Using nature to produce a revolutionary optical material

Nanowerk  September 5, 2019
An international team of researchers (China, Israel, Ireland) reports on the unique nano-photonic properties of elemental tellurium particles [Te(0)], as harvest from a culture of a tellurium-oxyanion respiring bacteria. These nano-crystals prove effective in the photonic applications in the mid-infrared range compared to the chemically-formed nano-materials, suggesting a unique and environmentally friendly route of synthesis. They used the nanocrystals and a polymer to build an electro-optic switch that is immune to damage from lasers. The new material could be used to safeguard drones, surveillance cameras and other equipment against laser attacks, which can disable or destroy the equipment…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE

Bacillus beveridgei strain MLTeJB, composed of aggregated Te(0) shards. Credit: US Geological Survey

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