Reconfigurable Infrared Flat Optics with Phase Change Materials

In the realm of light manipulation technologies, infrared transmission is highly valued for applications like hyperspectral imaging, lidar systems, sensing systems, and more. For these applications' effectiveness, a high-speed, responsive, and adaptive phase-changing element is critical. However, many existing materials do not meet these requirements, leading to a pressing need for a material with quick phase-changing abilities. Common approaches suffer from multiple disadvantages, including slow processing speed, rigid phase modulation, and incapacity to support wide incident angles. Current materials lack the adaptability required for a broad range of applications and often fail to provide a comprehensive solution that handles high speed, wide angles, and reversible operations. Therefore, the limitations of current materials underscore the need for a more versatile, efficient, and adaptable technology.

Technology Description

The GSST technology features phase-change materials able to switch states from a low-index, amorphous form to a high-index hexagonal form, over a wavelength range of 2 to 10 microns. The GSST’s thickness can be adjusted to provide a mix of phase modulation, amplitude modulation, or both together. Switching can be triggered by heat in an oven, in visible light, or electrically via Joule heating, at speeds from kilohertz to gigahertz. This capability allows a broad range of operations, supporting wide incident angles up to 60 degrees, and reversible, polarization-independent transmission switching. The distinguishing aspect of GSST technology lies in its quick, solid-state, and efficient phase-change ability, providing fast processing speeds. Furthermore, its reversible and polarization-independent transmission-switching capacity allows for versatility in operation, extending its usage across various light-sensitive applications. Moreover, the adjustable thickness property of GSST adds to its adaptability, allowing for customizable modulation according to application needs.