Electro-optic switching of VO2 films for infrared spatial light modulation

Vanadium dioxide (VO
₂
) films have optical properties that are strongly temperature dependent. Optical switching of VO
₂
thin films with co-planar surface electrodes is demonstrated and characterized for possible spatial light modulating applications in the mid-infrared. Switch time, amplitude, voltage, and recovery are reported for electrode gap sizes from 200 to 800 microns.