Flexible nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide(np-AAO) template coated with self-assembled Au nanocrown array for nanophotonic switching

This study reports a nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (named np-AAO) template coated with Au nanocrown array on PET substrate for nanophotonic switching application (Fig.1). In this devices, the Au nanocrown array for nanophotonic switching are self-assembled on np-AAO/PET at its one end using batch processes. The advantages of such nano-structure nanophotonic switches are as follows, (1) The surface area of Au nanocrown array/np-AAO is increased. Thus, the photoconductivity of nanophotonic switches is increased; and (2) The Au nanocrown array consists of nanopores transferred from the np-AAO template. Thus, the electron transport induced by localized surface plasmon resonance can be increased by the Au nanocrown array/np-AAO. (3) The np-AAO with higher flexibility and compatibility are promising nanotemplate for flexible application. In applications, flexible nanophotonic switches consisted of Au nanocrown array on np-AAO template is implemented. Measurements demonstrate the sensitivity and photonic instant response of the nanostructure photonic switches is significantly enhanced.