Solution processable and optically switchable 1D photonic structures

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Optics

Background:

• Photonic crystals offer unique light manipulation properties.
• Doped metal oxide nanocrystals exhibit tunable plasmonic behavior.
• Optical switching requires materials with dynamic optical responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a solution-processable, optically switchable 1D photonic crystal.
• To integrate phototunable doped metal oxide nanocrystals into photonic crystals.
• To achieve ultrafast optical switching by tuning plasmonic and photonic properties.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 1D photonic crystal incorporating doped metal oxide nanocrystals.
• Utilizing a facile photodoping process to tune nanocrystal properties.
• Optical characterization of the device's dual optical response (photonic bandgap and plasmon resonance).
• Ultrafast spectroscopy to measure signal changes and recovery times.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a dual optical response with photonic bandgap in the visible and plasmon resonance in the near-infrared.
• Achieved effective optical switching by tuning the plasmonic response via photodoping.
• Observed ultrafast bandgap pumping with picosecond recovery times.
• Optical modeling highlighted the role of dielectric function variations in visible switching.

Conclusions:

• A new protocol for optical modification of photonic devices using optical triggers was established.
• The developed photonic crystal offers unprecedented tunability from visible to near-infrared.
• This work is a step towards ultrafast optical switching applications.