Scientists use light to sculpt a portrait of Albert Einstein in sensitive crystal, paving the way for a new technological era in photonics.

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 21/04/2026 at 19:06

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The discovery that the sensitive crystal trisulfide of arsenic can be permanently molded by common lasers allows for the creation of advanced low-cost optical devices.

Researchers at the XPANCEO Emerging Technologies Research Center have managed to sculpt a microscopic portrait of Albert Einstein in a sensitive crystal using only beams of light.

The study, conducted in collaboration with Nobel Prize winner Konstantin Novoselov, utilizes trisulfide of arsenic ($As_{2}S_{3}$), a van der Waals crystalline semiconductor. This innovation allows for the creation of ultrathin optical patterns without the need for expensive manufacturing tools or high-tech clean rooms.

The advancement is based on photorefractivity, a property that allows light to permanently alter the refractive index of the material. When exposed to low-intensity ultraviolet light, the sensitive crystal exhibited an exceptional change in its ability to bend light, surpassing materials traditionally used in the industry.

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Nanometric Sculpture and Security

To demonstrate the precision of the technique, the team used a continuous wave laser to engrave the monochromatic image of Einstein with a spacing of only 700 nanometers between the points. Additional experiments confirmed that the sensitive crystal supports even higher resolutions, reaching about 50,000 dots per inch.

Due to the light-induced changes, the resulting patterns have a strong optical contrast, making them easily detectable by specific reading methods.

These high-density engravings can act as unique optical signatures, functioning as “fingerprints” that are difficult to replicate. The application is promising for the security sector, especially in combating counterfeiting and tracking high-value products. As the patterns remain permanently embedded in the transparent material, they provide a layer of physical and digital protection directly integrated into the component.

Physical Expansion and the Future of Photonics

In addition to changes in the refractive index, the material undergoes a physical expansion of up to 5% when exposed to light. This feature allows scientists to mold three-dimensional structures, such as microlenses and diffraction gratings, directly on the surface of the sensitive crystal.

Such components are fundamental for the development of waveguides with a wide field of view, essential in augmented reality devices and smart contact lenses.

The use of this sensitive crystal represents a significant step towards the creation of photonic circuits and nanoscale sensors that operate based on light rather than electricity. Valentyn Volkov, technology director at XPANCEO, emphasizes that identifying natural crystals with this sensitivity provides the building blocks for a new generation of technology.

The method eliminates barriers of cost and complexity, allowing sophisticated devices to be manufactured more affordably and efficiently.

With information from Sciencedaily

Scientists use light to sculpt a portrait of Albert Einstein in sensitive crystal, paving the way for a new technological era in photonics.

The discovery that the sensitive crystal trisulfide of arsenic can be permanently molded by common lasers allows for the creation of advanced low-cost optical devices.

Nanometric Sculpture and Security

Physical Expansion and the Future of Photonics

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The discovery that the sensitive crystal trisulfide of arsenic can be permanently molded by common lasers allows for the creation of advanced low-cost optical devices.

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Australia prepares to dredge 96.5 million m³ in Moreton Bay to deepen, widen, and realign channels of the Port of Brisbane, in a project of up to 25 years designed to accommodate larger ships and enhance maritime safety and regional port efficiency.

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