Mixed Metal Films with Switchable Optical Properties

TitleMixed Metal Films with Switchable Optical Properties
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsThomas J Richardson, Jonathan L Slack, Baker Farangis, Michael D Rubin
JournalApplied Physics Letters
Volume80
Issue8
Pagination1349-1351
Date Published02/2002
Abstract

Thin, Pd-capped metallic films containing magnesium and first row transition metals (Mn, Fe, Co) switch reversibly from their initial reflecting state to visually transparent states when exposed to gaseous hydrogen or following reduction cathodic polarization in an alkaline electrolyte. Reversion to the reflecting state is achieved by exposure to air or by anodic polarization. The films were prepared by co-sputtering from one magnesium target and one manganese, iron, or cobalt target. Both the dynamic optical switching range and the speed of the transition depend on the magnesium-transition metal ratio. Infrared spectra of films in the transparent, hydrided (deuterided) states support the presence of the intermetallic hydride phases Mg3MnH7, Mg2FeH6, and Mg2CoH5.

DOI10.1063/1.1454218
LBNL Report Number

LBNL-49043