Optical properties of switchable mirrors based on magnesium-calcium alloy thin films

Abstract

Switchable mirrors based on magnesium-calcium alloy thin films were prepared using a direct-current magnetron sputtering method and their gasochromic properties have been investigated. Pd-capped Mg1-z Caz (0.04 <0.08, the optical transmittance spectra of these switchable mirrors were fairly flat in the visible range and their color looked completely neutral. The achromatic properties with high visible transmittance may be because the hydrogenated switchable mirrors are composed of MgH2 and MgCaH3.72 with grayish neutral color appearance. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.