Rainbows on a Nanoscale
Big impact on solar cells, television screens
New research at King's College London may lead to improved solar cells and LED-displays. Researchers from the Biophysics and nanotechnology Group at King's, led by Professor Anatoly Zayats in the department of physics have demonstrated in detail how to separate colours and create 'rainbows' using nanoscale structures on a metal surface. The research is published in Nature's Scientific Reports.
Researchers at King's College London discovered how to separate colors and create "rainbows" using nanoscale structures on a metal surface. This may lead to improved solar cells, TV screens and photo detectors.
Foto: Dr. Jean-Sebastien Bouillard, Dr. Ryan McCarron
More than 150 years ago, the discovery at King's of how to separate and project different colours, paved the way for modern colour televisions and displays. The major challenge for scientists in this discipline nowadays is the manipulation of colour at the nanoscale. This capability will have important implications for imaging and spectroscopy, sensing of chemical and biological agents and may lead to improved solar cells, flat-screen tv's and displays.
Researchers at King's were able to trap light of different colours at different positions of a nanostructured area, using especially designed nanostructures. Depending on the geometry of the nanostructure, a trapped rainbow could be created on a gold film that has the dimension on the order of a few micrometers - about 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair.
Professor Zayats explained: 'Nanostructures of various kinds are being considered for solar cell applications to boost light absorption efficiency. Our results mean that we do not need to keep solar cells illuminated at a fixed angle without compromising the efficiency of light coupling in a wide range of wavelengths. When used in reverse for screens and displays, this will lead to wider viewing angles for all possible colours.'
The big difference to natural rainbows - where red always appears on the outer side and blue on the inner side - is that in the created nanostructures the researchers were able to control where the rainbow colours would appear by controlling the nanostructures' parameters. On top of this, they discovered that it is possible to separate colours on different sides of the nanostructures.
Co-author Dr Jean-Sebastien Bouillard from King's said: 'The effects demonstrated here will be important to provide 'colour' sensitivity in infrared imaging systems for security and product control. It will also enable the construction of microscale spectrometers for sensing applications.'
The ability to couple light to nanostructures with multicolour characteristics will be of major importance for light capturing devices in a huge range of applications, from light sources, displays, photo detectors and solar cells to sensing and light manipulation in optical circuits for tele- and data communications.
Original publication
Other news from the department science
![[Fe]-hydrogenase catalysis visualized using para-hydrogen-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy](https://img.chemie.de/Portal/News/675fd46b9b54f_sBuG8s4sS.png?tr=w-712,h-534,cm-extract,x-0,y-16:n-xl)
These products might interest you
NEX CG II by Applied Rigaku Technologies
Elemental analysis at ppb level for exact results
Agera by HunterLab Europe
Measure color and gloss level simultaneously - in seconds
Easy-to-use colorimeter: standard-compliant, robust and precise
Microspectrometer by Hamamatsu Photonics
Ultra-compact microspectrometer for versatile applications
Precise Raman, UV/VIS and NIR measurements in portable devices
ERASPEC by eralytics
Spectral Fuel Analysis in Seconds with ERASPEC
Fast delivery of over 40 fuel parameters at the push of a button
INVENIO by Bruker
FT-IR spectrometer of the future: INVENIO
Freely upgradeable and configurable FT-IR spectrometer
ALPHA II by Bruker
Chemical analysis made easy: compact FT-IR system
Increase the efficiency of your routine analyses with user-friendly technology
contrAA 800 by Analytik Jena
contrAA 800 Series – Atomic Absorption. Redefined
The best of classical atomic absorption and ICP-OES spectrometry are combined in the contrAA 800
SPECORD PLUS by Analytik Jena
SPECORD PLUS Series - Maximum precision in UV/Vis
The modern classic guarantees the highest quality
PlasmaQuant 9100 by Analytik Jena
PlasmaQuant 9100 Series of ICP-OES Instruments
Reveal the Details That Matter
ZEEnit by Analytik Jena
Zeeman Technology for Maximum Sensitivity – Matching any Analytical Problem
Transverse-heated graphite furnace for optimum atomization conditions and high sample throughput
NANOPHOX CS by Sympatec
Particle size analysis in the nano range: Analyzing high concentrations with ease
Reliable results without time-consuming sample preparation
2060 Raman Analyzer by Metrohm
Self-calibrating inline Raman spectrometer
Analyze solids, liquids and gases - for reproducible, accurate results in the process
S2 PICOFOX by Bruker
Fast and precise trace element analysis on the move
TXRF technology for minimal samples and maximum efficiency
S4 T-STAR by Bruker
TXRF spectrometer: Sub-ppb detection limits & 24/7 analytics
Minimal operating costs because no gases, media or lab equipment are required
novAA® 800 by Analytik Jena
The Analyzer 4 You - novAA 800-Series
The reliable all-rounder, making routine analysis efficient and cost-effective
PlasmaQuant MS Elite by Analytik Jena
LC-ICP-MS Is the Key to the World of Elemental Species
Highest Sensitivity and Lowest Detection Limits with PlasmaQuant MS Series and PQ LC
Micro-Z ULS by Rigaku
Accurately measure sulphur content in fuels: WDXRF analyser
Reliable routine analyses with 0.3 ppm detection limit and compact design
ZSX Primus IVi by Rigaku
High-precision WDXRF analysis for industrial applications
Maximum sensitivity and throughput for light elements and complex samples
BIOS ANALYTIQUE - Soluciones de Renting y Leasing para laboratorios by Bios Analytique
Specialists in the rental and leasing of scientific equipment for laboratories throughout Europe
Whether you have an unexpected requirement or limited budget, we have the perfect solution for you
SPECTRO ARCOS by SPECTRO Analytical Instruments
The inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) for highest demands
The top-of-line SPECTRO ARCOS ICP-OES analyzer evolves elemental analysis to the next level
Get the chemical industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the chemical industry, analytics, lab technology and process engineering brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic World Spectroscopy
Investigation with spectroscopy gives us unique insights into the composition and structure of materials. From UV-Vis spectroscopy to infrared and Raman spectroscopy to fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectroscopy offers us a wide range of analytical techniques to precisely characterize substances. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spectroscopy!
Topic World Spectroscopy
Investigation with spectroscopy gives us unique insights into the composition and structure of materials. From UV-Vis spectroscopy to infrared and Raman spectroscopy to fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectroscopy offers us a wide range of analytical techniques to precisely characterize substances. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spectroscopy!
