Novel nanomaterials for reconfigurable photonic devices

We present a novel phase-change material exhibiting spin-crossover (SCO) behavior with potential for integration into advanced reconfigurable nanophotonic devices. Our material enables reconfigurability and optical bistability at room temperature due to its ability to transitioning between two spin states in response to precise temperature or pressure variations. This spin-state transition leads to modifications in the material's structural, magnetic, optical, and electrical properties, along with notable changes in its color characteristics. Significantly, the observed manipulation of nanoscale spin states provides us with a foundation for the precise control and modulation of light within reconfigurable metasurfaces. Furthermore, it offers the potential for the creation of non-volatile, low-power nanophotonic switches designed for operation within the infrared (IR) spectrum.