An Open-Source Multi-functional Testing Platform for Optical Phase Change Materials

TL;DR

This paper presents an open-source silicon microheater platform enabling in situ measurement of various properties of optical phase change materials, facilitating research in optics and photonics.

Contribution

The authors introduce a multi-functional, open-source silicon microheater platform for in situ characterization of phase change materials, compatible with standard manufacturing processes.

Findings

Enables in situ measurement of structural, kinetic, optical, and thermal properties.

Fully open-sourced hardware and software for broad accessibility.

Supports research in optical and photonics applications of phase change materials.

Abstract

Owing to their unique tunable optical properties, chalcogenide phase change materials are increasingly being investigated for optics and photonics applications. However, in situ characterization of their phase transition characteristics is a capability that remains inaccessible to many researchers. In this article, we introduce a multi-functional silicon microheater platform capable of in situ measurement of structural, kinetic, optical, and thermal properties of these materials. The platform can be fabricated leveraging industry-standard silicon foundry manufacturing processes. We fully open-sourced this platform, including complete hardware design and associated software codes.