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Pixel switching of epitaxial Pd/YH x /CaF 2 switchable mirrors
Exposure of rare-earth films to hydrogen can induce a metal-insulator transition, accompanied by pronounced optical changes. This 'switchable mirror' effect has received considerable attention from theoretical, experimental and technological points of view. Most systems use polycrystalline...
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| Published in: | Nature (London) 2000-08, Vol.406 (6795), p.489-491 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Exposure of rare-earth films to hydrogen can induce a metal-insulator
transition, accompanied by pronounced optical changes. This 'switchable
mirror' effect has received considerable attention from
theoretical, experimental and technological points of view. Most systems use polycrystalline films, but the
synthesis of yttrium-based epitaxial switchable mirrors has
also been reported. The latter form an extended self-organized ridge network
during initial hydrogen loading, which results in the creation
of micrometre-sized triangular domains. Here we observe homogeneous and essentially
independent optical switching of individual domains in epitaxial switchable
mirrors during hydrogen absorption. The optical switching is accompanied by
topographical changes as the domains sequentially expand and contract; the
ridges block lateral hydrogen diffusion and serve as a microscopic lubricant
for the domain oscillations. We observe the correlated changes in topology
and optical properties using in situ atomic force and optical
microscopy. Single-domain phase switching is not observed in polycrystalline
films, which are optically homogeneous. The ability to generate
a tunable, dense pattern of switchable pixels is of technological relevance
for solid-state displays based on switchable mirrors. |
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| ISSN: | 0028-0836 1476-4687 |
| DOI: | 10.1038/35020024 |