Photonic Crystal Laser Strain Sensor on Flexible Substrate
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strain gauges have limited measuring range and resolution, necessitating a strain sensor with improved capabilities for detecting transformations caused by tensile and compressive forces.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength-variable photonic crystal laser with a disk-shaped structure on a flexible substrate, utilizing a photonic crystal structure that oscillates in a Γ-point band-edge mode, and a method for fabricating this sensor using etch-stop layers, buffer layers, and polymer coatings to enhance resolution and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing strain gauges are used to measure resistance variation, then the measurement can be performed, but the measuring range and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical resistance-based measurement system with an optical system using photonic crystal lasers. The strain measurement is performed by detecting wavelength shifts of laser light instead of resistance changes, enabling both higher resolution and wider measuring range simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from electrical resistance to optical wavelength. By using the wavelength of laser light as the measurement parameter, the system achieves superior resolution and extended measuring range compared to conventional resistance-based strain gauges.
2Measurement precision
If a photonic crystal laser is used for strain measurement, then high resolution and wide measuring range are achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic crystal laser structure is embedded within a flexible substrate, creating a nested configuration where the complex photonic crystal components are contained within a simple flexible carrier. This integration simplifies the overall device assembly and handling while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible substrate as the base structure for the photonic crystal laser. This flexible thin film approach simplifies the device structure, enables conformal mounting on various surfaces, and reduces the overall complexity compared to rigid conventional strain gauge assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the photonic crystal structure is made flexible for strain sensing, then the measuring range is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate that allows dynamic deformation under strain while maintaining the structural integrity of the embedded photonic crystal laser. The flexible nature enables the device to adapt to various strain conditions and geometries, expanding the measuring range without compromising the stability of the photonic crystal structure during operation.
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 photonic crystal laser sensor achieves high-resolution strain measurement with a wide operational range, capable of sensitive wavelength variation detection, and can be adapted for pH sensing by integrating pH-sensitive hydrogels, demonstrating stable and reversible wavelength changes with acidity variations.
Implementation Method 1
the photonic crystal structure may oscillate in a Γ-point band-edge mode
Implementation Method 2
A photonic crystal laser according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a disk-shaped photonic crystal structure two-dimensionally disposed in a matrix on a disposition plane; and a flexible substrate disposed to support the photonic crystal structure and to cover at least a side surface of the photonic crystal structure
Data Source
AI summary
A photonic crystal laser and a strain measuring device are provided. The photonic crystal laser includes a disk-shaped photonic crystal structure two-dimensionally disposed in a matrix on a disposition plane and a flexible substrate disposed to support the photonic crystal structure and to cover at least a side surface of the photonic crystal structure.