Linear and nonlinear optical waveguiding in bio-inspired peptide nanotubes

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Biophotonics
• Optics

Background:

• Bioinspired peptide nanostructures offer unique linear and nonlinear optical properties.
• Their tubular shape and self-assembly fabrication are promising for bio-nano-photonic applications.
• These materials mimic biological structures' physical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the light-guiding functionality of ultrashort peptide nanotubes at fundamental and second-harmonic generation (SHG) frequencies.
• To explore horizontal and vertical peptide nanotube configurations for optical applications.
• To provide new insights into light propagation within biological nanostructures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized simulations and experimental data to analyze light propagation.
• Investigated self-assembled linear and nonlinear optical bio-waveguides.
• Focused on ultrashort peptide nanotubes.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated strong optical power confinement in peptide nanotube bio-waveguides.
• Observed pronounced directionality and high conversion efficiency (∼10⁻⁵) for SHG.
• Confirmed waveguiding effects in both horizontal and vertical configurations.

Conclusions:

• Peptide nanotubes function as effective bio-waveguides for light.
• These findings open avenues for biomedical nonlinear microscopy and integrated nanophotonic devices.
• Highlights the potential of biological nanostructures in advanced optical applications.