Contrast enhancement of rare-earth switchable mirrors through microscopic shutter effect

Nagengast, D.G. and Gogh van, A.T.M. and Kooij, E.S. and Dam, B. and Griessen, R. (1999) Contrast enhancement of rare-earth switchable mirrors through microscopic shutter effect. Applied Physics Letters, 75 (14). p. 2050. ISSN 0003-6951

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Abstract:	In contrast to the binary switchable mirror films (YHx, LaHx, REHx with RE:rare earth) which have a weak red transparency window in their metallic dihydride phase, rare-earth alloys containing magnesium are remarkable for the large contrast between their metallic dihydride and transparent trihydride phase. By means of structural, optical transmittance, and electrical resistivity measurements on a series of Y1−yMgyHx, films we show that this is due to a disproportionation of the alloy. While the yttrium dihydride phase is formed, Mg separates out, remaining in its metallic state. Upon further loading, insulating MgH2 is formed together with cubic YH3−δ. In this way Mg acts essentially as a microscopic optical shutter, enhancing the reflectivity of these switchable mirrors in the metallic state and increasing the optical gap in the transparent state.
Item Type:	Article
Copyright:	© 1999 American Institute of Physics
Link to this item:	http://purl.utwente.nl/publications/75181
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.124912
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