Open AccessVO2-based micro-electro-mechanical tunable optical shutter and modulator
Author(s) -
Javier Figueroa,
Henry Dsouza,
Juan Pastrana,
David Torres,
Harris J. Hall,
Kevin Leedy,
Nelson Sepúlveda
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.428165
Subject(s) - materials science , transmittance , optics , cantilever , shutter , optoelectronics , light intensity , modulation (music) , optical switch , dynamic range , phase modulation , optical modulator , signal (programming language) , physics , phase noise , computer science , acoustics , composite material , programming language
VO 2 -based MEMS tunable optical shutters are demonstrated. The design consists of a VO 2 -based cantilever attached to a VO 2 -based optical window with integrated resistive heaters for individual mechanical actuation of the cantilever structure, tuning of the optical properties of the window, or both. Optical transmittance measurements as a function of current for both heaters demonstrates that the developed devices can be used as analog optical shutters, where the intensity of a light beam can be tuned to any value within the range of VO 2 phase transition. A transmittance drop off 30% is shown for the optical window, with tuning capabilities greater than 30% upon actuation of the cantilever. Unlike typical mechanical shutters, these devices are not restricted to binary optical states. Optical modulation of the optical window is demonstrated with an oscillating electrical input. This produces a transmittance signal that oscillates around an average value within the range off VO 2 's phase transition. For an input current signal with fixed amplitude (f el = 0.28 Hz), tuned to be at the onset of the phase transition, a transmittance modulation of 14% is shown. Similarly, by modulating the DC-offset, a transmittance modulation of VO 2 along the hysteresis is obtained.