Papers by Author: Laurent Sauques

Abstract: This paper reports the enhancement of the electrochromic properties in the infrared, IR, region of radio frequency sputtered WO3 thin films thanks to a careful optimization of the deposition conditions. From the combination of various techniques of characterization, the optical performances, in particular, the contrast in reflectance between the inserted state and the deinserted one, upon cycling in H3PO4 liquid electrolyte, are correlated to the film morphology and composition. Films, grown in higher chamber pressure, exhibiting a lower density and a O/W ratio higher than 3, show the most promising behavior. Finally, first trends on the incorporation of the WO3 single layer in full electrochromic devices are discussed.

Abstract: Nd0.3Sm0.7NiO3 ceramic has been synthesised using a sol-gel method and annealing at oxygen pressure. Nd0.3Sm0.7NiO3 exhibits a reversible metal insulator phase transition which is, in the infrared range, responsible of a thermal-optical contrast. Samples are structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The Nd0.3Sm0.7NiO3 thermal – optical contrast is characterized in the mid-infrared range, using reflectance and thermal-optical measurements.