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Canalized light creates directional and switchable surface structures in vanadium dioxide

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Kazenwadel

    (Fachbereich Physik)

  • Noel Neathery

    (Fachbereich Physik)

  • Peter Baum

    (Fachbereich Physik)

Abstract

Materials with switchable nanostructured surfaces enable optical and electronic functionalities beyond those of natural materials. Here we report the creation of self-organized, re-writable, laser-induced surface structures in single-crystalline vanadium dioxide. We discover anisotropic features caused by canalized surface plasmon polaritons that can only propagate along one crystal axis. The nanostructures remain mostly single-crystalline and preserve the material’s sharp metal-to-insulator transition, enabling femtosecond switching by temperature or light.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Kazenwadel & Noel Neathery & Peter Baum, 2025. "Canalized light creates directional and switchable surface structures in vanadium dioxide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58929-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58929-6
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