Breakthrough Crystal Lets Scientists “Write” Nanoscale Patterns With Light
Scientists have discovered a crystal, arsenic trisulfide (As2S3), that can be reshaped and programmed using ordinary light, allowing for the creation of nanoscale patterns and optical functions. The material exhibits a large light-induced refractive index change, making it suitable for applications such as telecommunications, sensors, and anti-counterfeiting.
A team of scientists has identified a crystal that can be reshaped and programmed using ordinary light. Researchers at the XPANCEO Emerging Technologies Research Center, working with Prof. Konstantin Novoselov, found that arsenic trisulfide (As2S3) exhibits unusual optical behavior and can be permanently altered by light. The material shows a large light-induced refractive index change (up to Δn ≈ 0.3), enabling the creation of highly detailed patterns embedded within the transparent material. These patterns can act as 'optical fingerprints' for anti-counterfeiting and traceability. Researchers demonstrated this capability by 'sculpting' a microscopic monochromatic portrait of Albert Einstein on a thin flake of the material using a standard laser. The discovery opens a new path for building optical technology and developing sophisticated optical devices.
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