy, Nova Southeastern University |
| Citations | 10 |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Documentation & Sales Analysis: Diamond Platforms for Infrared Nonlinear Optics
Section titled āTechnical Documentation & Sales Analysis: Diamond Platforms for Infrared Nonlinear OpticsāThis document analyzes the research correction concerning the optical properties and environmental stability of LiāZnGeSeā and LiāZnSnSeā. The findings emphasize the critical role of surface quality and environmental protection in securing reliable optical data and maximizing performance in advanced applications, particularly Infrared Nonlinear Optical (NLO) systems. 6CCVD provides ultra-high-purity MPCVD diamond materials essential for creating stable, broadband optical and electronic platforms that overcome the environmental vulnerabilities observed in this study.
Executive Summary
Section titled āExecutive Summaryā- Surface Integrity Criticality: The study reveals that surface degradation due to exposure to ambient conditions drastically lowers the measured optical bandgaps (from ~2.5 eV/2.0 eV down to ~1.8 eV) in these diamond-like semiconductors, highlighting the necessity of material stability for high-fidelity optical devices.
- Validated Optical Parameters: The true fundamental bandgaps for fresh samples are confirmed to be ~2.5 eV (LiāZnGeSeā) and ~2.0 eV (LiāZnSnSeā), reversing previous incorrect reports.
- Broadband IR Transparency: Both materials confirm a crucial wide optical transparency window, maintaining minimum transmission of ā„60% across the vast range of 0.7 Āµm to 25 Āµm, making them highly relevant for mid-to-long wave infrared (MWIR/LWIR) NLO applications.
- Methodological Validation: The discrepancy was identified by comparing surface-sensitive diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements (which detected degradation) against bulk analysis (XRD), which remained consistent.
- Handling Requirement: Preservation of NLO performance requires stringent environmental control: samples were immediately prepared, sieved, and sealed in evacuated fused-silica tubes, demonstrating the demanding handling protocols required for sensitive optical materials.
Technical Specifications
Section titled āTechnical SpecificationsāThe following parameters represent the corrected and validated optical characteristics of the lithium-containing chalcogenide materials, critical for engineers designing infrared photonic devices.
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamental Optical Bandgap (LiāZnGeSeā) | ~2.5 | eV | Fresh Samples (Extrapolated) |
| Fundamental Optical Bandgap (LiāZnSnSeā) | ~2.0 | eV | Fresh Samples (Extrapolated) |
| Degraded Optical Bandgap (Both materials) | ~1.8 | eV | Samples exposed to ambient conditions for one week |
| Optical Transparency Window (Range) | 0.7 - 25 | Āµm | Spanning Visible to Far-Infrared |
| Minimum Optical Transmittance (Corrected) | ā„60 | % | Measured across the 0.7 Āµm to 25 Āµm range |
| Degradation Mechanism | Air/Moisture Reaction | N/A | Causes surface discoloration (orange-red to light red) |
| Measurement Technique | Diffuse Reflectance | N/A | Highly sensitive to surface condition |
Key Methodologies
Section titled āKey MethodologiesāThe core of the corrected analysis relied on strict control over sample handling and the use of measurement techniques sensitive to surface versus bulk properties.
- Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy: UV/Vis/NIR optical diffuse reflectance was the primary measurement method, chosen for its surface sensitivity, crucial for detecting early-stage surface degradation.
- Kubelka-Munk Conversion: Raw reflectance data were converted to absorption spectra (a/s) using the Kubelka-Munk 2 equation to allow for bandgap determination via extrapolation.
- Environmental Time-Series Analysis: Comparison of optical spectra from fresh samples (measured immediately) versus one-week ambient-exposed samples was used to isolate the effect of surface degradation on the optical absorption edge.
- Bulk Integrity Check: X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) was performed on both fresh and exposed samples. The finding that XRD patterns were identical proved that the degradation was non-crystalline and strictly confined to the surface layers.
- Broadband Transparency Construction: The full optical window (0.7 Āµm to 25 Āµm) was mapped by stitching together the UV/Vis/NIR diffuse reflectance data (short wavelength) and Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) FT-IR spectra (long wavelength).
- NLO Sample Preservation: Samples used for the critical second-order NLO susceptibility measurements were immediately sieved into discrete particle sizes and sealed in evacuated fused-silica tubes to prevent environmental interaction.
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled ā6CCVD Solutions & CapabilitiesāThe requirement for materials with exceptional surface stability, ultra-wide optical transparency (0.7 Āµm to 25 Āµm), and precise physical preparation mirrors the unique advantages of MPCVD diamond. 6CCVD offers the platforms necessary to replicate and extend this research with unparalleled material stability.
Applicable Materials
Section titled āApplicable MaterialsāFor next-generation nonlinear optical and sensing platforms, the material must withstand environmental fluctuations while offering a broad transmission range.
| 6CCVD Material Recommendation | Material Characteristics & Value Proposition | Application Link to Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) | Highest purity (low nitrogen), intrinsic transparency from UV (230 nm) through the Far-IR (> 100 Āµm). Superior thermal conductivity for high-power NLO systems. | Used as a durable, stable substrate or active NLO material that is immune to the ambient degradation seen in LiāZnGeSeā. |
| High-Quality Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) | Available in large area wafers (up to 125mm). Highly polished surfaces (Ra < 5nm) reduce scattering losses critical for broad-spectrum transmission (0.7 Āµm to 25 Āµm). | Required for scaling up NLO systems where larger area wafers are needed for device fabrication. |
| Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) | Customizable conductivity for integrated electronic/optical devices. Can serve as an inert, conductive electrode platform for electrochemical sensing or integrated NLO waveguides. | Required for studies extending material characterization beyond simple optical transmission to integrated electrical control. |
Customization Potential
Section titled āCustomization PotentialāThe research underscores the need for precise geometry and environmental sealing. 6CCVDās in-house capabilities meet the demanding requirements of NLO research:
- Custom Dimensions and Sizing: 6CCVD provides custom diamond plates and wafers up to 125mm (PCD) and substrates up to 10mm thick, crucial for building custom optical stacks or integrating NLO elements.
- Precision Polishing: We guarantee ultra-smooth surfaces essential for minimizing scattering losses across the broad 0.7 Āµm - 25 Āµm window observed in the paper:
- SCD surfaces achieve roughness Ra < 1nm.
- Inch-size PCD surfaces achieve roughness Ra < 5nm.
- Custom Metalization & Passivation: Although the research used sealed silica tubes, integrated devices require stable electrode interfaces. 6CCVD offers in-house deposition of highly stable metal contacts (Ti/Pt/Au, Ti/W/Cu, Pd/Au, etc.) for integrated device architecture and passivation layers, ensuring long-term device stability against the surface degradation mechanism reported.
Engineering Support
Section titled āEngineering SupportāThe challenges detailed in this correction regarding sample handling, stability analysis, and surface-sensitive optical characterization are common in advanced materials research.
6CCVDās in-house PhD team provides consultative support specializing in:
- Material Selection: Guiding researchers on selecting the optimal diamond type (SCD vs. PCD, Doping levels) and surface finish for projects involving highly sensitive Infrared Nonlinear Optical (NLO) measurements and broadband spectroscopy (0.7 Āµm to 25 Āµm).
- Interface Engineering: Consulting on the most stable metalization schemes (e.g., Ti/Pt/Au) to prevent degradation effects at the semiconductor-electrode interface, replicating the necessary environmental isolation achieved by the sealed fused-silica tubes.
- Custom Specifications: Assisting with design specifications for large-area diamond windows and substrates required for scaling up new infrared optical technologies.
For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly. We ship globally (DDU default, DDP available).
View Original Abstract
Correction for āInfrared nonlinear optical properties of lithium-containing diamond-like semiconductors Li<sub>2</sub>ZnGeSe<sub>4</sub> and Li<sub>2</sub>ZnSnSe<sub>4</sub>ā by Jian-Han Zhang <italic>et al.</italic>, <italic>Dalton Trans.</italic>, 2015, <bold>44</bold>, 11212-11222.