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Robust lanthanide emitters in polyelectrolyte thin films for photonic applications
Andrew S Greenspon1, Brandt L Marceaux2, Evelyn L Hu1
1John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States of America.
Nanotechnology
|December 21, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed stable, thin films using lanthanide complexes for tunable light emission. These optically active films are suitable for photonic applications like sensors and waveguides.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Trivalent lanthanides offer stable light emission across UV to near-infrared wavelengths.
- Applications include telecommunications, lighting, and biological sensing/imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for incorporating organometallic lanthanide complexes into polyelectrolyte multilayers.
- To create uniform, optically active thin films for photonic applications.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of organometallic lanthanide complexes within polyelectrolyte multilayers.
- Fabrication of thin films on diverse substrates.
Main Results:
- Achieved uniform, optically active thin films with excellent, stable emission.
- Demonstrated narrow emission linewidths, stable for months, even on metal substrates.
- Tuned emission wavelengths by utilizing different lanthanides (e.g., europium, terbium).
Conclusions:
- The developed platform is suitable for thin-film emitter sources.
- Potential applications include waveguides, optical cavities, and sensors.
- Offers a versatile method for creating tunable, stable lanthanide-based photonic materials.
