New Publication: Transmission Properties of FeCl3-Intercalated Graphene and WS2 Thin Films for Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy Applications

Congratulations to fourth year PGRs Ben Hogan and Kieran Walsh, who are authors on ‘Transmission Properties of FeCl₃-Intercalated Graphene and WS₂ Thin Films for Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy Applications’, which was published last month in Nanoscale Research Letters.

Ben explains the impact of the research findings:

By using new and unique methods developed at the University of Exeter, we have produced thin films of different two-dimensional (2D) materials. These thin films can then be transferred easily to almost any other surface. In this work we have then investigated the properties of the different 2D materials in the terahertz frequency range. The results show that the tested 2D materials are suitable for applications in terahertz modulation devices. Ultimately, this work, with further improvement, could lead to cheaper and improved terahertz systems with applications ranging from non-destructive materials testing, to biomedical imaging, and security and communications technologies.

Abstract of ‘Transmission Properties of FeCl₃-Intercalated Graphene and WS₂ Thin Films for Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy Applications below:

Abstract

Time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy has become a common method both for fundamental and applied studies focused on improving the quality of human life. However, the issue of finding materials applicable in these systems is still relevant. One of the appropriate solution is 2D materials. Here, we demonstrate the transmission properties of unique graphene-based structures with iron trichloride FeCl₃ dopant on glass, sapphire and Kapton polyimide film substrates that previously were not investigated in the framework of the above-described problems in near infrared and THz ranges. We also show properties of a thin tungsten disulfide WS₂ film fabricated from liquid crystal solutions transferred to a polyimide and polyethylene terephthalate substrates. The introduction of impurities, the selection of structural dimensions and the use of an appropriate substrate for modified 2D layered materials allow to control the transmission of samples for both the terahertz and infrared ranges, which can be used for creation of effective modulators and components for THz spectroscopy systems.