Improved Materials for Photochromic Optical Memory Subsystem (POMS)

摘要

Photochromic materials based on transition metal oxides were synthesized during this effort, and evaluated for potential use in future optical processing components and subsystems. This work grew out of a collaborative university/government discovery that Tungsten Oxides reversibly change physical state when exposed to certain combinations of optical radiation. Various formulations including different dopings, oxide enhancements, microstructure modifications, and deposition methods were investigated as well. Samples produced during these synthesis experiments were characterized via wavelength, power, and Raman characteristics of their photochromic/ electrochromic response. Results show significant promise for this technology in high-density optical memory, fast all-optical switching and a number of advanced digital processing applications.