Switchable Light Reflectance in Dilute Magneto-Optical Colloids Based on Nickel Ferrite Nanowires

Abstract

Optical properties of diluted narrow band gap magnetic semiconductor nanowire colloids are controlled by modest magnetic fields under 100 Oe. High aspect ratio NiFe₂O₄ nanowires are used to achieve responsiveness to magnetic field, light absorption and -scattering. Visible light reflectance of the diluted colloids can be either increased or decreased depending on the nanowire alignment relative to the direction of the light propagation. The prepared colloids can be applied as magneto-optical switches or as smart window devices. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2018.119]