Polarization‐Independent Thermoplasmonic Optical Filtering Using Cholesteric Liquid Crystals and Gold Nanorod Arrays
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The photothermal response of a gold nanorods array to near‐infrared irradiation is used to dynamically tune the Bragg reflection band of adjacent cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) layers. By cascading two CLC cells with opposite handedness (right‐ and left‐handed) and with the same peak Bragg wavelength, a compact device capable of reflecting nearly 100% of unpolarized incident light is achieved. The thermoplasmonic heating enables reversible spectral tuning of the reflection band over ~80 nm in the visible range via temperature‐induced changes in birefringence and pitch. This strategy demonstrates a remotely actuated and contact‐free platform for tunable optical filters, with potential applications in smart photonic devices, optical communications, sensing, and liquid crystal displays.
Source: Advanced Photonics Research
DOI: 10.1002/adpr.70293
Institutions: Sapienza University of Rome, National Research Council, Institute of Crystallography, Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements (United States), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Jeonbuk National University, Istituto di Nanotecnologia
Language: English
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,070
OpenAlex ID: W7221828553