Solution-Processed Disordered Plasmonic Surfaces as Optics for Infrared Imaging

Jyotirmoy Mandal, John Brewer, Sagar Mandal, Robert Yang, Aaswath P. Raman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In recent years, thermal imaging and sensing technologies have seen dramatic increases in usage for a range of applications. However, the material cost and manufacturing complexity of infrared optics remain a major barrier toward their democratization. Here, a solution-processed plasmonic reflective filter (PRF) is presented as a scalable, disordered, and low-cost thermal infrared (TIR) optic. The PRF selectively absorbs sunlight and specularly reflects TIR wavelengths, with a performance comparable to state-of-the-art infrared optics made of materials like Germanium. Unlike the latter, however, the PRF is fabricated using low-cost materials and a “dip-and-dry” chemical synthesis technique, which enables orders of magnitude lower manufacturing costs. The PRF's optical functionality and integration into infrared imaging systems are experimentally demonstrated. The chemical synthesis technique also affords exceptional spectral tuneability and material compatibility compared to traditional fabrication methods. The PRF's tuneable and broadband TIR yield can be augmented by inexpensive dielectric or polymeric filters to yield novel capabilities such as wide-area ambient temperature surveys. Practically, the PRF represents a significant advance toward democratizing the benefits of thermal imaging and sensing. Scientifically, it represents a previously unexplored optical functionality of disordered materials, and a new direction for versatile chemical synthesis in designing optical components.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2400256
JournalLaser and Photonics Reviews
Volume18
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2024
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Condensed Matter Physics

Keywords

  • disordered
  • imaging
  • infrared
  • metamaterial
  • plasmonics

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