Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of nano-engineered optical metasurfaces and materials able to generate higher efficiency flat optics and controlled surface emission via photothermally reconfigurable optical metasurfaces based on optical phase change materials (PCMs). Through localized control of the material dispersion, devices can operate at higher amplitudes and phase control for greater efficiency across larger operational bandwidth in the optical and infrared (IR) spectral regions.

Abstract: A composite and an adaptive coating are provided. The composite includes a first layer, a second layer disposed on the first layer, and a third layer disposed on the second layer. The third layer constitutes a phase change material characterized by a transition temperature. The phase change material includes a dopant. The adaptive coating includes a visible light filter and the phase change material. When a temperature of the phase change material exceeds a threshold temperature, the adaptive coating is configured to radiate light in the infrared spectrum. When the temperature of the phase change material is less than the threshold temperature, the adaptive coating is configured not to radiate light in the infrared spectrum.