Improved Durability of All-Solid-State Switchable Mirror Based on Magnesium–Nickel Thin Film Using Aluminum Buffer Layer

Abstract

We optimized the thickness of the aluminum buffer layer suitable for all-solid-state switchable mirror glass, which has a multilayer of /indium tin oxide on glass in the viewpoint of high durability. Though optical switching speed from the reflective to the transparent states has been improved by inserted buffer layer, it became slow, increasing with the thickness of the layer. This result seemed to be caused by the thicker layer, which prevents transportation of protons. The stability of the states was also investigated. The reflective state was steadier than the transparent state for the as-prepared device. However, the after-cyclic switched device had good stability of both states because many cycles of switching made the distorted layers. The distorted layer seemed to be able to have many protons more easily than that of the as-prepared layer. Thus, the transparent state of the device became steady for cycles of switching. The durability of the device was evaluated by the cyclic switching test. The device with the buffer layer of showed 3 times higher durability than that of the device without the buffer layer. The authors concluded that the aluminum buffer layer with the thickness of worked effectively for switching speed and high durability.