Grant: Alliance Grants

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a highly tunable functional material which undergoes a metal-insulator transition (MIT) at TMIT = 68°C, accompanied by drastic changes in its infrared transmittance, in response to external stimuli such as temperature and photons. These outstanding properties pave the way to advanced applications in various sectors including photonics and aerospace. To fully exploit the technological potential of this smart material, most applications require to (i) lower TMIT down to room temperature while maintaining a high optical contrast (transmittance ratio between low and high temperatures) and/or (ii) optimize the VO2 photo-response time (rise and decay times). The most effective solutions for this purpose are material doping (nature of dopant and concentration) and structural engineering (nature of substrate). In this context, our objective is to gain an in-depth understanding of the influence of different dopants and constraints on TMIT, optical contrast and time-scale of the MIT process. The results of these computational and experimental studies will yield groundbreaking advances that will directly impact two specific applications of doped-VO2 thin films. With O/E Land, we will develop "green" ultrafast tunable photonic devices like VO2-based optical switches. Alongside MPBC, we will achieve lightweight smart radiator devices capable of reliable temperature control closer to room temperature for miniaturized satellites. To address all the objectives of this project, we have formed a unique interdisciplinary team with academic and industrial researchers who have a diverse and complementary expertise. This project represents an exceptional opportunity for the team to make a major contribution to sectors of strategic interest for Canada. Additionally, it aims to integrate the research of the team members into a strategy focused on sharing knowledge, infrastructure, and responsibility for training highly qualified personnel. The project will involve two students (MSc and PhD), and two postdoctoral fellows. They will receive training in an exceptional scientific and technological ecosystem as well as in a rich human environment.