Photonic Polymer Multilayers for Ionizing Radiation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation sensing technologies face challenges in developing low-cost, chemically stable, and convenient colorimetric sensors that can accurately detect ionizing radiation without requiring external equipment or toxic solvents, and often have limitations in chemical stability and read-out time sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The development of radiation sensors based on photonic polymer multilayer films with alternating layers of high and low refractive index polymers, where exposure to ionizing radiation causes either crosslinking or degradation of the low refractive index polymer, leading to a visible color change upon solvent immersion, allowing for straightforward colorimetric read-out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If solution-based sensors are used to achieve clear colorimetric changes spanning a broader range of the visible spectrum, then colorimetric sensing capability is improved, but the sensors require inconvenient and toxic organic solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and chemical composition parameters by transitioning from solution-based sensors requiring organic solvents to crosslinked polymer multilayer films that are chemically stable and solvent-free, while maintaining colorimetric sensing capability through structural color changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite photonic polymer multilayer structures combining high refractive index polymer layers containing chromophores with low refractive index polymer layers, creating a composite material system that achieves both colorimetric sensing and chemical stability without toxic solvents
2Object-affected harmful factors
If film-based sensing techniques are used to avoid potentially toxic solvents, then chemical safety is improved, but the sensors may require sealed containment or have time-sensitive restrictions on read-out due to a lack of chemical stability post-irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary crosslinking to the polymer multilayer films before irradiation, creating a stable three-dimensional network structure that prevents chemical degradation post-irradiation and eliminates the need for sealed containment or time-sensitive read-out restrictions
Solution Approach 2:
The crosslinked composite polymer multilayer structure combines multiple polymer layers with different refractive indices, where the crosslinked network provides chemical stability while the photonic structure enables colorimetric sensing without requiring sealed containment
3Reliability
If crosslinked polymer layers are used as a platform for radiation sensing to achieve chemical stability, then chemical stability is improved, but the sensors require straightforward colorimetric read-out based on structural color changes rather than absorption or emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color changes in the crosslinked polymer multilayer films upon irradiation, where the structural color of the photonic crystal structure changes in response to radiation-induced modifications in the polymer layers, providing straightforward visual read-out
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits parameter changes in the photonic crystal structure (refractive index, layer thickness, periodicity) induced by radiation, which manifest as visible color changes, enabling easy visual detection without complex equipment
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
These sensors provide a stable and cost-effective means for detecting ionizing radiation, offering clear color shifts in the visible spectrum, suitable for various applications, including wearable patches and packaging materials, with sensitivity in the kGy range, maintaining structural integrity through multiple swelling cycles.
Implementation Method 1
One-dimensional photonic crystals are periodic multilayer structures that rely on the interference of light to reflect a characteristic wavelength defined by the refractive index and thickness of each layer
Implementation Method 2
the high refractive index polymer comprises repeat units derived from a first photo-crosslinkable monomer, and wherein the low refractive index polymer consists of repeat units derived from a second photo-crosslinkable monomer
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation sensor includes a substrate and a polymer multilayer film including alternating layers of a high refractive index polymer and a low refractive index polymer. The high refractive index polymer and the low refractive index polymer each comprise repeat units derived from a photo-crosslinkable monomer. The radiation sensors are useful in preparing various articles, including wearable patches, packaging materials, labels, and window panes. Also described is a method of detecting radiation using the radiation sensors.