Photonics with phase-change materials: theoretical and computational perspectives

Phase change materials undergo rapid, reversible phase transitions that cause significant changes in their physical properties. These materials have broad technological potential in areas such as neuromorphic devices, high-frequency electronics, programmable optical metamaterials and integrated photonics. Optimising their properties using traditional methods is laborious and time-consuming. Computational materials design can accelerate this process by reducing cost and time, while simplifying material characterisation. Here we present our recent progress in developing a multiscale, multiphysics framework for simulating complex nanophotonic devices based on phase change materials. This approach integrates electromagnetic, heat transfer, carrier transport and phase transition models in a self-consistent manner. Potential applications in metamaterials and nanophotonic devices are also explored.