Dresden 2026 – wissenschaftliches Programm
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MM: Fachverband Metall- und Materialphysik
MM 16: Functional Materials II
MM 16.2: Vortrag
Dienstag, 10. März 2026, 14:15–14:30, SCH/A216
Switching applications in optical circuits using the electrochromic properties of LiMn2O4 — •Vinit Kumar Agarwalla1, Yug Joshi2, Guido Schmitz1, and Mayank Kedia3 — 1Institut für Materialwissenschaft, Universität Stuttgart, Stuttgart Germany — 2Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart — 3Institut für Photovoltaik, Universität Stuttgart, Stuttgart Germany
Optical communication depends on the accuracy with which the path of light is controlled to minimize signal loss in waveguides. The current method of optimizing the path of light is to maintain the waveguide's refractive index using the thermooptic effect. The waveguide consists of a core in which light travels, surrounded by cladding material to ensure total internal reflection, and a third protective outer layer. Here, I propose using electrochromic lithium manganese oxide(LiMn*O*, LMO) as a waveguide cladding. The primary wave from the core extends into the cladding known as evanescent waves, so changing the cladding*s refractive index changes the evanescent waves' path and thus the entire path of the light. Previous work has shown a change in refractive index in the visible region. Building on that, we measured IR reflectance spectra showing continuous visible-to-IR transitions, 100% reflectance, and resonance shifts with lithiation. Calculations show that a 38 μm waveguide can induce a π phase shift at 1550 nm. We also propose various delithiation methods to alter optical properties without degrading the optical structure.
Keywords: Waveguides; Optical Switching; Refractive index