Tunable multilayer narrowband filter containing an ultrathin metallic film and a lithium niobate defect

Abstract

By using lithium niobate (LiNbO3) as a defect layer, a tunable multilayer narrowband reflection-and-transmission filter containing an ultrathin metallic film is proposed. Due to the voltage dependence of the refractive index for LiNbO3, tunable optical filtering properties have been theoretically investigated based on the calculated wavelength-dependent reflectance and transmittance. The dependences of peak wavelength on the applied voltage and the angle of incidence are numerically illustrated. The results reveal that in addition to working as a tunable filter, it can also be expected to act as a refractometric optical sensor.