Two-Dimensional Active Tuning of an Aluminum Plasmonic Array for Full-Spectrum Response

Abstract

Color pixels composed of plasmonic nanostructures provide a highly promising approach for new display technologies, capable of vivid, robust coloration and incorporating the use of low-cost plasmonic materials, such as aluminum. Here we report a plasmonic device that can be tuned continuously across the entire visible spectrum, based on integrating a square array of aluminum nanostructures into an elastomeric substrate. By stretching the substrate in either of its two dimensions, the period and therefore the scattering color can be modified to the blue or the red of the at-rest structure, spanning the entire visible spectrum. The unique two-dimensional design of this structure enables active mechanical color tuning, under gentle elastic modulation with no more than 35% strain. We also demonstrate active image switching with this structure. This design strategy has the potential to open the door for next-generation flexible photonic devices for a wide variety of visible-light applications.

Mechanotunable Plasmonic Properties of Colloidal Assemblies

“…This simple example shows that mechanoplasmonic tuning is achievable via facile methods. Yet, it features a polarization‐dependent optical response which is of interest for strain sensing and color tuning …”

“…The linear response of the plasmonic lattice toward mechanical deformation renders such mechanotunable colloidal assemblies suitable for dynamic color tuning which is of interest for tunable filters and display technology . The narrow linewidth of the SLR results in strong and brilliant colors . Furthermore, they can be utilized for sensing since the signal provides good detectability and a pronounced response toward small strain changes.…”

“…In a similar fabrication process, the Halas group has investigated the color tunability during anisotropic stretching . These concepts and more are addressed in this progress report.…”

Actively Tunable Collective Localized Surface Plasmons by Responsive Hydrogel Membrane

“…In addition, simultaneously modulating both the real and the imaginary part of the refractive index was demonstrated to strongly and reversibly shift the LSP excitation wavelength via electrochemical switching . Another approach to actuate LSPs was explored based on the near field coupling between metallic nanoparticles with modulated gap distance and by dynamically controlled far‐field coupling to LSPs on periodic arrays of aluminum nanoparticles . Chemically synthesized plasmonic nanoparticles were actuated by the pH‐responsive polymer brushes and the lithographically prepared aluminum nanoparticles were attached to polydimethylsiloxane elastomer and mechanically stretched to reversibly vary the arrays period enabling tuning the excitation of LSP over the whole visible part of the spectrum.…”

Active Color Control in a Metasurface by Polarization Rotation

“…It implies that a whole new sample should be fabricated to produce different color or temporally varying color. As an alternative, adoption of mechanical transformation [17][18][19][20][21], chemical transition [22][23][24], phase change material [25][26][27][28] and electrochromic polymer [29] provide dynamic color printing. Nevertheless, dynamic color printing can be realized in a far simpler system by polarization control without involving any external stimuli [30][31][32].…”