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Broadband high-contrast visible optical switches based on a spin-crossover material
Applied Optics
|January 6, 2023
Summary
This study presents broadband, high-contrast optical switches using spin-crossover thin films and frustrated total internal reflection. Practical devices achieve over 90% contrast across a 270 nm bandwidth, outperforming resonant designs.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Photonics
Background:
- Spin-crossover (SCO) materials offer tunable optical properties.
- Frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) is a principle for optical switching.
- Developing broadband, high-contrast optical switches is crucial for advanced photonics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically study and optimize visible optical switches.
- To achieve broadband operation and high contrast ratios.
- To implement and validate a practical device using SCO thin films.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of optical switches based on FTIR.
- Integration of a 1-µm-thick iron-triazolyl-borate SCO complex thin film.
- Characterization of device performance, including contrast and bandwidth.
Main Results:
- Achieved p-polarized modulation with >90% contrast.
- Demonstrated a spectral bandwidth >270 nm.
- Obtained an angular acceptance bandwidth of 0.45°.
Conclusions:
- The developed FTIR optical switches surpass the performance of resonant devices.
- SCO thin films are effective thermo-active materials for high-performance optical switching.
- The study provides a pathway for broadband, high-contrast optical switch development.
