This was surprising because, for years, such materials were found to be indifferent to any optical probes and does not show such selective absorption. Their findings showed that this selective absorption happens because of interactions between different parts of the light and the material.
“For decades, we believed that these materials couldn’t show any difference in how they absorb polarized light,” says Professor Ravi Bhardwaj. “but our research shows that by using a special kind of twisted light, we can control and tune this absorption up to 50%.”
Key points from the study include:
- Breaking the Old Belief: The team showed that achiral structures can indeed absorb light differently, challenging old beliefs.
- Precise Control: They found ways to precisely control this absorption, which could be useful in technologies like optical switches.
- Improved Efficiency: Their special twisted light improved light absorption efficiency in these materials.
- Easier Fabrication: Achiral structures are simpler to make, which could lead to better and more functional optical devices.
- New Insights: The research provides a better understanding of how light interacts with these materials.
Professor Bhardwaj explains, “Our research not only debunks the myth that dichroism doesn’t exist in achiral structures but also opens doors to next-generation plasmonic-based spectroscopy and sensing via enhanced optical metrology,” says Bhardwaj.
The work promises significant advancements in optical devices, such as sensors and switches.
