Title: Dynamically controlled plasmonic nano-antenna phased array utilizing vanadium dioxide,
Abstract: We propose and analyze theoretically an approach for realizing a tunable
optical phased-array antenna utilizing the properties of VO2 for electronic
beam steering applications in the near-IR spectral range. The device is based
on a 1D array of slot nano-antennas engraved in a thin Au film grown over VO2
layer. The tuning is obtained by inducing a temperature gradient over the
device, which changes the refractive index of the VO2, and hence modifies the
phase response of the elements comprising the array, by producing a thermal
gradient within the underlying PCM layer. Using a 10-element array, we show
that an incident beam can be steered up to with respect to the normal, by
applying a gradient of less than 10°C.