Physically and/or functionally reconfigurable optical systems: controlling light through ion and electron migration

In the rapidly evolving field of photonics, dynamic control of light is essential for applications ranging from modulators to neuromorphic computing. In this talk, we explore the distinctions between physically and functionally reconfigurable optical systems and examine how ion and electron migration can be leveraged to modify the refractive index in both volatile and nonvolatile ways. Specifically, we focus on two key mechanisms: the carrier accumulation effect and electrochemical metallization, analyzing their interplay under an applied electric voltage . We demonstrate how, through careful structural engineering, it is possible to establish a framework for designing systems that enable both high-speed operation and lasting data preservation. Our proposed structures exhibit reproducible cycle-to-cycle state switching, noise-free readout, and reliable device-to-device performance. We believe that the described interplay between volatile carrier-based effects and nonvolatile ionic reconfiguration is key to the development of new classes of intelligent photonic devices with enhanced reconfigurability, efficiency, and multifunctionality, offering promising opportunities for next-generation computing and optical technologies.