New optical technologies for graphene modification will develop a new generation of nanoelectronics

Scientists of the Center "Probe Microscopy and Nanotechnology" (MIET) received a grant from the Russian Science Foundation to extend research on the project "Local photochemical reconstruction of two-dimensional carbon nanostructures to develop elements of integrated electronics of a new generation." The task is to develop optical technologies and functional elements of optoelectronics and sensors based on hybrid graphene nanostructures that operate on new physical effects and have biosimilar properties.

During the first three-year project, a research group led by Ivan Bobrinetsky, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor of the Chair of Quantum Physics and Nanoelectronics at MIET, discovered new effects and phenomena in the field of graphene photochemistry, as well as opportunities for applying these effects in biological sensor devices and new optoelectronic elements. The results of the study were published in the Advanced Functional Materials journal.

Now scientists plan to develop the described technology in relation to other biological objects, for example, "sew" DNA molecules with light to develop highly sensitive biosensors.

Also the researchers will develop the existed laser local modification methods applied to new two-dimensional structures, namely, van der Waals heterostructures. Such materials will increase the stability of many two-dimensional materials, and the developed photochemical processes will make it possible to control the properties locally and modify them when developing new optoelectronic elements.

The research is of global significance: the project will help to form a new physical and technological basis for all-optical technologies in nanoelectronics based on two-dimensional nanomaterials.

The technology can be applied when developing highly sensitive biosensors for pathogens detecting, for example, during in vivo and in vitro diagnostics of patients and drug testing; developing detectors of ultrashort optical radiation; "green technology" for solar panels and etc.