Light-Triggered Control of Plasmonic Refraction and Group Delay by Photochromic Molecular Switches

Abstract

An interface supporting plasmonic switching is prepared from a gold substrate coated with a polymer film doped with photochromic molecular switches. A reversible light-induced change in the surface plasmon polariton dispersion curve of the interface is experimentally demonstrated, evidencing reversible switching of the surface plasmon polariton group and phase velocity. The switching capabilities of the interface are furthermore successfully applied to achieve focus control of a plasmonic lens. The results imply the realization of nonvolatile and reversible plasmonic switching units providing complex functionalities based on surface plasmon refraction and group delay.

Reflective Coloration from Structural Plasmonic to Disordered Polarizonic

“…In addition, such a reflective color filter exhibits angle insensitivity up to 60 . Due to the photonic 80,95,115,135, and 165 nm and periods of 264, 296, 328, 360, and 392, respectively. Reproduced with permission.…”

“…A combination of photoswitchable molecules [40,79,80] and plasmonic nanostructures could lead to new opportunities in the field of optics, including display technologies. For instance, reflective electronic papers are highly demanded thanks to their lower energy consumption and pleasant visibility under ambient light.…”

“…c) CIE 1931xy chromaticity coordinates show the predicted colors with reflectance correlated to the spectra estimated in (b). d) The simulation and e) experimental reflection spectra of the color pixels containing Al nanodisks with diameters of80,95,115,135, and 165 nm and periods of 264, 296, 328, 360, and 392, respectively. Reproduced with permission [137].…”

Detection and characterization of attenuated multimode waveguiding inSiO2slabs using photoemission electron microscopy

“…Most PEEM studies focused so far on surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) supported by metaldielectric interfaces. Topics included SPP phase and group propagation [4][5][6][7], SPP dispersion [8,9], plasmonic focusing [10,11] and switching [12], plasmonic waveguiding [13,14], and the formation of plasmonic vortices [15].…”

Light-induced Conductance Switching in Photomechanically Active Carbon Nanotube-Polymer Composites

“…Here, typically different wavelengths are used to reversibly change between different isomer states of the smart molecules. Therefore it is not surprising that photoswitchable molecules have been intensively investigated in fields ranging from photomechanics to adhesion to plasmonics and electronics 2 – 6 . Regarding light-induced conductivity switching, intense research has mainly involved two chromophore types.…”