Chalcogenide nanoionic-based radio frequency switch

A method of using a nanoionic switch, said switch which includes a substrate, a chalcogenide glass engaging said substrate, said chalcogenide glass includes a metal selected from the group of silver and copper photo-dissolved in said chalcogenide glass, a first oxidizable electrode and a second inert electrode, said first oxidizable electrode and said second inert electrode engaging said chalcogenide glass and being spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween, comprising the steps of:

• applying a direct current bias across said oxidizable and inert electrodes of said switch;
• orienting said direct current bias across said switch by applying positive bias to said oxidizable electrode and applying relative negative bias to said inert electrode;
• and,
• electrodepositing said metal selected from the group of silver and copper across said gap between said oxidizable electrode and said inert electrode bridging said switch and closing said switch.

A nanoionic switch, comprising:

• a substrate;
• a solid electrolyte ternary, said solid electrolyte ternary includes a chalcogenide glass engaging said substrate;
• said chalcogenide glass includes a metal selected from the group of silver and copper photo-dissolved in said chalcogenide glass;
• a first oxidizable electrode and a plurality of inert electrodes, said first oxidizable electrode and said plurality of said inert electrodes residing atop and engaging said chalcogenide glass and being spaced apart from each other forming gaps therebetween;
• and,
• applying a relatively positive voltage to said first oxidizable electrode;
• selectively applying a relatively negative voltage to one of said plurality of said inert electrodes enabling a single pole n-throw switch.

A nanoionic capacitor, comprising:

• a substrate;
• a solid electrolyte ternary, said solid electrolyte ternary includes a chalcogenide glass engaging said substrate;
• said chalcogenide glass includes a metal selected from the group of silver and copper photo-dissolved in said chalcogenide glass;
• a first oxidizable electrode and a second inert electrode, said first oxidizable electrode and said second inert electrode residing atop and engaging said chalcogenide glass and being spaced apart from each other and forming a gap therebetween;
• a voltage source is applied to said first and second electrodes;
• a first capacitor plate comprising an electrodeposit growing on said chalcogenide glass between said first and second electrodes when said voltage source is applied with relatively positive voltage to said first oxidizable electrode and relatively negative voltage applied to said second inert electrode;
• and,
• a second capacitor plate in proximity to said first capacitor plate.