Dynamic Performance of Hybrid Infrared Modulator Based on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Ionic Liquid Enabling Fast Response

Abstract

Herein, a new type of infrared film using single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is developed. The optimal sonication settings to produce SWNTs with the highest possible absorption of infrared light are discovered. A hybrid infrared modulator that combines SWNTs with ionic liquids, with a very fast response time is also developed. By carefully controlling the size of the SWNT bundles and the pore size of the filter membrane used to deposit the SWNTs, a response time of a few hundred microseconds (635 μs) at the half‐power point is achieved, which is the optical 3‐dB point. This technology has the potential to be used in a variety of innovative applications, such as smart windows and military camouflage, due to its excellent infrared optical properties.

Keywords

• infrared modulators
• ionic liquids
• optical modulation depths
• single-wall carbon nanotubes
• switching times