Periodontitis is a widespread chronic inflammatory disease that threatens oral and systemic health by sustaining inflammation and accelerating alveolar bone loss. Although bioelectrical modulation can promote bone repair under inflammatory conditions, the coordinated regulation of electrical signaling, immunoregulation, and osteogenesis within an inflamed microenvironment remains a central challenge. Here, we report a multifunctional piezoelectric hydrogel system that combines heterojunction enhancement with dual-salt synergy. In situ construction of ZnO/ZnS heterojunctions with oxygen vacancies amplifies the piezoelectric output of ZnO, while a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) multinetwork integrated with magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and trisodium citrate (Na3Ct) provides high ionic conductivity, mechanical robustness, and bioactivity, conferring excellent injectability and environmental adaptability. The composite hydrogel exhibited low impedance and high ionic conductivity (≈3.82 mS·cm- 1), generated a stable voltage of ≈150 mV under ultrasound activation, and maintained sensitive strain response under moist conditions. In vitro, the hydrogel markedly enhanced osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), with upregulation of Runx2, Col-1, OPN, and OCN, and simultaneously drove macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. A conditioned medium model further confirmed immune remodeling that alleviated the inflammatory burden of hPDLSCs. In a rat periodontitis model, the hydrogel restored alveolar bone architecture, reduced osteoclast activity, and rebalanced the M1/M2 ratio. Collectively, this piezoelectric hydrogel enhanced by heterojunctions provides a versatile platform for immunologically instructive regeneration of inflamed bone defects.
Flexible sensing technology shows significant potential in expanding human perception during extreme explorations. However, traditional conductive hydrogel sensors cannot withstand harsh environments, and related modification strategies often overlook the consideration of multidimensional performance. To solve this problem, this study introduces a stepwise hydrogen-bond modulation strategy inspired by bamboo basket weaving. Based on this strategy, we fabricated a series of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (OCMC-Na)/gelatin (Gel)-x (PCG-x) hydrogels, of which the PCG-0.5 hydrogel exhibits exceptional mechanical properties (4.9 MPa at 739% strain), high conductivity (4.2 mS cm-1), ultra-low glass transition temperature (-92.1 degrees C), and excellent biocompatibility. This strategy effectively mitigates the common trade-offs among sensing performance, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility in conventional modification approaches. In practical tests, PCG-0.5 facilitated Morse code communication in seawater and gesture-based communication at an ultra-low temperature condition of -76.6 degrees C, achieving 99.8% classification accuracy with a convolutional neural network (CNN). This study provides a new materials strategy for developing highly reliable flexible sensors in harsh environments, opening new avenues for applications in smart sports, specialized robotics, and advanced equipment.
ABSTRACT Polarization‐sensitive photodetection provides a critical degree of freedom for multidimensional optical information processing; however, achieving both high polarization selectivity and direct extraction of the angle of linear polarization (AoLP) within a single compact device remains a significant challenge. Here, we report a photodetector based on twisted Ta 2 NiSe 5 /MoSe 2 /Ta 2 NiSe 5 van‐der‐Waals heterostructure with dual junctions and oppositely oriented built‐in fields. The bias‐driven carrier competition mechanism enables enhanced polarization selectivity, yielding high polarization ratios of 23.1, 21.0, and 12.5 at 405, 638, and 808 nm, respectively, with an 11 µs response time. Furthermore, distinct from conventional intensity‐based detection, the dual‐channel photocurrents establish an intrinsic mapping between polarization states and electrical‐phase space, enabling direct extraction and imaging of AoLP within a single device, without external optics. The device also shows wavelength‐dependent dichroic inversion from visible (405 nm) to near‐infrared (808 nm), enabling orthogonal polarization responses. Leveraging this mechanism, we further demonstrate polarization–spectral multiplexed imaging, multi‐channel optical communication, and ∼99% accurate information decoding via a dual‐channel neural network, as well as a “two‐shot” polarization imaging strategy for low‐contrast enhancement. This work provides a filter‐free approach to polarization‐resolved photodetection, and opens a new avenue toward reconfigurable and multifunctional polarization optoelectronic devices.
Conductive hydrogels can convert external stimuli (such as strain and pressure) into detectable electrical signals, making them ideal candidates for next-generation sensors. Among them, dual-network (DN) hydrogel sensors display uniform stress dissipation, thus effectively enhancing the overall mechanical properties compared to single-network hydrogels. However, the construction of dual networks still faces challenges in reconciling the formation of physically and chemically crosslinked networks. Additionally, the presence of a large amount of unstable “free water” within hydrogels also limits their adaptability to multi-environment sensing. To address these issues, this study developed a stepwise hydrogen bond modulation strategy based on the Hofmeister effect for fabricating DN hydrogels. By introducing magnesium chloride (MgCl2) to weaken interchain hydrogen bonds, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels could achieve more efficient absorption of acrylamide (AAm) solution to form a highly interpenetrating DN. Meanwhile, MgCl2 and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) could synergistically enhance the ionic conductivity. Subsequently, the water/glycerol solution of sodium citrate (Na3Ct) could further strengthen the PVA cross-linking and modulate “free water”, thereby enhancing the mechanical strength and environmental tolerance. The study also provided an in-depth analysis of the underlying mechanism using Raman spectroscopy, offering new insights and theoretical support for related future research. The prepared hydrogel enhanced-PVA/PAAm/PEDOT:PSS/MgCl2 (PPPM-E) demonstrated capabilities in underwater Morse code communication and low-temperature gesture recognition sensing. Based on a convolutional neural network, the system achieved 99.56% accuracy in gesture recognition, highlighting its excellent multi-environment sensing performance.
ABSTRACT Multifunctional optoelectronic devices with programmable photoresponses and self‐powered capabilities are ideal candidates for next‐generation integrated electronics and intelligent sensing systems. However, this remains challenging due to the fixed, single interfacial barriers and limited tunability in conventional heterostructures. This work report a vertically stacked Bi 2 Se 3 /WSe 2 /WS 2 van der Waals heterostructure phototransistor that simultaneously exhibits gate‐programmable, anti‐ambipolar transport characteristics, broadband self‐powered photoresponses, and rectifying switching functions. Owing to the asymmetric energy band alignment and two series‐connected, gate‐reconfigurable interfacial barriers, the device demonstrates pronounced anti‐ambipolar transfer characteristics with dual conductivity peaks, leading to four distinct rectifying regimes. Among them, two gate‐selected rectifying regions exhibit forward rectification with a rectification ratio up to 10 4 and excellent photodetection performance, including a responsivity exceeding 10 5 A/W, a specific detectivity reaching 10 15 Jones, an external quantum efficiency greater than 10 7 %, and a relatively fast response speed on the microsecond scale. Notably, the device can operate in a self‐powered mode, achieving broadband self‐powered photoresponses across wavelengths from ultraviolet to visible and near‐infrared regions and displaying gate‐programmable polarity photocurrents. These features enable multi‐logic optoelectronic encoding, polarity optoelectronic imaging, and neural network‐assisted recognition, providing a versatile platform for low‐power‐consumption, programmable optoelectronics, intelligent imaging, and integrated multifunctional optoelectronic systems.
To address the limitations of single-wavelength absorption at the resonant peak in metal-based photoacoustic materials, a composite structure of aluminum nanoparticle-nanoporous anodic alumina oxide array (AAO-Al NPs) with broadband absorption characteristics is proposed. The combined effect of local surface plasmon resonance from Al nanoparticles of varying sizes and surface plasmon polarization resonance from the Al film significantly enhances light absorption to 93.5% in the 400-1100 nm wavelength range. By comparing the performance of devices with different pore sizes and thicknesses, it was found that larger pore sizes and thinner films enhance the photoacoustic signal strength. Under excitation by a 532 nm pulsed laser with a fluence of 20.5 mJ/cm(2), an AAO-Al NPs-PDMS photoacoustic transducer with a 200 nm pore size and a 15 mu m thickness, featuring a 120 nm Al film deposited on one side of the AAO surface, generated a positive sound pressure of 2.3 MPa, a -6 dB bandwidth of 20.9 MHz, and a photoacoustic conversion efficiency of 0.12%. Moreover, the 1064 nm wavelength can also effectively excite acoustic signals from the sample. These results strongly suggest that self-assembled metal nanoparticles in nanoporous AAO arrays are promising for broadband laser-excited photoacoustic ultrasound applications.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer, and primarily diagnosed by invasive and time-consuming histopathological biopsy, highlighting the need for rapid, non-invasive adjunctive tools. We report the case of a 93-year-old patient presenting with a suspicious scalp lesion who underwent dermoscopy, Wood’s lamp examination, and in vivo Raman spectroscopy prior to biopsy. Conventional clinical examinations suggested a malignant lesion but were unable to determine the specific tumor type, whereas Raman spectra displayed high similarity to former BCC cases and clear separation from actinic keratosis cases by principal component analysis. Characteristic Raman peaks associated with collagen (936 and 1657 cm⁻¹), glycine (1204 cm⁻¹), and phospholipids (1445 cm⁻¹) were identified, consistent with molecular alterations reported in BCC. Although the initial histopathological assessment suggested a benign lesion, subsequent expert review together with immunohistochemical analysis confirmed BCC, aligning with the Raman spectroscopy findings. This case further demonstrates the potential of Raman spectroscopy to complement conventional histopathology and assist in the identification of diagnostically challenging BCC cases.
Polarization-sensitive photodetectors capable of simultaneously resolving optical intensity and polarization state provide expanded information dimensions for remote polarization imaging, optical communication, and artificial vision. However, most existing systems rely on external polarization optics or exhibit weak coupling between spectral and polarization degrees of freedom, limiting their integration and information-processing capability. Here, we report a mixed-dimensional heterojunction by integrating quasi-1D Ta2NiSe5 with 2D MoSe2. Through interfacial band alignment and built-in electric field formation, the heterostructure device enables effective dark current suppression and dual-band polarization-spectral response capability. The Ta2NiSe5/MoSe2 photodetector exhibits broadband photodetection covering ultraviolet to near-infrared (200–1500 nm), with a high detectivity of 1.8 × 1010 Jones, a responsivity of 2340 mA /W, and an external quantum efficiency exceeding 717%, together with a fast temporal response of 48.5 μs. In addition, the device displays competitive polarization sensitivity with polarization ratio values of 5.6 under 638 nm. More importantly, it delivers a strong polarization-sensitive response together with a pronounced wavelength-controlled polarization eigenstate switching behavior, where orthogonal polarization responses are realized between the visible (405 nm) and infrared (808 nm) regimes. Taking advantage of the multidimensional response characteristics, we demonstrated its polarization-spectral multiplexed imaging, multi-channel optical communication, and convolutional neural network-assisted image recognition, achieving an accuracy approaching 99%, highlighting the capability of the device for integrated sensing and computing. This work develops a functional heterostructure for multidimensional optoelectronics and provides a promising strategy toward next-generation intelligent vision systems, polarization communication technologies, and neuromorphic photonic devices.
Abstract The function of a new grating spectrometer with high spectral resolution was verified on the example of arsenic (As) lines. A continuous-wave direct-current arsenic hollow cathode lamp was employed as the light source. Real-time measurements were captured via integrated gratings and a two-dimensional backside-illuminated detector. Spectral lines from both neutral arsenic (As I) and singly ionized arsenic (As II) were successfully recorded across the ultraviolet and visible wavelength ranges with effective suppression of coma aberration. Wavelength calibration was performed with standard spectral lines from Hg and Mn atoms. Over 4000 spectral lines were detected in the wavelength range of 170–600 nm, of which 1129 lines were identified, including 59 spectral lines belongs to As I and As II. The uncertainty between the observed and calculated wavelengths across the entire spectral range was 0.015 nm. These identified lines correspond to electronic transitions between odd-parity levels 4 s 2 4 p 3 , 4 s 2 4 p 2 np and even-parity levels 4 s 4 p 4 , 4 s 2 4 p 2 ns .
Two-dimensional materials (2DMs)-based devices exhibit aerospace potential due to their superior properties. However, the operational reliability of 2DMs-based devices in space environments is significantly influenced by charged-particle radiation, necessitating rigorous ground-based radiation tolerance assessments. Current research on radiation effects in 2DMs is primarily experimental, yet such methodologies are inherently time-consuming, resource-intensive, and limited in throughput. To address these challenges, computational modeling and simulation techniques are increasingly being integrated with experimental characterization to accelerate materials design and unravel underlying physical mechanisms. This review systematically evaluates the state-of-the-art multiscale computational frameworks for 2DMs research, focusing on recent advancements, technical challenges, and emerging opportunities. A novel integrative approach is proposed, combining density functional theory, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, finite element analysis, and machine learning techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on addressing challenges in multiscale modeling, including accurate representation of complex phenomena across spatial and temporal scales under extreme environmental conditions. Conversely, opportunities for enhancing predictive capabilities are highlighted, with implications for expediting materials discovery in electronics, photonics, energy storage, catalysis, and nanomechanical systems. This comprehensive survey provides a strategic roadmap for future research directions in multiscale computational modeling of 2DMs, emphasizing interdisciplinary methodologies that bridge atomistic simulations with macroscale engineering applications. The insights presented herein aim to advance the development of radiation-hardened 2DMs-based devices for next-generation aerospace systems.
Zinc sulfide (ZnS) and ytterbium fluoride (YbF3) optical thin films, as functional materials combining broad-spectrum transparency, excellent mechanical properties, and good environmental stability, demonstrate irreplaceable advantages in infrared optical systems. ZnS and YbF3 films were deposited on germanium (Ge) substrates using thermal evaporation. It was found that the ion source power used to bombard the substrate significantly affects the optical characteristics of the ZnS and YbF3 films. Under relatively high power, the films exhibited refractive index inhomogeneity, leading to a reduction in the transmittance of the optical thin-film components. The surface topography, microstructure, and optical properties of ZnS and YbF3 films deposited on germanium (Ge) substrates under different power conditions were characterized. The results indicate that when the bombardment power is equal to or greater than 525 W, the films exhibit refractive index inhomogeneity, relatively high surface roughness, and a columnar growth structure. In contrast, when the bombardment power is reduced to 455 W, the refractive index inhomogeneity of the films is significantly improved. Analysis suggests that high-energy ion bombardment modifies the surface condition of the Ge substrate by introducing lattice damage and defects, thereby altering the initial nucleation behavior and subsequent growth mode of the deposited films, which eventually leads to refractive index inhomogeneity and degraded optical transmittance. This study elucidates the influence of ion bombardment power on the optical properties of infrared thin films and enables the design and fabrication of high-efficiency anti-reflective coatings for ultra-broadband infrared spectra.
The type-II semimetal 1T' -MoTe2 is considered a promising candidate for advanced optoelectronic devices due to its unique electronic band structure and distorted lattice configuration. However, its polarizationdependent optical properties have not yet been fully elucidated, and the high dark current due to its semimetal nature inhibits device performance enhancement. This work reports a band-engineered 1T' -MoTe2 /MoSe2 van der Waals heterojunction capable of self-powered, broadband, and polarizationsensitive photodetection. Leveraging the asymmetric Schottky contact at the 1T' -MoTe2 /MoSe2 interface, the device achieves efficient separation of photogenerated carriers, delivering a pronounced photoresponse spanning ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths. Under zero bias, it exhibits excellent optoelectronic performance, yielding a responsivity of up to 72.9 mA W-1 and a specific detectivity of up to 3.69 x 108 Jones. Concurrently, the in-plane optical anisotropy of the 1T' -MoTe2 endows the detector with significant polarization sensitivity, achieving a polarization extinction ratio of up to 2.0 under 785 nm. This multifunctionality enables the device to show great potential for applications in polarization-resolved infrared imaging and coded optical communications. Beyond a high-performance photodetector, this work pioneers a strategy for next-generation optoelectronic design by synergizing band engineering with crystal anisotropy in 2D materials. (c) 2025 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.
The development of ultra-broadband antireflection (AR) coatings for optics in multispectral systems presents a critical yet challenging task. A simple method was proposed for preparing gradient index (GRIN) AR films covering wavelengths from visible to mid-wave infrared. These films exhibit low reflectance, ultra-broadband AR performance, incident-angle insensitivity, and environmental stability. At the core of this approach is quantitative control of the refractive index on the nanograss-like alumina (NGLA). The scattering characteristics and surface-area ratios of NGLA samples with varying initial thicknesses were investigated. Subsequently, a GRIN structure based on NGLA was designed and fabricated on both sides of sapphire substrates, achieving reflectance reductions from 13.92% to 0.72% (420-2000nm) and from 11.73% to 1.55% (3000-5000 nm). To further optimize AR performance and scattering suppression, a dual-layer NGLA stack structure with modulated refractive index was implemented on fused silica and black glass substrates. These dual-layer films maintained reflectance below 1% across 400-2500 nm and demonstrated excellent stability under wide-angle incidence, saltwater immersion, and temperature variations. The proposed broadband AR coating process is simple, cost-effective, and easy to scale up for industrial production, demonstrating significant potential in optical applications.
The spectra of neutral arsenic (As I) and singly ionized arsenic (As II) covering the ultraviolet and visible wavelength range were measured with a coma-free grating spectrometer. Real-time measurements were captured via integrated gratings and a two-dimensional backside-illuminated detector. Wavelength calibration was performed with standard spectral lines from Hg and Mn atoms. The light source for observing the arsenic spectra was a continuous direct-current arsenic hollow cathode lamp. Over 4000 spectral lines were detected in the wavelength range of 170–600 nm, of which 1138 lines were identified, including 59 spectral lines belongs to As I and As II. The uncertainty between the observed and calculated wavelengths across the entire spectral range was 0.015 nm. These identified lines correspond to electronic transitions between odd levels 4s2 4p3, 4s2 4p2ns and even levels 4s 4p4, 4s2 4p2ns, and 4s2 4p2np.
Actinic keratosis (AK), a precancerous skin lesion with malignant potential, demands timely diagnosis and effective treatment monitoring. Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is the recommended treatment for AK, but there is currently a lack of methods to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Raman spectroscopy might be a promising tool for non-invasive diagnosis of AK and dynamic detection of PDT efficacy. This article reports a 77-year-old female patient with AK who received Raman spectroscopy detection and successful PDT. Utilizing a portable Raman spectrometer, distinct spectral features were identified: Raman band at 1688 cm⁻¹, attributed to elastin accumulation in AK lesions, and Raman band at 1615 cm⁻¹, associated with tyrosine, a melanin precursor. The patient underwent three sessions of ALA-PDT and Raman spectra were acquired after each session to reveal progressive changes in peak intensities. The findings demonstrate Raman spectroscopy's dual potential: non-invasive diagnosis via elastin-related biomarkers and real-time efficacy evaluation of PDT through tyrosine-associated spectral changes, offering molecular specificity and dynamic monitoring without invasive procedures.
Radiative cooling is a passive cooling strategy that dissipates heat externally through the atmospheric window (8–13 μm). This study presents a radiative cooling film with a simple and cost-effective fabrication process. The film was fabricated by mixing SiO₂ hollow microspheres with a UV-curable resin, employing a photopolymerization-induced phase separation method. The resulting gradient refractive index structure enhanced thermal radiation emissivity. At an optimal silica-to-resin mass ratio of 1:1.5 and a film thickness of 1.1 mm, the film achieved a solar reflectivity of 85% and an emissivity of 91% within the atmospheric window. Outdoor experiments conducted in both summer and winter demonstrated stable cooling performance. Under a solar irradiance of 796.9 W/m2 (summer), the film reduced surface temperature by 10 °C compared to ambient air and 20 °C compared to an uncoated glass substrate, achieving a radiative cooling power of 76.7 W/m2. In winter (solar irradiance of 588.8 W/m2), the film maintained a significant cooling effect, though with reduced efficiency due to lower solar exposure. Furthermore, long-term stability tests over six months showed that the film retained high solar reflectivity and infrared emissivity, indicating good durability. Overall, the developed radiative cooling films demonstrate excellent optical properties, structural stability, and cooling efficiency, making it a promising candidate for real-world radiative cooling applications. Further studies on environmental resilience and optimization under diverse climatic conditions are necessary for broader deployment.
As a passive cooling method, radiative cooling is intrinsically energy-efficient and environmentally friendly because it consumes no electric energy and releases no carbon emissions. Smart radiative cooling introduces a new dimension to the current research playground, especially with the use of vanadium dioxide (VO2) to enable passively adaptive temperature-varying response. Here, we propose a temperature-adaptive radiative cooling metasurface based on a two-size VO2 microstructure for broadband absorption in the 8 to 13 mu m atmospheric window, showing a cooling power contrast of similar to 100 W/m(2) around the phase transition temperature. We show the dynamic capability of the next-generation multifunctional and intelligent designs and devices. (c) 2025 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)
The light absorption of an optical element or material is limited by the surface reflectance, and an anti-reflection (AR) film is necessary to enhance the absorption. We propose a simple and convenient method to fabricate AR film of nano scale thickness with properties of low reflectivity, ultra-wide spectra and incident angular insensitivity, to enhance light absorption. A layer of refractive-index-gradient nano-grass-like alumina (NGLA) plays a key role, which was converted from an Al2O3 layer by atomic layer deposition via a hot water bath. The optical properties of NGLA samples prepared by different processes were investigated. Black glass and black lacquer- sprayed fused silica, which are opaque in the solar spectral range, were chosen as substrates to act as the absorber device. One proposed coated absorber has an average absorptivity of 99.75 % in the wavelength range of 400-1100 nm and another one has an average absorptivity of 98.76 % in the wavelength range of 400-2500 nm. Meantime, we have hydrophobized the AR film to convert superhydrophilic surface to superhydrophobic surface. The proposed coated broadband absorber has great potential for application in the field of light absorption for its simple fabrication process, low cost, and other characteristics that facilitate industrial manufacturing.
Despite being key materials for overcoming limitations in traditional optoelectronic technologies, 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) still face challenges due to intrinsic defects that hinder carrier transport, making interfacial modulation essential for enhancing photovoltaic performance. In this study, MoSSe/MoSe2 van der Waals heterojunction photodetectors with type-II band alignment are constructed through a combined strategy of alloying and heterojunction energy band modulation. The built-in electric field formed at the heterojunction interface significantly enhances the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the device, achieving an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of up to 470% under 550 nm illumination. Under zero bias, the device exhibits excellent self-powered performance, with an ultra-low dark current of 5 x 10-15 A, a high specific detectivity of 2.4 x 109 Jones, and an ultra-broadband spectral response ranging from 200 to 1000 nm. Furthermore, the detector demonstrates considerable potential for applications in cryptographic data transmission and sensitive multi-wavelength imaging. This work provides new insights into the study of 2D TMDs alloys and the design of high-performance photodetectors, highlighting their applicability in optical communications, imaging, and sensing.