Opto-thermal dynamics of thin-film optical limiters based on the VO₂ phase transition

Protection of human eyes or sensitive detectors from high-intensity laser radiation is an important challenge in modern light technologies. Metasurfaces have proved to be valuable tools for such control, but the actual possibility merging multiple materials nanofabrication process hinders their application. Here we propose and numerically investigate opto-thermal properties plane multilayered structures with phase-change optical limiters. Our structure relies on thin-film VO 2 phase change material top a gold film sapphire substrate. We show how multi-layer can act as self-activating device that exploits light-to-heat conversion induce layer. implement numerical model describe temporal evolution temperature transmittivity across under both continuous wave pulsed illumination. results open new opportunities limiters may extended devices based other different spectral regions..