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Plastic Transmissive Infrared Electrochromic Devices
Author(s) -
Holt Amanda L.,
Wehner Justin G.A.,
Hammp Andreas,
Morse Daniel E.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
macromolecular chemistry and physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.57
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1521-3935
pISSN - 1022-1352
DOI - 10.1002/macp.201000096
Subject(s) - electrochromism , infrared , materials science , electrochromic devices , shutter , optoelectronics , polymer , contrast ratio , electrolyte , silicon , layer (electronics) , nanotechnology , optics , chemistry , electrode , composite material , physics
Poly(3‐hexyl thiophene) was used to build a thin‐layer, electrically switchable infrared shutter. Electrochromic materials are typically studied in the visible, whereas we focused on P3HT electrochromic behavior in the infrared where morphology changes may have greater impact. Devices were fabricated on ITO‐coated silicon and germanium and their performance was characterized in the mid infrared (2–6 µm). Thicker polymer films increased device switching time and did not improve optical contrast. Choice of salt in the electrolyte significantly affects switching dynamics and salt concentrations affect maximum optical contrast. These results are potentially important for the integration of polymer technology into infrared imaging and detection applications.