B. Baloukas, M. Crouan, B. Faceira, A. Pajak, P. Rumsby, O. Zabeida, J.E. Klemberg-Sapieha, L. Martinu, Ecole Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Synthesizing optical films by vapor-based techniques such as reactive sputtering (including HiPIMS), evaporation (including Glancing Angle Deposition), Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition, Atomic Layer Deposition and Gas Agglomeration Cluster formation allows one to selectively control energetic interactions at the surface and hence the evolution of their micro- and nanostructure. This becomes increasingly attractive for judicious fabrication of optical filters with controlled film porosity, crystallinity, anisotropy, plasmonic effects and other features within both passive and active (dynamic – e.g., electrochromic, thermochromic and gasochromic) coating materials rendering them new functionalities.
This presentation will illustrate the progress and new opportunities in structurally controlled passive and active optical coating systems using a holistic approach from design to fabrication and device performance. This will specifically be highlighted by our work on smart thermochromic windows for energy saving in the building sector and energy control in micro/nanosatellites, switchable electrochromic systems for ophthalmic lenses including novel transparent flexible electrodes, plasmonic optical filters for gas sensing, and other advanced optical coating devices.