Yanling Wu

Coherent generation of photo-thermo-acoustic wave from graphene sheets

Many remarkable properties of graphene are derived from its large energy window for Dirac-like electronic states and have been explored for applications in electronics and photonics. In addition, strong electron-phonon interaction in graphene has led to efficient photo-thermo energy conversions, which has been harnessed for energy applications. By combining the wavelength independent absorption property and the efficient photo-thermo energy conversion, here we report a new type of applications in sound wave generation underlined by a photo-thermo-acoustic energy conversion mechanism. Most significantly, by utilizing ultrafast optical pulses, we demonstrate the ability to control the phase of sound waves generated by the photo-thermal-acoustic process. Our finding paves the way for new types of applications for graphene, such as remote non-contact speakers, optical-switching acoustic devices, etc.

Coherent Nonlinear Optical Response Spatial Self-Phase Modulation in MoSe2 Nano-Sheets

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are drawing increasing interest due to their relatively high carrier mobilities, valley pseudospins, and gapped electronic structures, which all indicate interesting nonlinear optical properties of these 2D materials. However, such nonlinear optical properties are so far less investigated and their correlation with the electronic structure of the material is rarely probed. In this work, we have systematically investigated the spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) of MoSe2 flakes in a suspension form, which is a coherent third-order nonlinear optical effect. The nonlinear susceptibility χ(3) and its wavelength-dependence are measured, yielding a value of 1.1 × 10−9 e.s.u. (SI: 1.53 × 10−17 m2/V2) at 532 nm laser excitation for effective one-layer MoSe2.

Laser Thinning and Patterning of MoS 2 with Layer-by-Layer Precision

The recently discovered novel properties of two dimensional materials largely rely on the layer-critical variation in their electronic structure and lattice symmetry. Achieving layer-by-layer precision patterning is thus crucial for junction fabrications and device engineering, which hitherto poses an unprecedented challenge. Here we demonstrate laser thinning and patterning with layer-by-layer precision in a two dimensional (2D) quantum material MoS2. Monolayer, bilayer and trilayer of MoS2 films are produced with precise vertical and lateral control, which removes the extruding barrier for fabricating novel three dimensional (3D) devices composed of diverse layers and patterns. By tuning the laser fluence and exposure time we demonstrate producing MoS2 patterns with designed layer numbers. The underlying physics mechanism is identified to be temperature-dependent evaporation of the MoS2 lattice, verified by our measurements and calculations. Our investigation paves way for 3D device fabrication based on 2D layered quantum materials.