Структура электронных состояний соединений Gd-=SUB=-5-=/SUB=-Sb-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=- и Gd-=SUB=-5-=/SUB=-Ge-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-Sb по данным зонных расчетов и оптической спектроскопии

Results of investigations of the electronic structure and optical properties of Gd5Sb3 and Gd5Ge2Sb compounds are presented. Calculations of band spectra were carried out in frame of local density approximation with a correction for strong correlation effects in 4f shell of rare-earth ion (DFT+U+SO method). Optical constants of these materials were measured by ellipsometric technique in wide wavelength interval. Energy dependencies of a number of spectral parameters were determined. The nature of quantum light absorption is discussed on the base of comparative analysis of the experimental and calculated spectra of optical conductivity.

Broadband Optical Constants and Nonlinear Properties of SnS2 and SnSe2

SnS2 and SnSe2 have recently been shown to have a wide range of applications in photonic and optoelectronic devices. However, because of incomplete knowledge about their optical characteristics, the use of SnS2 and SnSe2 in optical engineering remains challenging. Here, we addressed this problem by establishing SnS2 and SnSe2 linear and nonlinear optical properties in the broad (300–3300 nm) spectral range. Coupled with the first-principle calculations, our experimental study unveiled the full dielectric tensor of SnS2 and SnSe2. Furthermore, we established that SnS2 is a promising material for visible high refractive index nanophotonics. Meanwhile, SnSe2 demonstrates a stronger nonlinear response compared with SnS2. Our results create a solid ground for current and next-generation SnS2- and SnSe2-based devices.

Thermochromic and opacity behaviors in vanadium dioxide nanofilms: a theoretical study

Vanadium dioxide nanofilms are one of the most essential materials in electronic applications like smart windows. Therefore, studying and understanding the optical properties of such films is crucial to modifying the parameters that control these properties. To this end, this work focuses on investigating the opacity as a function of the energy directed at the nanofilms with different thicknesses (1 – 100) nm. Effective mediator theories (EMTs), which are considered as the application of Bruggeman's formalism and the Looyenga mixing rule, have been used to estimate the dielectric constant of VO2 nanofilms. The results show different opacity behaviors at different wavelength ranges (ultraviolet, visible, and infrared). The results depict that the highest opacity of the insulating phase is achieved at the ultraviolet region and it reduces for the metal phase. Besides, the results demonstrate that the opacity possesses a redshift during the changes at the three phases. Regarding the infrared region, the lowest opacity value is achieved at the insulator phase and it increases to the highest value at the metal phase. In the visible region, the opacity behavior remains similar in the three phases. It is worth noting that the lowest opacity is found for thinner nanofilm. Since both the refractive index and the extinction index are among the most essential optical constants, hence, both of them were compared with the experiment results, and an excellent agreement is achieved between them.

Broadband Optical Properties of Atomically Thin PtS2 and PtSe2

Noble transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) such as PtS2 and PtSe2 show significant potential in a wide range of optoelectronic and photonic applications. Noble TMDCs, unlike standard TMDCs such as MoS2 and WS2, operate in the ultrawide spectral range from ultraviolet to mid-infrared wavelengths; however, their properties remain largely unexplored. Here, we measured the broadband (245–3300 nm) optical constants of ultrathin PtS2 and PtSe2 films to eliminate this gap and provide a foundation for optoelectronic device simulation. We discovered their broadband absorption and high refractive index both theoretically and experimentally. Based on first-principle calculations, we also predicted their giant out-of-plane optical anisotropy for monocrystals. As a practical illustration of the obtained optical properties, we demonstrated surface plasmon resonance biosensors with PtS2 or PtSe2 functional layers, which dramatically improves sensor sensitivity by 60 and 30%, respectively.