Aluminum buffer layer for high durability of all-solid-state switchable mirror based on magnesium-nickel thin film

Aluminum buffer layer was inserted in all-solid-state switchable mirror based on Mg–Ni thin film to improve its durability. Optical switching speed of the device has been improved because the buffer layer might work to transport electrons and protons promptly as an electrode. Durability of the device was evaluated by cyclic switching test. The device with buffer layer showed three times higher stable durability than that of the device without buffer layer. The authors found that the aluminum buffer layer effectively works to suppress the diffusion of nickel and palladium atoms into the Ta2O5 thin film during cyclic switching test, resulted in high durability.