Broadband switchable infrared absorbers using phase-change materials

We introduce multilayer structures with the phase-change material Ge\(_2\)Sb\(_2\)Te\(_5\) (GST) for use as broadband switchable absorbers in the infrared wavelength range. We optimize both the material composition and the layer thicknesses of the multilayer structures, in order to maximize the diff...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inarXiv.org
Main Authors Emrose, Md Tanvir, Payne, Emily L, You, Chenglong, Veronis, Georgios
Format Paper
LanguageEnglish
Published Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 20.10.2023
Subjects
Absorbers
Broadband
Infrared absorption
Multilayers
Phase change materials
Thickness
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Summary:We introduce multilayer structures with the phase-change material Ge\(_2\)Sb\(_2\)Te\(_5\) (GST) for use as broadband switchable absorbers in the infrared wavelength range. We optimize both the material composition and the layer thicknesses of the multilayer structures, in order to maximize the difference between the absorption for GST in its crystalline phase and the absorption for GST in its amorphous phase in the wavelength range of interest. We show that in the optimized structures near perfect absorption can be switched to very low absorption in a broad wavelength range by switching GST from its crystalline to its amorphous phase. Our optimized lithography-free structures have better performance than harder-to-fabricate three-dimensional structures. Our results could pave the way to a new class of broadband switchable absorbers and thermal sources in the infrared wavelength range.
ISSN:2331-8422