Abstract
The bulk effective dielectric function of metal-dielectric composites has a series of poles in the vicinity of which it is extremely sensitive to small changes in the properties of the components. It is possible to induce such a change in the nonlinear component of a composite, containing at least one nonlinear component, by applying an external electric field at a similar frequency. This causes a tuning of the effective dielectric function and a continuous alteration of the optical properties of the medium. We propose a general framework for calculating this effect in two component composites and also calculate it in a few three component microgeometries. It is found that the optical transmittance of a thin film of this kind can be changed from zero up to 80% using moderate electric fields.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1431-1435 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Physics |
Volume | 76 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1994 |