2D nanoflakes of material extracted from iron ore can protect sensitive optical equipment from light-induced damage

Source: The post is based on the article “2D nanoflakes of material extracted from iron ore can protect sensitive optical equipment from light-induced damage”  published in PIB on 27th July 2023

What is the News?

Researchers in India have developed a new and highly efficient optical limiter using a novel 2D material, ‘hematene’.

They found that 2D nanoflakes of hematene are capable of withstanding and acting as shield from high laser intensities. 

Hence, it could be used to make devices called optical limiters that can protect sensitive optical equipment from light-induced damage.

What are Nanoflakes?

Nanoflakes are a type of nanomaterial that consists of thin, two-dimensional (2D) flakes with nanoscale dimensions. These flakes typically have a high aspect ratio, meaning their length is much greater than their thickness. 

Nanoflakes can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, metal oxides, semiconductors, and other types of nanomaterials.

Nanoflakes have attracted significant attention in various fields of science and technology, such as nanoelectronics, photonics, catalysis, energy storage, and sensing applications.

Their large surface area-to-volume ratio and unique electronic properties make them promising candidates for enhancing the performance of many devices and technologies.

What is Hematene?

Hematene refers to a nanomaterial derived from hematite, which is an iron oxide mineral. Hematite has a reddish-black color and is a common mineral found in nature. 

Hematene is created by exfoliating, or peeling off, thin layers of hematite to obtain a two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial with nanoscale thickness.

The unique properties of Hematene as a 2D nanomaterial, make it interesting for various applications in nanotechnology, such as in electronics, sensing and energy storage.