Optically imprinted reconfigurable photonic elements in a VO{sub 2} nanocomposite
- Experimentelle Physik 2, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Straße 4, 44227 Dortmund (Germany)
- Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik 1 and Augsburg Centre for Innovative Technologies (ACIT), Universität Augsburg, Universitätstr. 1, 86159 Augsburg (Germany)
- Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik IV, Universität Augsburg, Universitätstr. 1, 86159 Augsburg (Germany)
We investigate the optical and thermal hysteresis of single-domain vanadium dioxide nanocrystals fabricated by ion beam synthesis in a fused silica matrix. The nanocrystals exhibit a giant hysteresis, which permits to optically generate a long-time stable supercooled metallic phase persistent down to practically room temperature. Spatial patterns of supercooled and insulating nanocrystals feature a large dielectric contrast, in particular, for telecom wavelengths. We utilize this contrast to optically imprint reconfigurable photonic elements comprising diffraction gratings as well as on- and off-axis zone plates. The structures allow for highly repetitive (>10{sup 4}) cycling through the phase transition without structural damage.
- OSTI ID:
- 22310863
- Journal Information:
- Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 105, Issue 7; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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