Oriented Nanofiber Sheet for High Light Absorbance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanofiber sheets have high reflectivity and low absorbance of incident light due to their as-deposited configuration, which limits their ability to interact effectively with various wavelengths of radiation, particularly in optical and infrared bands.
Innovation Solution
A nanofiber sheet is fabricated with nanofibers oriented at an angle relative to the substrate, exposing their open ends to form a layer that maximizes light absorption and minimizes reflectivity, achieved by applying adhesive substrates with varying strengths to re-orient the nanofibers and separate them to create a configuration with straight and arcuate portions, allowing for high absorbance of visible and infrared radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nanofibers are deposited in as-deposited configuration, then the nanofiber sheet is easy to manufacture, but the reflectivity is high and absorbance is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of nanofibers from random as-deposited configuration to aligned configuration at specific angles (30-60 degrees from substrate surface). This parameter change transforms the optical properties, reducing reflectivity and increasing absorbance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through controlled deposition processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining nanofibers with specific geometric configurations (straight and arcuate portions) on a substrate. This composite arrangement with controlled orientation and morphology achieves superior optical absorption properties compared to simple as-deposited nanofiber layers
2Object-affected harmful factors
If nanofibers are aligned in common direction with open ends exposed, then the absorbance of incident light increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment of nanofibers during the deposition process itself, orienting them at predetermined angles (30-60 degrees) from the substrate surface. This preliminary action ensures optimal light absorption configuration is achieved during manufacturing, avoiding complex post-processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local variations in nanofiber orientation and morphology, with different regions having nanofibers at different angles or with different arcuate characteristics. This local quality variation optimizes absorption for different incident light angles while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility
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 nanofiber sheet achieves exceptionally high absorbance of over 99.9% of incident light and high emissivity in the infrared band, reducing reflectivity to less than 0.1%, enhancing applications in optical instruments and other light-sensitive devices.
Implementation Method 1
the nanofiber sheet achieves exceptionally high absorbance of over 99.9% of incident light and high emissivity in the infrared band
Implementation Method 2
the nanofibers having a straight portion terminating at an open end and an arcuate end opposite the open end
Implementation Method 3
The second mechanism, 'diffusive reflection,' describes the reflection of an incident light ray from a single incoming direction into multiple outgoing directions
Implementation Method 4
high emissivity in the infrared band
Data Source
AI summary
A nanofiber sheet is described that is composed of a substrate and a layer of oriented nanofibers. Nanofibers of the sheet can be oriented in a common direction. In some orientations, light absorbent sheets can absorb over 99.9%, and in some cases over 99.95%, of the intensity of light incident upon the sheet. Methods for fabricating a light absorbent sheet are also described.