Optical Devices based on Phase Change Materials

Reversible phase-change materials (PCMs) can be added to or incorporated into meta-lenses, wave plates, waveguides, gratings, and other optical components to form active optical devices with controllable and adjustable optical characteristics. Local heating can be used to induce solid-state phase changes and large refractive index changes in the PCMs. The phase and index changes can provide large changes in the device's optical characteristics. Optical devices with PCM can be used for imaging applications, orbital angular momentum control, photonic integrated circuits and optical communication systems, beam steering, and other application.