Optical impedance transformer for transparent conducting electrodes

A fundamental limitation of transparent conducting electrode design is thought to be the trade-off between photonic and electronic performances. The photonic transmission property of a transparent conducting electrode, however, is not intrinsic but depends critically on the electromagnetic environment where the electrode is located. We develop the concept of optical impedance transformation, and use this concept to design nanophotonic structures that provide broadband and omnidirectional reduction of optical loss in an ultrathin transparent conducting electrode, without compromising its electrical performance.