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Microsteganography on WS2 Monolayers Tailored by Direct Laser Painting
Ashwin Venkatakrishnan1, Hou Chua1, Pinxi Tan1
1NUS High School of Mathematics and Science , 20 Clementi Avenue 1, Singapore 129957.
ACS Nano
|December 30, 2016
Summary
A focused laser beam modifies tungsten disulfide (WS₂) microflakes, enhancing fluorescence and enabling micro-encryption. The laser can also thin WS₂ multilayers into fluorescent monolayers and create micropatterns.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optics
Background:
- Tungsten disulfide (WS₂) is a 2D material with interesting optical properties.
- Controlling the properties of WS₂ microflakes is crucial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a scanning focused laser beam as a versatile tool for engineering WS₂ microflakes.
- To investigate laser-induced modifications of WS₂ monolayers and multilayers.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a scanning focused laser beam to modify WS₂ microflakes.
- Analyzing changes in fluorescence emission and morphology after laser treatment.
- Performing selective thinning of WS₂ multilayers.
Main Results:
- Laser modification integrates oxygen into WS₂ monolayers, enhancing fluorescence by ~9 times without altering morphology.
- This enables micro-encryption of information visible only under fluorescence excitation.
- The laser facilitates on-demand thinning of WS₂ multilayers into fluorescent monolayers.
- Micropatterns are created on WS₂ multilayers via selective thinning.
Conclusions:
- A scanning focused laser beam is a powerful, multipurpose tool for tailoring WS₂ microflake properties.
- Laser-induced modifications offer new avenues for optical data storage and patterning in 2D materials.
