Work

Mid-infrared optical valve based on VO 2

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We demonstrate an efficient optical binary-switch effect in nanoslit arrays achieved via the temperature-induced phase transition of VO 2 . Experimental measurements reveal a polarization-dependent 60% reduction in reflectivity during the insulator-to-metal transition. Tuning a single parameter of the slit enables control over the “optical-valve” effect. Full numerical simulations support these findings, predicting a reflectivity reduction up to 90%. The nearly one-to-null transition in reflectivity mimics the operation of a digital switch, with the high-reflectivity and the low-reflectivity states providing a binary response much like digital electronics.

Source: Physical Review Research

DOI: 10.1103/lyrm-djr7

Authors: Antonio García-Martín, Raquel Álvaro, Zhuoqun Fang, Alexandre Zimmers, Zhuoying Chen, Lionel Aigouy

Institutions: Institute of Micro and Nanotechnology, Sorbonne Université, Laboratoire de Physique et d’Étude des Matériaux

Language: English

Topic: Transition Metal Oxide Nanomaterials

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,625