Plasmonic modulator incorporating a solid-state phase change material

US8749866B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Luke Sweatlock · Redondo Beach, US
• Kenneth Diest · Kirkland, US
• James Ma · San Jose, US
• Vladan Jankovic · Los Angeles, US
• Imogen Pryce · Santa Monica, US
• Ryan M. Briggs · Pasadena, US
• Harry A. Atwater · South Pasadena, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 15, 2011
• Grant date: Jun 10, 2014
• Expiry date: Dec 15, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02F2203/10
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for modulating light of a wavelength of interest. The modulator assembly includes a plasmonic layer that supports surface plasmon polaritons at the wavelength of interest and a layer of solid-state phase change material having a first phase in which it is substantially transparent to light of the wavelength of interest and a second phase in which it is substantially opaque to light of the wavelength of interest. A control mechanism is configured to alter the phase of the solid-state phase change material between the first phase and the second phase. Each of the plasmonic layer and the layer of solid-state phase change material are configured as to provide a plasmonic mode of transmission for light of the wavelength of interest.