Researchers from Moscow and St. Petersburg expanded the study of gallium phosphide nanowires, creating advanced optical elements intended for the integrated circuits of tomorrow. Their findings, reported in a compact form, showcase how these nanostructures can steer and control light at the nanoscale, opening doors to compact, high-performance photonic components in computing systems. The work brings together teams from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, the Center for Photonics and Two-Dimensional Materials, and the laboratory of functional nanomaterials, with collaborators from other leading Russian institutions. The collaboration draws on the expertise found across the St. Petersburg Academic University, the Higher School of Economics, ITMO University, SPbSU, SPbPU, and Yerevan State University, highlighting a crossregional effort in nanophotonics research [Citation: Journal of Small, Research Brief, 2023].
In the initial phase of the experiments, the team explored how the diameter of a gallium phosphide nanowire affects the ability to guide light. A laser beam was focused on one end of a nanocrystal, and an optical microscope observed whether light emerged from the opposite end. The experiments demonstrated that the narrowest effective diameter of a nanowire for successful light transmission depends on the laser wavelength. Shorter wavelengths required a smaller diameter, while longer wavelengths demanded a broader core to sustain propagation. These results establish a practical rule for designing nanoscale waveguides tailored to specific wavelengths in visible to near infrared ranges.
Further analysis examined the transmittance properties of the nanowire waveguides in greater detail. Broadband laser radiation spanning the visible to near-infrared spectrum was directed into one end of the wire, and the emitted spectrum was measured at the other end. The observed output varied with the waveguide diameter, and certain wires exhibited sharp peaks in their transmission spectra. This behavior indicates resonant properties within gallium phosphide waveguides, suggesting their potential as on chip light amplifiers, narrowband filters, and on demand nanoscale light sources. Such features hold promise for integrated photonics where precise spectral control is essential for communication and computation tasks.
The final portion of the investigation addressed the behavior of junctions formed by combining nanowires. Researchers bent two wires and joined them in an X shaped configuration. Illuminating one end generated light signals detectable at both termini, confirming robust optical connectivity through the junction. By integrating multiple such nanowire junctions, the study demonstrated that the material retains its structural integrity and maintains light transmission even under significant bending. This resilience supports the viability of flexible, scalable photonic networks that can adapt to complex circuit layouts without sacrificing performance.
Overall, the research shows that gallium phosphide nanowires hold considerable promise for next generation photonic components. Their ability to guide, filter, and amplify light at the nanoscale makes them compelling candidates for on chip lasers, wavelength multiplexing, and highly integrated optical interconnects. As the field progresses, these findings may guide practical implementations in data centers, high-performance computing, and communications systems that demand compact and efficient light management at the chip level. These conclusions align with broader efforts to bring photonics closer to mainstream microelectronics, enabling faster data processing and reduced energy consumption in future devices [Citation: Journal of Small, Research Brief, 2023].
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