GST-based optical switch using dual stub metal-insulator-metal structure with low switching energy and improved functionality for neuromorphic applications
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: A compact plasmonic optical switch based on a dual-stub metal–insulator–metal (MIM) filtering structure is proposed for neuromorphic photonic applications. Switching functionality is achieved by integrating a nanoscale Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 (GST) phase-change layer with dimensions of 35 × 10 nm 2 into the resonator coupling region. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed device operates with an estimated absorbed switching energy of approximately 4 pJ in the GST region, representing a significant reduction compared with representative Kerr-based plasmonic switches reported in the literature. Owing to the optimized resonator geometry and precise nanoscale engineering of the GST layer, a high switching contrast of up to 87% is achieved while maintaining an ultra-compact footprint of 0.035 μm 2 . In addition, the non-volatile nature of GST enables stable optical transmission states and provides a promising physical platform for programmable optical synaptic devices in future neuromorphic photonic systems. The obtained results highlight the potential of GST-assisted plasmonic switches as low-energy, compact, and scalable building blocks for next-generation neuromorphic photonic networks.
Source: Physics Open
Institution: Semnan University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,700
OpenAlex ID: W7167735477