Continuous Tuning of W-doped VO2 Optical Properties for Terahertz Analog Applications

Abstract

Vanadium dioxide (VO2), with its characteristic metal-insulator phase transition, is a prospective active candidate to realize tunable optical devices operating at terahertz (THz) frequencies. However, the abrupt phase transition restricts its practical use in analog-like continuous applica- tions. Incorporation of tungsten is a feasible approach to alter the phase transition properties of thin VO2 films. We show that amplitude THz modulation depth of ~65%, characteristic phase transition temperature of ~40 0C, and tuning range larger than 35 0C can be achieved with W-doped VO2 films grown on sapphire substrates. W-doped VO2 films can also be used to suppress Fabry-Perot resonances at THz frequencies but at temperatures much lower than that observed for undoped VO2 films. The gradual phase transition temperature window allows for precise control of the W-doped VO2 optical properties for future analog based THz devices.