New method enables graphene-based thermal light emitters that are directly grown on chips
Researchers from Japan's Keio University and Waseda University explain that graphene has substantial potential for on-chip nanoscale light sources, due to its small size, high brightness and fast-modulating blackbody radiation sources, but a known problem is the need for transfer processes when mechanically exfoliated or chemical vapor deposited graphene are used, resulting in low productivity and degradation of graphene quality.
To address this issue, the team fabricated a graphene-based thermal light emitter by using an etching-precipitation method that does not require the transfer process. Infrared and visible light emission was observed from the central constricted area, forming a hot spot. Raman measurements confirmed that defect healing occurred in the central hot spot of graphene due to the annealing effect caused by Joule heating. The team also demonstrated that the device has long-term luminescence stability.
