Focus: GS III: Science and Technology
Why in News?
Researchers have come up with a new and highly efficient optical limiter using a novel 2D material, ‘hematene’.
Key Findings: Hematene Nanoflakes for Optical Limiters
- Hematene Nanoflakes’ Potential: Nanoflakes of hematene, extracted from iron ore (hematite), have been discovered to withstand and shield from high laser intensities effectively.
- Optical Limiters Application: Hematene nanoflakes can be used to create optical limiters, devices that protect sensitive optical equipment from light-induced damage.
- Protection Against Laser Radiation: Laser sources emit concentrated and powerful radiation that can be harmful to optical devices such as sensors, detectors, etc.
- Control of Light Transmission: Optical limiters control the amount of light passing through them, thereby preventing damage to optical components when the input intensity increases.
- Applications: Optical limiters find utility in various fields, including laser technologies, military applications, telecommunications, aircraft, and scientific research.
Key Facts about Hematene:
- Source: Hematene is extracted from naturally occurring hematite, which is the mineral form of iron(III) oxide. The extraction process involves sonication, centrifugation, and vacuum-assisted filtration.
- Thickness and Photocatalysis: Hematene measures just three atoms thick and exhibits more efficient photocatalysis.
- Ferromagnetic Properties: Hematene displays ferromagnetic properties, making it behave like a common magnet.
- Performance in Optical Limiting: Hematene nanoflakes demonstrate exceptional optical limiting of green laser light (532 nm) while maintaining a high linear transmission (about 87%) for low-intensity light.
