Metal hydride switchable mirrors: Factors influencing dynamic range and stability

Palladium-coated magnesium–manganese–nickel films behave as gasochromic switchable mirrors, becoming transparent on exposure to dilute hydrogen, and reverting to a mirror state on exposure to air. The cycling stability of the optical switching depends upon preservation of the integrity of the Pd catalyst overlayer. Alloying between Mg and Pd causes interdiffusion of the two elements, and leads to degradation in switching speed and eventual deactivation. Incorporation of a thin niobium oxide barrier layer between the active magnesium alloy film and the Pd layer substantially improves the cycling stability of the mirror.