Vanadium Oxide Photonic Crystal Thermochromic Optical Switch

Agiltron proposes to use patterned metal-vanadium oxide layers as a fast, high contrast infrared optical switch. The desired effect, based upon extraordinary optical transmission, has been demonstrated for visible light and should have greater contrast in the infrared. The effect of grain size, thickness and composition (oxygen content) of VO2 on the phase transition temperature and width of hysteresis loop for resistance as a function of temperature will be determined as well as the effect of the substrate on these parameters and switching speed. Wavelength response will vary with the pattern and this effect will also be measured. VO2 films will be deposited and sintered by a subcontractor, Vanderbilt University, with extensive experience with this material. Agiltron, with extensive experience in manufacturing photonic structures, will deposit all other films (metal and interfaces), pattern films, and measure thermal and optical effects. In Phase 2 Agiltron will test alternate geometries (plasmonic crystals), use of the included metal film for thermal heating (biasing), doping the VO2, additional filters, fabricate and deliver systems for field tests.