PCM Infrared Modulator

Plasmonics and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory has developed a new class of Spatial Light  Modulators (SLMs) utilizing phase-change materials (PCMs). Controlling the optical property of PCM’s is achieved by electrical biasing and results from the re-ordering of the material’s crystal structure. Coupling these materials to an IR coating makes it possible to engineer an active surface with a wide range of optical behaviors including dynamic amplitude, polarization, and directionality. These behaviors can be leveraged to assemble various compact, dynamic optical elements such as filters, polarizers, beamsteerers, and absorbers.