Polarization tunable transmitted full-color display enabling switchable bright and dark states

Area of Science:

• Nanophotonics
• Metamaterials
• Optics

Background:

• Structural colors offer durable, high-resolution color generation.
• Previous research primarily focused on reflective structural colors.
• Limited exploration of high-saturation, dynamic transmission colors for RGB models exists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically demonstrate hybrid Al-Si3N4 nanogratings for switchable transmission colors.
• To achieve full-hue and high-saturation RGB structural colors in transmission mode.
• To enhance switching performance between bright and dark states.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing hybrid aluminum (Al) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) nanogratings.
• Incorporating SiO2 capping and MgF2 bottom layers.
• Investigating polarization-dependent switching of transmitted structural colors.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated complete on/off switching of full-hue, high-saturation transmitted colors via polarization.
• Achieved transmittance spectra with ~58 nm FWHM and >70% efficiency in the on state.
• Observed color gamut coverage of 125% sRGB and 80% Adobe sRGB.
• Maintained near-zero transmittance in the off state and suppressed spectral sidebands.
• Showcased full-hue color realization and near-black state retention across wide incident angles (0°-50°).

Conclusions:

• The hybrid nanogratings enable high-performance, polarization-controlled transmission structural colors.
• The design offers significant improvements in color saturation, switching contrast, and angular stability.
• This strategy holds promise for advanced applications in color encryption and multichannel imaging.