Reconfigurable Structural Colors Based on Phase‐Change Materials: Materials, Mechanisms, and Designs

ABSTRACT Reconfigurable structural colors have emerged as an attractive solution for next‐generation displays, hyperspectral imaging, anti‐counterfeiting, and camouflage, along with numerous analogous advanced applications. Among various tunable optical materials, phase‐change materials (PCMs) stand out due to their non‐volatile switching, rapid response, and high optical contrast between amorphous and crystalline states. In this review, recent progress in PCM‐based reconfigurable structural colors is summarized, covering functional materials, mechanisms, and designs. Chalcogenides and transition metal oxides, two widely used classes of PCMs, are discussed. Then, mechanisms to achieve reconfigurable structural color are introduced. Next, the design of PCM‐based structural color devices using different excitation methods is discussed in detail, including thermal annealing, electrical stimulation, and laser excitation. Afterwards, two design methodologies, forward and inverse design, are briefly introduced. Finally, we outline the key challenges and future opportunities of PCM‐based reconfigurable structural colors.