Amorphous Trivalent Network for Photonic Band Gap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods face challenges in designing three-dimensional amorphous trivalent networks that effectively create photonic band gaps, particularly in disordered systems, which are essential for advanced optical components and structural coloration materials.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a three-dimensional amorphous trivalent network is developed, characterized by specific structural parameters such as cross member lengths, angles, and skew angles, which define a photonic band gap, allowing for the creation of materials that control electromagnetic waves and exhibit structural coloration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If crystalline configurations are used to create photonic band gap materials, then the photonic band gap effect is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotonic band gap effectVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from symmetric crystalline configurations to asymmetric amorphous trivalent networks. The amorphous structure eliminates the need for precise periodic arrangements while maintaining the photonic band gap effect through random network topology, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameter from ordered crystalline lattice to disordered amorphous network with specific trivalent coordination. By controlling the coordination number and network topology rather than periodic arrangement, the photonic band gap is achieved with easier manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If three-dimensional complete photonic band gap structures are designed, then light control capability is maximized, but the structural complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight control capabilityVSAvoidstructural precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses asymmetric amorphous network structures that do not require precise periodic arrangements. The random topology with trivalent coordination provides complete photonic band gap while tolerating manufacturing variations, reducing precision requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves light control through local structural features (trivalent coordination, bond angles, bond lengths) rather than global periodicity. Each local region contributes to the overall photonic band gap effect, allowing manufacturing flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If disordered amorphous systems are used instead of crystalline structures, then manufacturing ease improves, but achieving complete photonic band gap becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidphotonic band gap effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes key structural parameters: coordination number (trivalent), network topology (amorphous), and bonding geometry (specific bond angles). These parameter changes enable complete photonic band gap in disordered systems with easier manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The amorphous trivalent network structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical stability through random network topology, optical functionality through photonic band gap, and manufacturing ease through disorder tolerance. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between order and ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The amorphous trivalent network effectively prevents electromagnetic waves within a specific frequency range from passing through, enabling the design of advanced optical components and materials with fade-proof coloration, including optical filters and waveguides.

Implementation Method 1

PBG materials are able to control and manipulate light flow... Light within this frequency range incident on a complete PBG structure cannot propagate through it, and is instead completely reflected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotonic band gap:

Data Source

PatentEP3411738B1Composition comprising a three-dimensional amorphous trivalent network
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 UNIVERSITY OF SURREY
  • EP3411738B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(b)
  • EP3411738B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3411738B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention provides a composition comprising a three-dimensional amorphous trivalent network which reduces the number of modes within a particular frequency range (ωc±Δω). The invention also extends to use of the composition as a structural colouration material and a paint, dye or fabric comprising the structural colouration material. Additionally, the invention extends to use of the composition as an optical filter or as a supporting matrix configured to define at least one optical component, such as a frequency filter, light-guiding structure for a telecommunications application, an optical computer chip, an optical micro-circuit or a laser comprising the supporting matrix.