Characterization of Pd nano-thin films for high-speed switchable mirrors

We fabricated Pd thin films from 2 to 35 nm thick via thermal evaporation, and a hermetically sealed hydrogen optical cell was used to characterize the films for properties such as hydrogen fractional ratio, optical switching contrast (Weber contrast), and response and recovery times. An atomic force microscope with a high resolution scanning tip was used to study the evolution of the film morphology.