A nonlinear optical limiting VO₂ thin film for smart light protection

Recent advancements in laser technology have spurred the development of high-power light sources, creating an urgent need for effective defensive mechanisms to counter potential high-power light attacks. Consequently, optical limiting has emerged as a crucial requirement in applications involving high-power light sources and sensitive photodetectors. In this study, vanadium dioxide (VO₂), a phase transition material, is chosen as a nonlinear optical limiting medium, leveraging its insulator-metallic transition (IMT) to achieve intelligent light protection. The VO₂ films exhibit superior optical limiting performance, with the phase transition threshold significantly reduced through optimization of absorption properties and tungsten (W) doping. This approach presents a promising platform for the design of nonlinear optical limiting systems, offering practical solutions for high-power light protection applications.