Tunable Infrared Devices via Ferroelectric Domain Reconfiguration. Issue 24 (4th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beechem, Thomas E.; Goldflam, Michael D.; Sinclair, Michael B.; Peters, David W.; McDonald, Anthony E.; Paisley, Elizabeth A.; Kitahara, Andrew R.; Drury, Daniel E.; Burckel, D. Bruce; Finnegan, Patrick S.; Kim, Jong‐Woo; Choi, Yongseong; Ryan, Philip J.; Ihlefeld, Jon F.
• Is Part Of: Advanced optical materials. Volume 6:Issue 24(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-11-04
• Subjects: electrically tunable -- ferroelectrics -- infrared devices -- plasmonics -- phonons; Optical materials -- Periodicals; Photonics -- Periodicals; 620.11295
• DOI: 10.1002/adom.201800862
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2195-1071

Abstract

Abstract: Despite widespread use in sensing, electro‐optics, and catalysis, plasmonic elements are typically static in their spectral response. The subwavelength spatial confinement and enhanced electric fields intrinsic to plasmons provide a lever to realize dynamic spectral tunability—and thus multifunctional optical components—as small alterations in their dielectric environment are amplified by these effects. Here, electric‐field (DC) control of phonon modes is leveraged in lead zirconate titante (PZT) ferroelectric bilayers to create tunable long‐wave infrared (LWIR) plasmonic devices that demonstrate a combination of advantages—speed (>10 kHz), latching, and low‐power switching (<1 µJ mm −2 )—unavailable together in approaches reported heretofore. Mechanistically, bias‐induced domain reconfiguration alters the phonon energies defining PZT's optical permittivity, which determines the gap plasmon formed within the ferroelectric resting between patterned metal contacts. The utility of ferroelectrics for tunable plasmonic devices is thus demonstrated while highlighting the promise of leveraging phonons for these purposes. Abstract : Tunable infrared devices are demonstrated that leverage domain reconfiguration of ferroelectric bilayers in concert with a plasmonic metasurface. Possessing high‐speed (>10 kHz) and low‐power (1 µJ mm −2 ) switching along with multiple unpowered states (i.e., latchable), the devices offer a combination of advantages unavailable traditionally. Ferroelectrics thus provide a new path in the pursuit of dynamic infrared elements.