New Laser Imaging Technique Unlocks Nanoscale Heat and Charge Transport in Diamond

A new laser-based imaging technology has been developed to study Nanoskale heat and charge transport in ultravide-bandagap semiconductors such as diamonds. Using a tabletop deep-altraviolet (DUV) laser, researchers have obtained a 287 nanometers’ spatial resolutions, which enabled a detailed analysis of diamond transport behavior. This success addresses the boundaries of visual-light imaging methods and can revolutionize the design of high efficiency power electronics and communication systems.

Studies reveal the unique abilities of the DUV microscope

As Study Published in the applied physical review, the microscope generates a high-energy DUV light to create an intervention pattern on the surface of the material by creating a sinusoidal heating profile. Researchers under the leadership of Margaret Mernane and Henry Contained developed this innovative technique in collaboration with graduate students Emma Nelson, Theodore Kulman and Brendon McBnet and 3M from 3M. The study faces significant challenges in imaging of ultravide-bandagap material, which cannot be examined with traditional visible light due to their large energy gaps.

Development and verification of DUV system

As Informed By pHys.org, the team designed the system by converting the 800-nanomator laser pulse into a low wavelength via non-linear crystal. This process created a powerful DUV light source, which is capable of creating nanoskale transient support on the surface of a material. The system was tested and refined over several years, including during the Kovid -19 epidemic. Nelson stressed that obtaining accurate alignment in the system was important to generate an accurate nanoscale pattern.

Success in diamond analysis

The system was validated using thin gold films, where it successfully measured physical properties such as elasticity and density. Once confirmed, the microscope was applied to the diamonds, allowing researchers to observe charge carrier proliferation and nanoscale heat transport without changing the material. The study detected complex behaviors such as ballistic and hydrodynamic effects, which challenges the traditional model of heat flow.

Implications for advanced electronics

The insight obtained can shape the future of electronics by increasing the understanding of nanosscale transport in ultravide-bandagap material. Researchers believe that this innovation will carry forward the development of electricity electronics, communication systems and quantum technologies.