Thermally Tunable Structural Color Based on Patterned Ultra-Thin Asymmetric Fabry–Perot Cavity with Phase-Change Material

Abstract

Tunable structural color has gained significant attention due to its dynamic characteristics. However, conventional devices are usually regulated only in their color capabilities by structural parameters, restricting real-time dynamic applications. In this study, we propose an ultra-thin asymmetric Fabry–Perot cavity patterned with phase-change materials (MPMP). The reversible phase transition of VO2 induces changes in the MPMP’s optical performance, enabling color mode switching through temperature control and resulting in rapid color conversion and low-temperature regulation. By adjusting relevant structural parameters of the VO2 layer and nanodiscs, the color performance range can be tailored. Through numerical investigations, we demonstrate that MPMP can produce stable transformation of dynamic structural colors by harnessing the phase-change effect. Our research unveils new possibilities for applications such as anti-counterfeiting, bio/chemical sensing, and temperature sensing.