Recent Progress of Two-Dimensional Materials for Ultrafast Photonics.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optoelectronics
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit unique physical and chemical properties, driving applications in photonics, optoelectronics, catalysis, and biomedicine.
• Their distinct bandgap structures and nonlinear optical properties make them suitable as saturable absorbers for ultrafast lasers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review preparation methods for various 2D materials.
• To focus on the ultrafast applications of 2D materials in lasers operating at specific wavelengths (1, 1.5, 2, and 3 μm).
• To discuss key parameters and performance of 2D material-based ultrafast pulsed lasers.

Main Methods:

• Review of top-down and bottom-up fabrication techniques for 2D materials like graphene, topological insulators, transition metal dichalcogenides, black phosphorus, and MXenes.
• Analysis of ultrafast laser applications utilizing these 2D materials.

Main Results:

• 2D materials are effective saturable absorbers in ultrafast lasers.
• Performance characteristics and key parameters of lasers using 2D materials at 1-3 μm wavelengths are presented.

Conclusions:

• 2D materials hold significant promise for ultrafast photonics.
• Further development in fabrication methods and material science is crucial for advancing 2D material applications in ultrafast lasers.