Electron doped (Sm1−x,Cax)MnO3 perovskite manganite as potential infrared thermochromic switch

We have synthesized (Sm1−x,Cax)MnO3 and related compositions to show their potential use as thermochromic switch in the infrared range. Depending on temperature or composition, the single phase is stabilized using the polyacrilamide gel process. Infrared transmittance was measured on selected samples in the 1,42–25μm range. Relative contrast up to 0.773 is measured in the 8–14μm range. Full opacity in the 8–14μm range occurs at temperatures between 273 and 300K, depending on the composition. The potential application of perovskites manganites as thermochromic infrared switch or coating is discussed.