Open AccessRealization of Structural Colors via Capped Cu-based F−P Cavity Structure
Author(s) -
M. A. Rahman,
Yun Hee Kim,
So-Hye Cho,
Seung Yong Lee,
Ji Young Byun
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.435768
Subject(s) - structural coloration , materials science , optoelectronics , optics , metal , visible spectrum , photonic crystal , physics , metallurgy
Structural colors with tunable properties have several applications in the beautification of mobile devices, surface decoration, art and color filters. Herein, we propose an asymmetric F-P cavity design to systematically tune structural colors by changing the thickness of the top metal and intermediate insulator. In this study, Cu and Si 3 N 4 were chosen as the top metal and intermediate insulator layers, respectively, various reflection colors being realized on the Cu surface. Various capping layers-that is, SiO 2 , polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and a commercially available clear coat named ProtectaClear-were used to protect the Cu surface from scratching and oxidation. PMMA coatings can protect Cu from corrosive environments without degradation of the color quality. The colors can be tuned by controlling the thickness of either the metal or intermediate insulator layers, and vivid structural colors-including orange, bright orange, red, purple, violet, light blue, green-yellow, and yellow-green-can be printed. The colors obtained can be attributed to thin-film interference.