Dielectric/metal/dielectric (DMD) multilayers: growth and stability of ultra-thin metal layers for transparent heat regulation (THR)

Abstract We report on the development of a range of dielectric/metal/dielectric (DMD) material systems deposited using RF magnetron sputtering and co-sputtering. Several solutions to the common ultrathin metal growth morphology issues are discussed, including the extension of DMD approach toward depositing metal-dielectric nanocomposites (MDC) to replace pure metallic layers, which improves the degree of control over the most important transparent heat regulation multilayer properties. DMD and their nanocomposite-type derivatives serve as building blocks for highly transparent low-emissivity coatings that demonstrate excellent environmental stability. These are also compatible with a much greater range of surrounding layer materials compared to ultrathin Ag layers grown conventionally. We have prepared, experimentally characterized, and tested several DMD type coatings containing at least one MDC layer as a part of manufacturing a building block of highly stable and durable optical coatings and found attractive physical and optical properties important for the designers of tomorrow’s building products.