Searching for new plasmonic building blocks which offer tunability and design flexibility beyond noble metals is crucial for advancing the field of plasmonics. Herein, we report that solution-synthesized hexagonal Bi2Te3 nanoplates, in the absence of grating configurations, can exhibit multiple plasmon modes covering the entire visible range, as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM)-based electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy. Moreover, different plasmon modes are observed in the center and edge of the single Bi2Te3 nanoplate and a breathing mode is discovered for the first time in a non-noble metal. Theoretical calculations show that the plasmons observed in the visible range are mainly due to strong spin-orbit coupling induced metallic surface states of Bi2Te3. The versatility of shape- and size-engineered Bi2Te3 nanocrystals suggests exciting possibilities in plasmonics-enabled technology.

The formation of nanometre-scale silicon dots with a germanium core on an ultrathin SiO 2 layer has been studied by controlling the early stages of low-pressure chemical vapour deposition (LPCVD) alternately using pure monosilane and 5% germane diluted with helium. From atomic force microscope observations and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, the selective growth of Ge on pregrown Si dots and subsequent complete coverage with a Si cap have been confirmed. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscope images have shown the formation of isolated spherical nanocrystallites with Ge cores in contrast with hemispherical pregrown Si dots, implying a high structural strain at the interface between cladding Si and the Ge core. For multiply stacked structures of the dots with a Ge core, Raman-scattering spectra indicate that compositional mixing occurs partly at the Si/Ge-core interface during LPCVD.

We calculate the electronic and optical properties of layered oxychalcogenide (LaO)CuCh (Ch = S, Se, Te) systems by using generalized gradient approximation method based on density-functional theory. As the results, we obtain direct bandgap for Ch = S, Se, and Te of 1.67, 1.44, and 1.20 eV, respectively. We also find that valence band for each Ch element can be divided into three states, i.e., antibonding and bonding states that come from strong hybridization of Cu 3d-t2g and Ch p, and nonbonding states that come from localized Cu 3d-eg states. The local symmetry of Cu ion is distorted tetrahedral due to Jahn–Teller distortion on Cu 3d states, in which dzx and dzy are at the same energy level. Using Drude–Lorentz model, highest dielectric constants and optical dichroism are found in (LaO)CuTe, while p-type conductivity is stronger in (LaO)CuSe system. Energy levels of plasmonic states can also be tuned by changing Ch element. Our results comprehensively present the electronic properties of (LaO)CuCh systems and predict the dielectric functions and plasmonic features, which are essential for novel functional device applications.

We study the new details of electronic and thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline layered oxychalcogenide systems of (BiO)Cu Ch ( Ch = Se, Te) prepared by using a solid-state reaction. The systems were characterized by using photoemission (PE) spectroscopy and four-probe temperature-dependent electrical resistivity ρ( T). PE spectra are explained by calculating the electronic properties using the generalized-gradient approximation method. PE spectra and ρ( T) show that (BiO)CuSe system is a semiconductor, while (BiO)CuTe system exhibits the metallic behavior that induces the high thermoelectric performance. The calculation of electronic properties of (BiO)Cu Ch ( Ch = S, Se, Te) confirms that the metallic behavior of (BiO)CuTe system is mainly induced by Te 5p states at Fermi energy level, while the indirect bandgaps of 0.68 and 0.40 eV are obtained for (BiO)CuS and (BiO)CuSe systems, respectively. It is also shown that the local symmetry distortion at Cu site strongly stimulates Cu 3d-t to be partially hybridized with Ch p orbitals. This study presents the essential properties of the inorganic systems for novel functional device applications.

The light–matter interaction between nitrogen‐doped graphene quantum dots (N‐GQDs) and bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanoplates is investigated. A maximum of (2.9 ± 0.3)‐fold emission rate enhancement is observed at room temperature due to the coupling of N‐GQD emission with the breathing mode of surface plasmon of single Bi2Te3 nanoplates. The enhancement varies with different emission wavelengths and nanoplate diameters in accordance with results obtained through the dipole radiation power in the electromagnetic simulations. From experiment, the quantum yield of N‐GQDs is obtained to be almost unity, while Bi2Te3 nanoplates may replace the conventional antenna. Such combination of novel active and plasmonic materials is promising for efficient lighting applications with multiple functionalities, especially tunable plasmonic metamaterial based on topological insulators.

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We study room temperature optics and electronic structures of ZnO:Cu films as a function of Cu concentration using a combination of spectroscopic ellipsometry, photoluminescence, and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. Mid-gap optical states, interband transitions, and excitons are observed and distinguishable. We argue that the mid-gap states are originated from interactions of Cu and oxygen vacancy (Vo). They are located below conduction band (Zn4s) and above valence band (O2p) promoting strong green emission and narrowing optical band gap. Excitonic states are screened and its intensities decrease upon Cu doping. Our results show the importance of Cu and Vo driving the electronic structures and optical transitions in ZnO:Cu films.