Optical Modulation of Flexible Pre-Structured Metallo-Dielectric Films

Development of tunable materials is extremely important vis-a-vis their application to adaptive devices. Pliable metal thin-films have been investigated extensively within the framework of flexible electronics wherein the... [ view full abstract ]

Development of tunable materials is extremely important vis-a-vis their application to adaptive devices. Pliable metal thin-films have been investigated extensively within the framework of flexible electronics wherein the objective has been substantial preservation of electrical continuity under large strains. Recently our group has examined the influence of strain on the optical properties of nano-thin metal films deposited on polydimethylsiloxane. In particular, we have shown that a range of micro and nano length scale cracks develop in the strained metal films subject to the use of specific synthesis techniques. Further, a range of optical phenomena were observed under strain including surface plasmon resonances and optical scattering. In contrast, herein we report on investigating the potential of achieving specifically preferred optical response under strain through a-priori designed structuring of metal thin films on a pliable substrate. Our COMSOL study shows that a set of optical responses correspond to specific sets of micro and nano structured thin metal films under strain.