A High-Speed Optical Remote-Control Switch Based on Giant Persistent Photoconductivity

Abstract

Based on the giant persistent photoconductivity (GPPC) characteristic of VO2, we report a remote-control switch that allows high-speed switching on/off functionality. The switch, composed of two VO2 film devices connected in parallel and two semiconductor lasers, can operate multiple electrical devices at near room temperature. The estimated switching-on (off) time of the remote switch is 73 μs (64 μs) with laser intensity of 1.1 × 107 W/m2 at the ambient temperature of 30 °C. The switching-on/off mechanisms can be understood by alternative generation of GPPC at the parallelly connected VO2 devices and the current division rule. Our high-speed remote VO2 switch can be applied to many diverse electronic devices such as safety switches, optical computing, and sensors.