Self-organized layered hydrogenation in black Mg2NiHx switchable mirrors.
In addition to a mirrorlike (Mg2Ni) and a transparent (Mg2NiH4) state, thin films of Mg2NiHx exhibit a remarkable black state with low reflection over the entire visible spectrum, essentially zero transmission and a low electrical resistivity. Such a black state is not explicable for a homogeneous layer since a large absorption coefficient always yields substantial reflection. We show that it results from a self-organized and reversible double layering of metallic Mg2NiH0.3 and semiconducting Mg2NiH4.
Lohstroh
W
W
Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Condensed Matter Physics, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. lohstroh@nat.vu.nl
Westerwaal
R J
RJ
Noheda
B
B
Enache
S
S
Giebels
I A M E
IA
Dam
B
B
Griessen
R
R