where optical properties vary the
most during phase transition. Recently, we explored a different
avenue by considering effects on the optical phase of light during
the material's transition. We demonstrated optical phase control
[13] and ultrathin flat lenses [14], the latter also suggesting applications
of VO2 may extend to the visible spectrum.
In this paper, we report VO2 thin films as a way to control the
polarization state of light, including switching from linear to circular
and vice-versa, or to rotate linear polarization. We investigate
the combination of material properties and optical conditions
for which such control is possible. Using this effect in
combination with polarizers could lead to highly efficient optical
modulators working over a wide spectral range.