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Voltage-induced broad-spectrum reflectivity change with surface-plasmon wavesVoltage-induced broad-spectrum reflectivity change with surface-plasmon waves is reported. When white light is incident at a metal/electro-optical material interface, surface-plasmon waves can be excited under phase match conditions. This surface-plasmon resonance depends on the dielectric constants of both the metal and the electro-optical material. Photons in the surface-plasmon resonance wavelength range are absorbed by the interface. Since metals have large imaginary parts of their dielectric constants, the surface-plasmon resonances are broad and may cover all visible wavelengths. Applying voltage to the electro-optical material to change its dielectric constant can result in a change in the reflectivity at the interface. Experimental results showed a reflectivity change from almost 0% to about 40% under an applied voltage using a liquid-crystal and nickel film structure, and the results had good agreement with theoretical calculations. The theoretical calculations also predicted a 90% reflectivity recovery by exciting surface-plasmon waves at a Rh-Al/electro-optical material interface. These results demonstrate that a high efficiency white light modulator can be built using surface-plasmon excitations.
Document ID
20060044181
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Wang, Yu
Russell, Stephen D.
Shimabukuro, Randy L.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 15, 2005
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Applied Physics
Volume: 97
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
white light modulator
attenuated total internal reflection (ATR)
Surface - plasmon (SP)

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