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Nanostructures possessing plasmonic and magnetic properties can enhance the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (TMOKE) by exciting surface plasmon resonances (SPRs). This provides a promising platform for magneto-optical SPR sensors with significantly improved sensing performance. Here, we propose a high-performance magneto-optical SPR sensor, which consists of a bilayer Au/Co grating placed on a gold film. By tuning the structural parameters, a Fano-like TMOKE spectrum with a linewidth of only 0.0135 nm and an amplitude approaching the theoretical maximum is obtained. We attribute the optimal TMOKE signal achieved by the sensor to the critical coupling concept which is associated with the trade-off between scattering and intrinsic decay rates of the system. The optimized nanostructure sensor demonstrates a sensitivity of 1432 nm/RIU to refractive index fluctuations as small as 0.0001 in air, and all figures of merit (FOM) up to 105 RIU−1, making it suitable for gas sensor fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2D Bi2Te3 narrow bandgap semiconductor is an outstanding applicant for optoelectronics and thermoelectric devices. The doping of Se into Bi2Te3 makes metal-double chalcogenide more important. In the current investigation, the Se diffusion into the Bi2Te3 film by thermal annealing at different temperatures is probed through a temperature-dependent Raman study along with other characterizations. Upon annealing, the Se/Bi2Te3 films of ∼810 nm thickness resulted in significant changes to their structural, electronic, and optical behavior. The existence of a rhombohedral Bi2Te3 phase was confirmed by structural investigation. The improvement in crystallinity and decrease in lattice strain modified the optical behavior of the films. The morphology analysis showed a slight aggregation at the higher annealed stage. The uniform and homogeneous dispersal and the composition of elements in the film were verified through surface mapping and compositional analysis. The optical investigation revealed a drop in absorbance with increased transmittance. The direct optical bandgap increased from 0.53 ± 0.002 to 0.77 ± 0.002 eV, showing a blue shift. The non-linear refractive index decreased from 3.72 to 1.85 × 10−16 m2/W upon annealing. The temperature-dependent Raman analysis demonstrated a thermally induced significant vibrational change in the material with specific additional peaks at higher annealing. Such findings can be employed as a phase change material at very high temperatures. The obtained findings are very useful for optoelectronic applications. Surface wettability shows a reduction in hydrophilicity, thus inching toward a hydrophobic one with an increase in annealing temperatures. The enhancement in the photocurrent with the increment in the annealing temperature is more suitable for photovoltaic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrational sum frequency spectra provide information about interfaces that is sensitive to the orientation of molecules, their electronic environment, and the local electric fields. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations in order to study a surfactant, para-cyanophenol, at the air–water interface. The volume fractions of water and the organic surfactant are considered at various points over the nanometer-scale region in a Lorentz–Lorenz model. We find that the calculated ratios of nonlinear susceptibility tensor elements are in agreement with experimental data only when this depth profile was considered. We also use these data to evaluate the ratio of the C–N hyperpolarizability tensor elements in the interfacial region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plasma refractive index sensor based on metal–insulator–metal waveguide-coupled analogy T-shaped with double-ring resonators was designed. The transmission characteristics of the waveguide were investigated using the finite-difference time-domain method with perfectly matched layer absorbing boundary conditions. By optimizing the structure parameters, the sensor obtained the maximum sensitivity (S) of 1110 nm/RIU and the maximum figure of merit of 1904. The results demonstrate that this new structure can generate dual Fano resonances and exhibit typical refractive index sensing functionality, which provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of plasma refractive index sensors. Additionally, by measuring the concentration of plasma solution and glucose solution, it has been proven that the structure has the prospect of practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have used surface plasmon resonant metal gratings to induce and probe the dielectric response (i.e., electro-optic modulation) of ionic liquids (ILs) at electrode interfaces. Here, the cross-plane electric field at the electrode surface modulates the refractive index of the IL due to the Pockels effect. This is observed as a shift in the resonant angle of the grating (i.e., Δϕ), which can be related to the change in the local index of refraction of the electrolyte (i.e., Δnlocal). The reflection modulation of the IL is compared against a polar (D2O) and a non-polar solvent (benzene) to confirm the electro-optic origin of resonance shift. The electrostatic accumulation of ions from the IL induces local index changes to the gratings over the extent of electrical double layer (EDL) thickness. Finite difference time domain simulations are used to relate the observed shifts in the plasmon resonance and change in reflection to the change in the local index of refraction of the electrolyte and the thickness of the EDL. Simultaneously using the wavelength and intensity shift of the resonance enables us to determine both the effective thickness and Δn of the double layer. We believe that this technique can be used more broadly, allowing the dynamics associated with the potential-induced ordering and rearrangement of ionic species in electrode–solution interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, design and fabrication of a dual-band near-zero index metamaterial (MTM) structure using copper on an epoxy resin fiber (FR-4) dielectric substrate is reported for refractive index sensing applications. The primary objective is to achieve dual-band operation spanning a 1–15 GHz frequency range, with a specific focus on achieving a broad bandwidth in the C-band. The resonance of the MTM structure was ascribed to the coupling of plane electromagnetic waves with surface plasmon polaritons on the structure, resulting in a quadrupole plasmon resonance mode. Furthermore, transmission characteristics of the fabricated MTM structure were experimentally measured and found to align closely with the simulated results obtained through the finite element method in COMSOL Multiphysics. The designed MTM structure demonstrates negative and near-zero permittivity at resonance frequencies, enabling left-handed and near-zero index behavior in dual microwave frequency bands. Under room temperature conditions, the MTM sensor exhibited sensitivities of 1 GHz/RIU and 3 GHz/RIU at resonance frequencies of 2.7 and 7.3 GHz, respectively. Consequently, the MTM structure exhibits significant potential for diverse applications, serving as a valuable component in sensors, detectors, and optoelectronic devices operating in the GHz region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new microwave metamaterial microstrip line (meta-MSL) is studied by integrating planar mushroom metamaterial structures into a conventional MSL. The meta-MSL is featured with an enhanced effective refractive index than the conventional, extracted from numerical demonstrations using the S-parameter method. The extraordinarily increased refractive index is found to be associated with weak dispersion and low dissipation loss, making the meta-MSL particularly beneficial to compact a microwave Wilkinson power divider (WPD). One metamaterial WPD (meta-WPD) is built using new meta-MSLs. Full-wave numerical calculations reveal that the new meta-WPD has low insertion losses, low reflections, and high isolations between the output ports, working as a good substitute for the conventional WPD. However, the new meta-WPD is exceptional in its small size, which is particularly useful in mobile and wireless applications where compact microwave components are in critical demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical biosensors with their sensitivity, compact design, and reliability stand out as versatile tools capable of detecting a wide range of analytes. Recently, nanophotonic structures supporting bound states in the continuum (BIC) modes have been actively studied, which is especially interesting for biosensing applications due to their high quality (Q) factor and strongly localized electric field, achieving favorable interaction between field and nanometer scale analyte on the sensing surface. Herein, we demonstrate an optical label-free sensing by accidental or Friedrich–Wintgen (FW) BIC supported on silicon nitride gratings. We compared the sensing performance in terms of bulk, and surface sensitivity, and figure of merit with FW-BIC in the leaky regime and with a symmetry-protected (SP) BIC, which are also supported by the studied platform. We exploit the fact that for FW-BIC a high-Q factor up to 498 comparable to that of SP-BIC (up to 425) retains for a much larger set of interrogation angles, providing excellent interrogation stability. We observed that FW-BIC has slightly higher bulk sensitivity than SP-BIC [186 and 158 nm/RIU (refractive index unit), respectively], but at the same time similar characteristics in terms of surface sensitivity and figure of merit. In addition, we show that both BIC resonances are significantly superior in all respects to the leaky regime due to better field confinement. Finally, the surface of sensing device was also functionalized to detect a cardiac biomarker, myoglobin, exhibiting the limit of detection of 49 ng/ml with clinically relevant level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report the frequency-dependent spectrum of ice Ih in the range of 0.2–2 THz. We confirm the presence of a feature that blue-shifts from around 1.55–1.65 THz with a decreasing temperature from 260 to 160 K. There is also a change in the trend of the refractive index of ice corresponding to a dispersion, which is also around 1.6 THz. The features are reproduced in data acquired with three commercial terahertz time-domain spectrometers. Computer-simulated spectra assign the feature to lattice translations perpendicular to the 110 and 1 ̄ 10 planes of the ice Ih crystal. The feature's existence should be recognized in the terahertz measurements of frozen aqueous solution samples to avoid false interpretations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analytical expressions for the cross-spectral density matrix elements of the partially coherent elegant Laguerre–Gaussian (eLG) vortex beam propagating through anisotropic turbulent plasma were derived based on the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle and used to study the changes in the polarization degree and the coherence degree of the partially coherent eLG vortex beam in the turbulent plasma. The numerical results show that the polarization degree of a partially coherent eLG vortex beam reaches a specific value (which is equal to the degree of polarization in the source plane) after a long propagation distance in the turbulent plasma. Moreover, this value is independent of the beam order, topological charge, correlation coefficient, wavelength of the source plane, anisotropy parameter, refractive index fluctuation variance, and outer and inner scales of the turbulent plasma. The results also show that with increasing distance, the coherence degree first decreases from unity and then oscillates around zero. However, this oscillation gradually disappears after traveling a long distance. Our results intuitively present the beam polarization and coherence properties through anisotropic hypersonic turbulence, which can be useful for optical communication in hypersonic turbulent environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulation of the refractive index in a medium by external stimuli enables fast and reversible control of light propagation. This technology for controlling light has led to new discoveries in a wide range of research fields from physics to life sciences and has played a major role in the development of photonics devices. In this article, we focus on ultrasound as an external stimulus and have devised a method to control the refractive index of a medium using ultrasound. Our research group has previously discovered that a giant refractive-index gradient (Δn on the order of 10−2) was induced when water was irradiated with high-frequency (100 MHz range), high-intensity (on the order of MPa) ultrasound. Here, we report ray-tracing simulations in a medium with a refractive-index gradient induced by ultrasonic radiation. A numerical model of the refractive-index gradient was developed based on the experimental data, and ray-tracing simulations were performed using the Euler–Lagrange equation. The ray-tracing simulation results were close numerically to the profiles of the laser beam observed in the experiment when the laser beam was incident on the refractive-index-gradient medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic water-splitting represents a promising avenue for clean hydrogen production, necessitating an in-depth understanding of the photocatalytic reaction mechanism. The majority of the photocatalytic materials need cocatalysts to enhance the photo-oxidation or reduction reactions. However, the working mechanism, such as collecting charge carriers or reducing the reaction barrier, is not clear because they disperse inhomogeneously on a surface, and it is difficult to follow the local charge carrier behavior. This study employs the pattern-illumination time-resolved phase microscopy (PI-PM) method to unravel the spatial charge carrier behavior in photocatalytic systems, utilizing time-resolved microscopic image (refractive index change) sequences and their clustering analyses. This approach is robust for studying the change in local charge carrier behavior. We studied two major cocatalyst effects on photocatalysts: TiO2 with/without Pt and hematite with/without CoPi. The PI-PM method, supported by charge type clustering and the effects of scavengers, allowed for the analysis of local activity influenced by cocatalysts. This approach revealed that the introduction of cocatalysts alters the local distribution of charge carrier behavior and significantly impacts their decay rates. In TiO2 systems, the presence of Pt cocatalysts led to a local electron site on the micron scale, extending the lifetime to a few tens of microseconds from a few microseconds. Similarly, in hematite films with CoPi, we observed a notable accumulation of holes at cocatalyst sites, emphasizing the role of cocatalysts in enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. The study's findings highlight the complexity of charge carrier dynamics in photocatalytic processes and the significant influence of cocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasmonic coupling between silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) under four polarization modes was examined: a longitudinal mode (L-mode), where the electric field of a linearly polarized incident light parallels the dimer axis, and three transverse modes (T-modes), where the electric field of the light is perpendicular to the dimer axis. The coupling was studied using the discrete dipole approximation followed by an in-house postprocessing code that determines the extinction (Qext), absorption (Qabs), and near-field (Qnf) spectra from the individual NPs as well as the whole system. In agreement with the literature results, the extinction/absorption spectra of the whole dimer have two peaks, one near the Ag localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) region and the other at the Au LSPR region, with the peak at Ag LSPR being reduced in all modes and the peak at Au LSPR being red-shifted and increased in the L-mode but not in the T-modes. It is further shown that the scattering at the Ag LSPR region is reduced and becomes less than the isolated Ag NPs, but the absorption at the Ag LSPR is increased and becomes greater than the isolated Ag NPs for the 50 nm Ag–Au heterodimer. This suggests that the scattering from Ag NPs is being reabsorbed by the neighboring Au NPs due to the interband electronic transition in Au at that wavelength range. The Qext from the individual NP in the heterodimer shows the presence of the Fano profile on the Au NP but not on the Ag NP. This phenomenon was further investigated by using a dielectric particle (DP) placed near the Ag or Au NPs. The Fano profile appears in the absorbing DP spectra placed near either Ag or Au NPs. However, the Fano profile is masked upon further increases in the refractive index value of the DP particle. This explains the absence of a Fano profile on the Ag NPs in the Ag–Au heterodimer. The large near-field enhancement on both Ag and Au NPs at the Au plasmonic wavelength in the L-mode for large NPs was investigated through a DP-Au system. The large enhancement was shown to arise from a large imaginary component of the DP refractive index and a small real component. Through examination of both the near- and far-field properties of the individual NPs as well as the whole system and examinations of DP-Ag and DP-Au systems, our study provides a new understanding of the couplings between Ag and Au NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrawide bandgap ZnGa2O4 (ZGO) thin films were grown on sapphire (0001) substrates at various growth temperatures with a perspective to investigate the electrical and optical characteristics required for high-power electronic applications. Due to the variation in the vapor pressure of Zn and Ga, severe loss of Zn was observed during pulsed laser deposition, which was solved by using a zinc-rich Zn0.98Ga0.02O target. A pure phase single-crystalline ZGO thin film was obtained at a deposition temperature of 750 °C and an oxygen pressure of 1 × 10−2 Torr. The out-of-plane epitaxial relationship between the sapphire and ZGO thin film was obtained from φ-scan. The x-ray rocking curve of the ZGO thin film grown at 750 °C exhibits a full width at half maximum of ∼0.098°, which indicates a good crystalline phase and quality of the thin film. Core-level x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of ZGO grown at 750 °C indicated that Zn and Ga were in the 2+ and 3+ oxidation states, respectively, and the atomic ratio of Zn/Ga was estimated to be ∼0.48 from the fitted values of Zn-2p3/2 and Ga-2p3/2. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images revealed a sharp interface with the thickness of the ZGO film of ∼265 nm, and the signature of minor secondary phases was observed. The bandgap of the ZGO film at different growth temperatures was calculated from the ultraviolet-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy spectra, and its value was obtained to be ∼5.08 eV for the 750 °C grown sample. The refractive index (n) and the extinction coefficient (k) were determined to be ∼1.94 and 0.023 from the ellipsometric data, respectively, and the real dielectric function (ɛr) was estimated to be ∼6.8 at energy 5 eV. The ultrawide bandgap and dielectric function of ZGO recommend its possible potential applications in deep-ultraviolet optoelectronic devices and high-power electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise detection of target substances through refractive-index sensing is essential in various fields such as environmental monitoring, food assessment, and optical applications. This study demonstrates a real-time refractive index sensor based on a liquid-infiltrated metal-insulator-metal island (MIMi) structure in a lithography-free manner. In the MIMi structure, the top layer of the metal islands is formed through solid-state dewetting, which serves as an etching mask to form nanopillars in the insulator layer. This allows for the infiltration of external substances, resulting in different structural colors depending on the refractive index. This design results in a redshift of the resonance peak as the infiltrated refractive index increases. Furthermore, by adjusting the area fraction of the metal-island layer and etching depth of the insulator layer, the resonance-peak position can be controlled within the visible range according to the target refractive index. The advantages of our design are the use of cost-effective materials and the ability to implement scalable fabrication. Our proposed method offers a convenient method to sense the target refractive index in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that structural disorder-in the form of anisotropic, picoscale atomic displacements-modulates the refractive index tensor and results in the giant optical anisotropy observed in BaTiS3, a quasi-1D hexagonal chalcogenide. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal the presence of antipolar displacements of Ti atoms within adjacent TiS6 chains along the c-axis, and threefold degenerate Ti displacements in the a-b plane. 47/49Ti solid-state NMR provides additional evidence for those Ti displacements in the form of a three-horned NMR lineshape resulting from a low symmetry local environment around Ti atoms. Scanning transmission electron microscopy is used to directly observe the globally disordered Ti a-b plane displacements and find them to be ordered locally over a few unit cells. First-principles calculations show that the Ti a-b plane displacements selectively reduce the refractive index along the ab-plane, while having minimal impact on the refractive index along the chain direction, thus resulting in a giant enhancement in the optical anisotropy. By showing a strong connection between structural disorder with picoscale displacements and the optical response in BaTiS3, this study opens a pathway for designing optical materials with high refractive index and functionalities such as large optical anisotropy and nonlinearity.

In this work, we combine the concepts of magnetic circular dichroism, nanocavities, and magneto-optical hyperbolic metamaterials (MO-HMMs) to demonstrate an approach for sensing down to a few molecules. Our proposal comprises a multilayer MO-HMM with a square, two-dimensional arrangement of nanocavities. The magnetization of the system is considered in polar configuration, i.e., in the plane of polarization and perpendicular to the plane of the multilayer structure. This allows for magneto-optical chirality to be induced through the polar magneto-optical Kerr effect, which is exhibited by reflected light from the nanostructure. Numerical analyses under the magnetization saturation condition indicate that magnetic circular dichroism peaks can be used instead of reflectance dips to monitor refractive index changes in the analyte region. Significantly, we obtained a relatively high sensitivity value of S = 40 nm/RIU for the case where refractive index changes are limited to the volume inside nanocavities, i.e., in the limit of a few molecules (or ultralow concentrations), while a very large sensitivity of S = 532 nm/RIU is calculated for the analyte region distributed along the entire superstrate layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we investigate the structural relaxation of lithium silicate glass during isothermal physical aging by monitoring the temporal evolution of its refractive index and enthalpy following relatively large (10–40 °C) up- and down-jumps in temperature. The Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts function aptly describes the up- and down-jump data when analyzed separately. For temperature down-jumps, the glass exhibits a typical stretched exponential kinetic behavior with the non-exponentiality parameter β < 1, whereas up-jumps show a compressed exponential behavior (β > 1). We analyzed these datasets using the non-exponential and non-linear Tool–Narayanaswamy–Moynihan (TNM) model, aiming to provide a comprehensive description of the primary or α-relaxation of the glass. This model described both up- and down-jump datasets using a single value of β ≤ 1. However, the standard TNM model exhibited a progressively reduced capacity to describe the data for larger temperature jumps, which is likely a manifestation of the temperature dependence of the non-exponentiality or non-linearity of the relaxation process. We hypothesize that the compressed exponential relaxation kinetics observed for temperature up-jumps stems from a nucleation-growth-percolation-based evolution on the dynamically mobile regions within the structure, leading to a self-acceleration of the dynamics. On the other hand, temperature down-jumps result in self-retardation, as the slow-relaxing denser regions percolate in the structure to give rise to a stretched exponential behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical metamaterials, sensing, nonlinear optics, and surface-enhanced spectroscopies have witnessed the remarkable potential of the anapole mode. While dielectric particles with a high refractive index have garnered significant attention in recent years, the exploration of plasmonic anapole modes with intense localized electric field enhancements in the visible frequency range remains limited. In this study, we present a theoretical investigation on the relationship between the strongest near-field response and magnetic anapole modes, along with their substantial enhancement of Raman signals from probing molecules. These captivating findings arise from the design of a practical metallic oblate spheroid–film plasmonic system that generates magnetic anapole resonances at frequencies within the visible–near-infrared range. This research not only sheds light on the underlying mechanisms in a wide range of plasmon-enhanced spectroscopies but also paves the way for innovative nano-device designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong coupling of a confined optical field to the excitonic or vibronic transitions of a molecular material results in the formation of new hybrid states called polaritons. Such effects have been extensively studied in Fabry–Pèrot microcavity structures where an organic material is placed between two highly reflective mirrors. Recently, theoretical and experimental evidence has suggested that strong coupling can be used to modify chemical reactivity as well as molecular photophysical functionalities. However, the geometry of conventional microcavity structures limits the ability of molecules "encapsulated" in a cavity to interact with their local environment. Here, we fabricate mirrorless organic membranes that utilize the refractive index contrast between the organic active material and its surrounding medium to confine an optical field with Q-factor values up to 33. Using angle-resolved white light reflectivity measurements, we confirm that our structures operate in the strong coupling regime, with Rabi-splitting energies between 60 and 80 meV in the different structures studied. The experimental results are matched by transfer matrix and coupled oscillator models that simulate the various polariton states of the free standing membranes. Our work demonstrates that mechanically flexible and easy-to-fabricate free standing membranes can support strong light–matter coupling, making such simple and versatile structures highly promising for a range of polariton applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excitation and tuning of multiple resonances with narrow spectral width based on Brewster's effect is possible in an ultrathin dual-band terahertz absorber. The angular variation establishes a monotonic relation with the frequency of some generated resonances offering tunability. Moreover, burying a graphene ring resonator beneath the metallic ring splits the resonance for providing the triple narrow absorption windows. The electrical modulation offers the feature of independent tunability in the generated third absorption band. Thus, the frequency ratio of the upper to lower spectral absorption peak can be modulated by the electrically tunable Fermi energy of graphene. Engraving the graphene resonator also enhances the incident angle based tunability by affecting a greater number of Brewster generated resonance peaks. The narrow line shape of the triple band absorption can enable refractive index sensing and the detection of extraneous elements in localized analyte samples. The detection of imidacloprid pesticide in wheat flour is performed by the implemented sensor. The numerical analysis is done for the design and analysis of the absorber structures to report the above facts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, optical anapole resonances in nanostructures have attracted increasing attention due to the strong field confinement and substantially suppressed scattering. This study provides the results of three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations exhibiting the possibility of the anapole state in high refractive index dielectric nanohole array metasurfaces having different profiles of the holes (square, hexagon, and octagon). Behavior of the effective optical Kerr nonlinearity of the metasurfaces in the vicinity of the anapole state is investigated. Depending on the geometry, the absolute value of the effective nonlinear Kerr coefficient of the metasurface may be up to three orders of magnitude greater than that of the unstructured film. A square transverse section of the nanohole is preferable for the optical Kerr effect in the holey metasurfaces. The effect of the random rotation of the square holes representing the metasurface irregularity on the optical nonlinearity is examined. As a result, the dielectric nanohole array metasurfaces display a concrete possibility to have the anapole state with large enhancement of the optical nonlinearity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have effectively shown a technique for significantly altering the nonlinear saturable absorption (SA) properties of nanocomposite films (NCFs) based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) by regulating MoS2 concentration and input pulse energy of the laser. The NCFs are made using the straightforward drop-cast process on a glass substrate with varying quantities of MoS2. The produced NCFs' refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) values are determined using the Kramers–Kronig equations. Nonlinear studies show that the optical nonlinearity of pure PEDOT:PSS changes when mixed with MoS2. The Pauli blocking has been observed in MoS2/PEDOT:PSS NCFs. This leads to enhanced SA in NCF. The open-aperture Z-scan approach is used for the nonlinear optical research, and a nanosecond pulsed laser with a wavelength of 532 nm is used for the excitation. The findings obtained show the NCFs' strong SA qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An all-optical photoinduced lensing method is used to excite and monitor acoustic waves in liquids. Following optical absorption, the laser pulse induces a localized temperature gradient that launches pressure waves in the excited region at the nanosecond time scale. This generates a lens-like optical element in the sample. A probe laser beam senses the refractive index change due to the acoustic and thermal effects. Piezo-optic and thermo-optic coefficients govern how the refractive index of a material changes in response to mechanical stress and temperature variations, respectively. These effects are connected to the physical properties of the liquids and can be accessed by theoretically describing the intensity signal. A complete set of physical properties of ten liquids are quantitatively described in this work. These effects find applications in a wide range of fields, from optical communication, ultrasonic imaging, and sensing to adaptive optics and fundamental research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is devoted to finding the optimal parameters of the HgTe/CdHgTe multi-quantum-well structure for the generation of two-dimensional plasmon-phonons under optical excitation. It is shown that a decrease in the bandgap and an increase in the number of quantum wells lead to two consequences. The first is a decrease in the nonequilibrium carrier threshold concentration and the threshold power density of optical excitation required for the plasmon-phonon gain. The second is a significant (tens of times) decrease in the effective refractive index of the generated plasmon-phonons, which improves the output of the plasmon-phonon radiation from the edge of the structure. The value of the optimal bandgap and the optimal number of quantum wells in the structure for plasmon-phonon gain are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luneburg lens is traditionally a spherical dielectric with centro-symmetric and graded refractive index, which has been widely applied in civilian and military fields due to its outstanding abilities of focusing or collimating electromagnetic waves. However, the existing designs of Luneburg lens generally suffer from the disadvantages of bulkiness, complex fabrication process, and limited scanning angles, etc. Herein, a planar metasurface that could mimic the planar Luneburg lens is designed by utilizing the addition theorem. It has been experimentally verified that the Luneburg-like lens has large and continuous scanning angles from − 52 ° to 52° at a frequency of 10 GHz if an excitation antenna is moved along a straight line. Besides, the total thickness of the proposed lens is only 3 mm and it has the advantages of low cost, ease of fabrication, as well as being isolated from the feeder. As a result, the proposed Luneburg-like lens has great potential values of being flexibly applied in numerous fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air refractive index alteration is an important research technique used to examine blast density and pressure. However, precise time-course measurements of refractive index changes at a fixed point caused by air blast waves are challenging due to the necessity for high precision and noise immunity. This study proposes a dual-probe, dual-frequency fiber-optic displacement interferometer that achieves nanometer-level accuracy and can tolerate light intensity fluctuations and transmission-fiber interference. The specially designed sensor enables the measurement of refractive index at a fixed point resulting from explosive-driven air blast waves, further allowing for obtaining the pressure and density information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exceptional points (EPs) are critical phase points in non-Hermitian systems, exhibiting fantastic physical phenomena and plenty of applications, such as unidirectional reflectionless and ultrahigh-sensitive detection of perturbations. Here, a non-Hermitian metasurface based on multilayers split-ring resonators (SRRs) is proposed with specific EP effects. By changing the angle of the SRRs and adjusting the geometric parameters of the metasurface, EPs are generated with topologically protected 2π-phase accumulation. A unique EP effect can be achieved in the THz region, and high-performance sensing of environment refractive index can be realized around the EP position. Therefore, this work demonstrates an EP-based sensing enhancement at non-Hermitian systems compared to Hermitian ones and paves the way for the design of high-performance THz sensors based on topological polaritonic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnTiO 3 nanoparticles (NPS), synthesized using a sol-gel process from zinc acetate dihydrate and titanium tetrabutanolate, were incorporated into aluminum borosilicate glasses to enhance their effectiveness in water purification. Integrating ZnTiO 3 -NPS at the expense of SiO 2 causes significant alterations by converting [BO 3 ] to [BO 4 ], modifying the Si-O bonds with other metal oxides, and creating a denser structure with more bridging oxygens. The structural improvement is indicated by higher ultrasonic velocities and elastic moduli, demonstrating a stronger and more unified glass framework. The study investigates how different concentrations of ZnTiO 3 -NPS affect the glasses' structure and mechanical and optical properties, specifically observing changes in light transmission, such as a blueshift in the absorption edge towards longer wavelengths. This blueshift due to ZnTiO 3 -NPS was assured by the observed decrease in the optical band gap (E g) values and the increase in the mean oscillator position (λ o) values. Furthermore, the real (σ r) and imaginary (σ i) parts of the optical conductivity, nonlinear optical parameters viz. first (χ(1)) and third (χ(3)) orders subsatellites, and nonlinear index of refraction (n 2) have been estimated based on the values of the linear index of refraction (n) and the extinction coefficient (k). The optical modifications impact the refractive index, suggesting various potential technological applications based on the ZnTiO 3 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a polarization-insensitive magnetic tunable perfect metamaterial absorber is analyzed which shows its functionality as a refractive index (RI) sensor. The unit cell structure of reported absorber consists of a cross-shaped Indium Arsenide (InAs) array over aluminum ground plane and has dimensions less than λ c / 4 with thickness of 7.5 μ m and periodicity of 9 μ m making it an ultra-thin absorber. The proposed absorber provides an average absorption of 99.99% on the implementation of magnetic field (B) at 0.4 T. The resonance frequency and corresponding absorption rates can be controlled by varying the magnetic field from B = 0. 1 –0.4 T which provides high absorption as well as shift in the frequency spectrum by 0.3 THz/T. Additionally, parametric analysis has also been done to confirm the selection of the optimum value of the designed parameters of the structure. Furthermore, simulation results reveal that the proposed structure is very sensitive to the change of RI values in the surroundings thus, the proposed structure can be employed as a RI sensor high sensitivity of 1.083 THz/RIU over the range of 1–1.6 RI. In addition, the result shows that the sensor can detect different chemical compounds such as ethanol, gasoline, paraffin, sodium chloride, carbon disulfide with an average sensitivity of 0.925 THz/RIU. Thus, the proposed absorber with obtained sensitivity can be utilized as a biochemical sensor, making it one of the best contenders for chemical industry uses in diagnosis of different hazardous chemicals as well as finding its applicability in biomedical uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gradient refractive index microlens arrays (GRIN MLAs), covering the visible to mid-infrared wavelength range, are imprinted in GeS 2 -Ga 2 S 3 -CsX (X = Cl, Br, and I) chalcohalide glasses by an efficient and economical microthermal poling process. This study investigates the impact of anodic mesh number (ranging from 400 to 2000 mesh) and halogen anions on the optical properties, including focal length, resolution, and aberration. Findings reveal that as the mesh number decreases, the focal length and aberration of GRIN MLAs increase. Optimal resolution is achieved with the 500 mesh sample, which also shows the best phase difference performance. The migration depth of Cs+ ions, influenced by halogen anions (from Cl to I), results in contrasting optical properties between lower mesh (400–750) and higher mesh (1000–2000) samples. Notably, the Cl-500 GRIN MLAs demonstrate a focal length of 615.0 μm, a maximum resolution of 6.35 lp/mm, and minimal aberration of −0.0591. These changes are attributed to the predominant transverse and longitudinal migration of Cs+ ions in mesh square areas. This research highlights the relationship between microthermal poling conditions, ion migration, and optical performance, providing valuable insights for the application of GRIN MLAs in advanced optical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barium titanate (BT) is widely studied in bone repair engineering due to its high dielectric constant, excellent ferroelectric properties, and non-toxic nature. However, one of the research focuses on the preparation of high-precision BT ceramics and enhances their limited mineralization bioactivity. BT is difficult to use for high-precision ceramic molding using Digital Light Processing (DLP) due to its high refractive index and strong ultraviolet absorption. In this manuscript, BT was doped with calcium silicate (CS) which has a refractive index close to photosensitive resin. The printing parameters of the composite ceramic scaffolds were determined to obtain a balance between printing efficiency and accuracy. Experimental results have demonstrated that within a CS doping ratio of up to 20 wt%, the scaffolds simultaneously meet the piezoelectric coefficient and mechanical properties of natural bone. Furthermore, mineralization and cell experiments have shown that the composite scaffold exhibits improved degradation rate, cell activity, and osteoinductivity. Subsequently, bone scaffolds with a doping ratio of 20 wt% were selected, which meet the requirements of natural bone and exhibit significantly enhanced biological activity. Research findings revealed that ceramic scaffolds after piezoelectric stimulation are more conducive to cell proliferation and growth compared to before stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, oxide-based nano clusters have shown some significant applications in medical sciences, bio sensing, catalysis, and energy storage. Here we have reported the computational study of oxide-based nano clusters X3O4 (X = Ti, Fe, Zn) by means of Conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT) method. Geometry optimization and frequency computation of these clusters are carried out using the functional B3LYP/LANL2DZ in the DFT framework. Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO)–Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) of the clusters are found between 2.019 and 3.570 eV. The global CDFT descriptors viz. hardness, softness, electronegativity, electrophiliicty index and dipole moment are calculated. Result shows that Zn3O4 has the maximum stability whereas Fe3O4 is highly reactive in nature. Electronegatiivty and electrophilicity index of these clusters decrease from Fe3O4 to Zn3O4 to Ti3O4. Analyses are conducted for the optical characteristics of X3O4 nano clusters, comprising their refractive index, dielectric constant, optical electronegativity and IR activity. Refractive index, dielectric constant and range of harmonic frequency increase from Zn3O4 to Fe3O4 via Ti3O4. The estimated bond length, HOMO–LUMO energy gap, refractive index and IR activity of the nano clusters are in agreement with the reported experimental and theoretical results. The physico-chemical properties of X3O4 nano clusters indicate their potential applications in biomedical sciences especialy for the treatment of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Morphological Biomarkers of adipogenesis stages was established with holotomography. • Quantified lipid droplets, cellular shape, and nuclear features distinguish stages. • Human UC-MSCs were employed to create markers, offering a non-invasive approach. Adipogenesis involves complex changes in gene expression, morphology, and cytoskeletal organization. However, the quantitative analysis of live cell images to identify their stages through morphological markers is limited. Distinct adipogenesis markers on human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) were identified through holotomography, a label-free live cell imaging technique. In the MSC-to-preadipocyte transition, the nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio (0.080 vs. 0.052) and lipid droplet (LD) refractive index variation decreased (0.149 % vs. 0.061 %), whereas the LD number (20 vs. 65) increased. This event was also accompanied by the downregulation and upregulation of THY1 and Preadipocyte Factor-1 (PREF-1), respectively. In the preadipocyte to immature adipocyte shift, cell sphericity (0.20 vs. 0.43) and LD number (65 vs. 200) surged, large LDs (>10 μm3) appeared, and the major axis of the cell was reduced (143.7 μm vs. 83.12 μm). These findings indicate features of preadipocyte and immature adipocyte stages, alongside the downregulation of PREF-1 and upregulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPARγ). In adipocyte maturation, along with PPARγ and Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 4 upregulation, cell compactness (0.15 vs. 0.29) and sphericity (0.43 vs. 0.59) increased, and larger LDs (>30 μm3) formed, marking immature and mature adipocyte stages. The study highlights the distinct adipogenic morphological biomarkers of adipogenesis stages in UC-MSCs, providing potential applications in biomedical and clinical settings, such as fostering innovative medical strategies for treating metabolic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene is used as a coating material over metallic seals in low-temperature applications to arrest fluid leakage from the impeller side in turbopumps. Typically, polychlorotrifluoroethylene coating is applied on V-type seals, with a thickness ranging from 80 to 130 μm by spraying an emulsion over the substrate followed by heat treatment. An attempt has been made to measure the polychlorotrifluoroethylene coating thickness over V-type seals using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in reflection geometry, a noncontact, non-invasive NDT method. When the terahertz pulse from a transmitter photo-conductive antenna is incident on the V-type seal, it penetrates through the polychlorotrifluoroethylene coating. It gets reflected from the coating/base coat interface. Here, the reflected echoes from the air-to-polychlorotrifluoroethylene coating interface and polychlorotrifluoroethylene coating to the basecoat interface get overlapped in the time domain as the polychlorotrifluoroethylene coating layer is very thin. The sparse deconvolution technique separates the individual reflected signals and obtains the time delay signals from various interfaces. From the estimation of time delay values, the thickness of the coating has been computed using the refractive index value extracted using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in transmission mode before the reflection measurements. The obtained thickness values are in close agreement with the coating thickness measured using optical microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a simple geometric optics analog of a gravitational lens with a refractive index equal to one at large distances and scaling like n (r) 2 = 1 + C 2 / r 2 , where C is a constant. We obtain the equation for ray trajectories from Fermat's principle of least time and the Euler equation. Our model yields a very simple ray trajectory equation. The optical rays bending, reflecting, and looping around the lens are all described by a single trigonometric function in polar coordinates. Optical rays experiencing fatal attraction are described by a hyperbolic function. We use our model to illustrate the formation of Einstein rings and multiple images. Editor's Note: This article describes a simple theoretical model for gravitational lensing. The authors analyze a graded index of refraction that reproduces the behavior for light passing near the event horizon of a black hole. The mathematical simplicity of the model permits exploration of the effects of gravitational lensing—including bending, reflection, and the formation of Einstein rings—using only integral calculus and Fermat's principle. The authors illustrate many interesting lensing phenomena with 2D and 3D graphics. The model described in this paper could be introduced as a "theoretical toy model" to complement classroom demonstrations of gravitational lensing such as a "logarithmic lens" or the stem of a wine glass, making gravitational lensing and its use in modern astrophysics accessible to introductory physics students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discarded tempering lubricants retained significant reuse potential, making their recycling a vital step in reducing resource wastage and wastewater treatment costs in the strip steel industry. Hence, developing an accurate, rapid evaluation indicator for recycled fluid concentration was essential for facilitating this process. Research showed that among common evaluation indicators for metal fluids, three—electrical conductivity, refractive index and total base number (TBN)—due to their high linear correlation with tempering lubricant concentration (R2 > 0.995), could be utilised to monitor the dynamic changes in the concentration of tempering lubricants. Subsequent experiments on reused tempering lubricants revealed that electrical conductivity, significantly altered by iron powder (7%–24% variance), and refractive index, impacted by hydraulic oil (3% deviation), highlighted contaminant challenges; yet, filtration effectively mitigated iron powder's effect on TBN. Finally, A 17‐day reused tempering lubricants simulation demonstrated consistent effectiveness of the three indicators in monitoring the need to update tempering lubricant concentration. However, in terms of sensitivity, precision, and particularly stability and relative mean deviation, the TBN concentration evaluation indicator outperformed, with TBN (3.38%) < Refractive Index (7.92%) < Electrical Conductivity (11.05%). This indicates the TBN method's superior stability over conductivity and refractive index methods, with its accuracy deviation below 2%, making it a stable, simple and reliable metric worthy of broader adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) to the characterization of thin films is very important because it facilitates the understanding of their physical and optical properties. To prepare a series of film samples consisting of TiO2:ZrO2 on a TiN/Si substrate, we employed the SYBILLA P200 equipment (manufactured by ABCD Technology) through the process of Chemical Beam Vapor Deposition (CBVD). TiO2:ZrO2 on TiN/Si thin films is a composite material that has gained significant attention in various technological applications, particularly in the field of thin film coatings on semiconductor substrates like TiN/Si. TiO2:ZrO2 thin films exhibit excellent dielectric properties and good thermal stability, making them suitable for various electronic and semiconductor applications. From FESEM and EDX analysis, it is found that with increase of Ti/Zr atomic ratio, grain size increases. Ellipsometric analysis reveals increase in film thickness and refractive index with increase in Ti/Zr atomic ratio. As the film continues to grow, changes in its microstructural phase led to a transition from a monolayer physical ellipsometry model to a bilayer physical model. This transition is due to the appearance of inhomogeneity in the TiO2:ZrO2 thin film. Dynamic fits obtained using a two‐layer physical model and a Cauchy–Lorentz optical model show three distinct phases in the film growth phase: a nucleation phase, a fusion phase, and a continuous layer phase. Although our proposed model shows satisfactory performance in most cases, the determination of the refractive index can be problematic for very thin thicknesses. The developed VASE modeling process should be able to generate TiO2:ZrO2characterization on TiN/Si substrate films using comparable physical and optical modeling considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TeO 2 single crystals have been widely used in military and civilian fields as an excellent acousto-optic (AO) material. However, due to its significant thermal expansion anisotropy and poor mechanical properties, there is a considerable risk of cracking, which hinders further applications in the AO field. Here we successfully grew a TeO 2 single crystal doped with 2 % Mn4+ ions (TeO 2 :0.02Mn4+). This single crystal demonstrates excellent characteristics, including lower acoustic attenuation (α) and larger refractive index values. In addition, it also possesses a higher AO figure of merit (M 2) of 832 × 10−15 s3/kg than TeO 2 single crystal (∼793 × 10−15 s3/kg). More importantly, the TeO 2 :0.02Mn4+ single crystal demonstrates low thermal expansion anisotropy within a temperature range of up to 450 °C, indicating a greater practical value. The high AO performance may be attributed to manganese ion doping. The doping of Mn increased the refractive indices by enhancing the electronic polarizability and achieved lower acoustic attenuation by improving mechanical properties. Combining the results of elastic modulus and Raman spectroscopy analysis, it is observed that manganese doping optimizes crystal structure disorder, thus improving the issue of thermal expansion anisotropy. These results indicate that this TeO 2 :0.02Mn4+ single crystal has significant potential in designing and manufacturing AO devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ytterbium (Yb)-doped fibers using aluminophosphosilicate (Yb-APS) host glass offer significant advantages over conventional aluminosilicate (Yb-AS) fibers, such as strong photodarkening resistance, higher RE-ion solubility and lower Numerical Aperture (NA), making them ideal for high-power laser applications. However, achieving optimal performance in Yb-APS fiber fabrication poses various challenges, including maintaining a precise Al3+/P5+ ratio (1:1), minimizing the central dip in the refractive index profile (RIP), ensuring proper dopant distribution, and reducing background loss. We introduce a new fabrication method for Yb-APS fiber to address these challenges. This approach entails first synthesizing amorphous Yb³⁺: AlPO 4 particles, then incorporating them into the fiber core using a hybrid technique that merges Vapor Phase Delivery (VPD) with solution doping (SD). We extensively utilized various materials and optical characterizations, including XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, FESEM, and XPS, to fine-tune the composition of Yb³⁺: AlPO 4. The optical characterization of the developed preform sample, including absorption, emission, and luminescent lifetime measurements, was conducted to assess the fabrication technique's suitability. The results confirmed the successful incorporation of Yb-ions into the preform core, with peaks consistent with reported values. The fiber's attenuation loss was measured, showing approximately 10 dB/km at 1200 nm. This indicates that the particles dissolved smoothly during preform and fiber processing, resulting in minimal scattering loss in the fiber core. The developed fiber demonstrated NA of 0.1, uniform RIP along the preform length with significant reduction of the central dip formation and improved spectral performance (∼1.7X broader bandwidth) compared with an equivalent Yb-AS fiber. These findings suggest the Yb-APS fiber's overall effectiveness and structural robustness, highlighting the potential of the proposed fabrication method for high-power fiber laser applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of density measurement, differential scanning calorimetry, refractometry, and Raman and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is employed to characterize the evolution of the structure and physical properties of lithium disilicate (Li2Si2O5) and lead metasilicate (PbSiO3) glasses during physical aging. Both glasses display marked increase in density, enthalpy recovery, and refractive index following a temperature down‐jump near their glass transition regions. The collective analysis of Raman and NMR spectra reveals that the aging‐induced structural relaxation in these silicate networks involves a significant disproportionation of Q‐species as well as their spatial clustering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We present the study of millisecond-resolved polymer brush swelling dynamics using infrared spectroscopy with a home-built quantum cascade laser-based infrared spectrometer at a 1 kHz sampling rate after averaging. By cycling the humidity of the environment of the polymer brush, we are able to measure the swelling dynamics sequentially at different wavenumbers. The high sampling rate provides us with information on the reconformation of the brush at a higher temporal resolution than previously reported. Using spectroscopic ellipsometry, we study the brush swelling dynamics as a reference experiment and to correct artefacts of the infrared measurement approach. This technique informs on the changes in the brush thickness and refractive index. Our results indicate that the swelling dynamics of the polymer brush are poorly described by Fickian diffusion, pointing toward more complicated underlying transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A holographic optical waveguide (HOW) is an optimal solution for augmented reality (AR) displays, in which reflection volume holographic gratings are core optical elements. In this study, five high‐refractive‐index (≈1.6) bifunctional acrylate monomers (TPBSAs) are designed and synthesized. A series of two‐stage photopolymers are prepared using TPBSAs as writing monomers. Among them, one containing 9 wt.% TPBSA‐3 shows the best holographic recording performance with a sensitivity as high as 26.59 cm mJ−1. Using it as the recording medium, a reflection VHG can be obtained with high spatial frequency (5634 lines per mm), diffraction efficiency (97.14%), refractive index modulation (0.029), and good transparency within 400−800 nm after photobleaching. Furthermore, a HOW capable of achieving virtual and real image fusion is fabricated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the manipulation of soliton parameters within optical waveguides characterized by a dual‐power law refractive index, drawing similarities with published papers. The precise management of solitons holds significant importance in the field of fiber‐optical communication. While previous research has primarily concentrated on modifying soliton attributes such as amplitude and width, comparatively less attention has been dedicated to controlling the wave speed of solitons. In order to bridge this gap, the researchers adopted the employment of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with time‐dependent dispersion and two power‐law nonlinearities, mirroring similar approaches found in published literature. By employing this methodology, the researchers successfully achieved active control over the wave speed of solitons in non‐uniform optical waveguides. To effectively handle the inherent complexities of the nonlinear system, two well‐established techniques, namely, the generalized Kudryashov method and the simple equation method, were utilized to derive solutions. These techniques have been previously employed and demonstrated in published papers, further enhancing the validity and reliability of the research findings. We discuss the traveling wave solutions by finding the fixed points of the dynamical planar system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in the synthesis of sulfur‐rich materials are driving progress across diverse fields owing to the rich and tunable functionalities of those materials. These materials are typically valued for their electrochemical behaviors, high refractive indices, heavy metal affinity, and ability to form dynamic covalent bonding. As a result, their applications span various industries including electronics, catalysis, lithium‐sulfur batteries, water reclamation, and optoelectronics. Moreover, elemental sulfur, a byproduct of the petroleum industry, is produced abundantly, necessitating the exploration of novel valorization routes for polymers made from this feedstock. The unique combination of properties of sulfur‐rich polymers also makes them an ideal platform for the development of high‐performance functional coatings, offering durability and tailored functionalities for protective coatings, thus enhancing materials lifespan and performances in a variety of environmental conditions. The presence of dynamic covalent bonds in many sulfur‐rich polymers enables the creation of self‐healing coatings, while sulfur itself or the comonomers can contribute to antimicrobial, antifouling, and corrosion‐resistant properties. Furthermore, sulfur‐rich polymers have the potential to be used in the design of icephobic and superhydrophobic coatings. This underscores the versatility of sulfur‐rich polymers as a platform for the creation of advanced coatings with superior properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights In high‐power lighting, large‐screen display, and other practical application scenarios, Light diffusing materials (LDMs) with favorable thermal conductivity are desired to assist in heat dissipation. In this paper, platy magnesium hydroxide (pMH) and mesoporous spherical magnesium hydroxide (sMH) were introduced as scattering particles for the first time to prepare polystyrene (PS)‐based LDMs. The limited refractive index mismatch allowed MH to be filled in large quantities with less sacrifice of light transmission performance. Owing to the complex surface morphology and large specific surface area, sMH possesses stronger scattering capability, and its combination addition with pMH could effectively increase scattering range. Meanwhile, an effective filler network was constructed with the combined use of pMH and sMH, and thus enhanced the thermal conductivity of the composites. Additionally, PS/pMH‐sMH composites exhibited higher thermal stability. This study expands the auxiliary thermal management capability of light diffusion materials and presents a new application possibility for MH as scattering particles. A new application possibility for Magnesium hydroxide as scattering particles. Light transmittance degradation of PS/MH at high filler loadings was mitigated by RI matching. Complex surface morphology endowed sMH with strong scattering capability. Optimal filling ratio of pMH to sMH was tested for better scattering performance. Extended scattering range, improved TC and thermal stability was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]