Optical modulation using strain tunable metallo‐dielectric films (Phys. Status Solidi A 6∕2017)

Metal thin‐films are used in a diversity of applications, which include single metal thin‐film layers in plasmonic SPP sensors,multi‐layer metallo‐dielectrics in solar control coatings and the development of a wide variety of metamaterial devices. Such devices are nevertheless limited in their applicability due to the lack of active tunability in the properties of metallic layers. However, recent work on stretchable electronics shows the presence of active changes in the structure of metallic layers. The article by Clark and Kherani (article no. 201600756 ) hypothesizes the viability of tuning the optical properties of metallo‐dielectric films using a simple mechanica stimulus. Through the application of small strains the authors demonstrate the tunability of the visible light scattering; near‐infrared absorptivity and transmissivity at specific wavelengths; mid‐infrared absorptivity and transmissivity; and electrical conductivity. This first experimental and theoretical study establishes the basis for a potentially new field of strain tunable optical modulation in metal thin films.