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Ultrafast structural dynamics of boron nitride nanotubes studied using transmitted electrons
Zhongwen Li1, Shuaishuai Sun, Zi-An Li
1Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. ljq@aphy.iphy.ac.cn.
Nanoscale
|September 1, 2017
Summary
We studied boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) using ultrafast electron diffraction to understand their structural changes after laser excitation. BNNTs show anisotropic lattice dynamics with fast electron-phonon coupling and slower Auger recombination processes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Solid-State Physics
Background:
- Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) possess unique electronic and mechanical properties.
- Understanding their response to external stimuli is crucial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrafast structural dynamics of BNNTs after femtosecond optical excitation.
- To elucidate the mechanisms governing BNNT lattice response to laser irradiation.
Main Methods:
- Ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) in a transmission electron microscope (TEM).
- Time-resolved analysis of diffraction profiles ((100) and (002)).
- Femtosecond laser excitation of BNNT samples.
Main Results:
- Observed highly anisotropic lattice dynamics in BNNTs, linked to their tubular structure and chemical bonds.
- Identified two distinct lattice dynamic processes: a fast (8 ps) electron-phonon coupling and a slow (100-300 ps) Auger recombination.
- Revealed a power-law relationship for a three-photon absorption process in BNNTs.
Conclusions:
- BNNTs exhibit complex ultrafast structural dynamics upon optical excitation.
- The observed dynamics are governed by electron-phonon coupling and Auger recombination.
- The study provides insights into the light-matter interactions in nanoscale boron nitride systems.
