Ag enhances optical and switching properties of gadolinium hydride films

An improvement of the optical properties of switchable mirrors is obtained by incorporating of silver (Ag) into the palladium (Pd) cap layer of nanocrystalline gadolinium hydride system Gd/GdH3. Two methods for modification of Pd layer with Ag are employed. The first method is the forming of an AgPd binary alloy. The second method is the forming of Ag/Pd bilayer. In both cases the modification of the catalytic top layer of Pd with Ag gives higher transparency and better switching times. The optimal Ag layer thickness for the Gd/GdH3 system is determined.