Research Paper: Simulation and Fabrication of Zirconium Dioxide/Gold/Zirconium Dioxide Spectrally Selective Coating

The use of heat-reflective glass has recently gained attention for its potential to reduce the electrical energy consumption required to cool buildings and mitigate electricity shortages. In this research, theoretical and experimental investigations of multi-layered coatings on glass, which is called spectrally selective glass, have been conducted. The aim was to prevent the entry of infrared thermal radiation and control radiation in the visible range. Using the theoretical method of multilayer thin film structures, the structure of three layers of zirconium dioxide/gold/zirconium dioxide has been simulated on glass and then made by the electron beam method. The simulations showed that this three-layer structure with a thickness of about 160 nm for ZrO2 and a gold coating thickness of about 20 nm is a proper choice. The sample made in the laboratory for this structure with a thickness of 160/20/160 nm matches well with the spectrum of the simulated samples and there is a slight deviation due to experimental error sources. The simulated and fabricated sample has more than 50% transmittance in the visible spectral range from 500 to 700 nm. There is a transmittance peak of more than 70% in the center of the visible range. The transmittance is less than 20% in the near-infrared spectrum range for the wavelength of 750 nm to 1100 nm. Therefore, this structure is very suitable for use as a reflector of infrared thermal radiation. This structure is a spectrally selective glass that can be used as a smart glass for radiant cooling purposes.