Switchable mirrors, first generation

The growth and microstmcture of switchable mirror thin fllrns involves specific aspects that need to be discussed before describing their physical properties. We focus first on Y, La and rare-earth films (for convenience all abbreviated as RE films), deposited in both their metallic and hydride forms. Some references to second-generation mirrors (Mg-RE) are included and third-generation switchable mirrors (Mg-TM) are shortly discussed separately. 

First-Generation Switchable Mirrors Rare-Earth Metal Hydride Films... 

Hysteretic effects are considered in Section 7.2.3.3. Although papers have appeared on, for example Pr [107], Sm [108], Gd [109,110] and Dy hydrides [111] most investigations on switchable RE hydrides are dealing with Y. In this way Y has become the archetypal material for the first generation switchable mirrors. Scandium, although trivalent, does not form a trihydride under normal conditions (room temperature and 10 Pa) [112]. 

Theoretical Models for the First-Generation Switchable Mirrors... 

First generation switchable mirrors 101 3.1. R-Mg alloy films 227... 

As introduced in the previous section, the first generation switchable mirrors typically consist of polycrystalline or epitaxial R metal films (as the active layer) capped with a Pd over layer, deposited on a transparent substrate. 

Theoretical models for first generation switchable mirrors... 

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