Vibrations in Minerals Control the Polarization of Terahertz Waves
Advancements in two-dimensional material research open a new chapter in controlling terahertz waves utilizing the peculiarities of van der Waals minerals. This innovative study led by IFUSP reveals that vibrations in clinoclore, a naturally abundant mineral, can significantly manipulate the polarization of light in the terahertz range.
This mineral consists of layers that, when exfoliated, offer revolutionary possibilities for material science. Since the discovery of graphene, the field of 2D materials has continuously expanded, providing unique properties for emerging technological applications.
The study highlights:
- The control method through the use of material resonance.
- Tuning the frequency of this resonance with impurity engineering.
- The possibility of using macroscopic samples obtained directly from the geological environment, providing low-cost technological alternatives.
With support from FAPESP and CNPq, this pionering research promises to apply natural minerals in engineering new materials, optimizing their optical properties in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
For additional details, visit the research group's portal: portal.if.usp.br/terahertz
Read the full article: Shaping terahertz waves using anisotropic shear modes in a van der Waals mineral, npj 2D Materials and Applications DOI