A dynamic broadband plasmonic absorber enabled by electrochemical lithium metal batteries†

As plasmonic absorbers attract considerable attention in the fields of solar energy harvesting, sensors, and cloaking technology, achieving dynamic tuning holds promise for multifunctional applications. However, existing designs face challenges in achieving real-time dynamic regulation across the visible band. In this study, we propose an innovative approach to achieve dynamic broadband absorption at visible wavelengths via an electrochemical lithium metal battery. Through rigorous experimentation and simulation, we demonstrate that the dynamic absorber achieves remarkable reversibility, with 80% absorption at lithium deposition states and a 40% modulation amplitude in reflectance over 30 cycles. At the intersection of the plasmonic absorber and lithium battery, our results may provide insights for light detection such as the monitoring environment.