Tunable Photonic Crystal Composition Stimuli Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photonic crystal compositions are not tunable and responsive to external stimuli, limiting their applications in inks, coatings, and paints, where controlled reflectance wavelengths are desired.
Innovation Solution
Development of tunable photonic crystal compositions with polymer networks that exhibit periodic modulation of refractive indices, allowing the reflectance wavelength to shift in response to external stimuli such as electrical or mechanical stimuli, incorporated into carriers like binders, solvents, and fillers, enabling controlled reflectance properties in standard inks, coatings, and paints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional photonic crystal compositions are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the compositions are not tunable and cannot respond to external stimuli
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining photonic crystal particles with various carriers (binders, solvents, fillers, curing agents) to create tunable compositions. The photonic crystal particles themselves are composite structures with periodic refractive index modulation, and when combined with responsive materials, the entire composition becomes tunable while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic responsiveness by incorporating materials that can change their properties in response to external stimuli (electrical, mechanical, chemical). This allows the photonic crystal composition to dynamically adjust its reflectance wavelength based on external conditions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic system.
2Ease of operation
If photonic crystal particles are dispersed in carriers to enable application in inks and coatings, then ease of application is improved, but control over reflectance wavelength becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photonic crystal composition into discrete particles dispersed in a carrier system. This segmentation allows the particles to maintain their individual reflectance properties while the carrier system provides ease of application. The periodic structure within each particle remains intact, preserving wavelength control despite the dispersed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that each photonic crystal particle maintains its specific periodic refractive index modulation and reflectance properties, while the overall composition benefits from the carrier system's application characteristics. The local structure of each particle is preserved to control reflectance wavelength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the photonic crystal structure is made sensitive to external stimuli for tunability, then responsiveness is improved, but sensitivity to environmental changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the photonic crystal structure responds to external stimuli by changing its reflectance wavelength. This feedback allows the system to detect and respond to environmental conditions, enabling tunability while the carrier system can be designed to provide stability or protection against unwanted environmental effects.
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 tunable photonic crystal compositions can dynamically change their reflectance wavelengths in response to external stimuli, enhancing their utility in applications like sensors, indicators, and displays, while maintaining reflectance properties suitable for a wide range of viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
The spectral positions of these bands are dependent on the distance between the periodic modulations in the crystal. The reflected stop band wavelengths can appear in the reflectance spectrum as a distinct reflectance peak known as a Bragg peak.
Implementation Method 2
Photonic crystals are materials having a periodic modulation in their refractive index, giving rise to a photonic band gap or stop gap, in which the propagation of electromagnetic waves within certain ranges of wavelengths is inhibited or restricted.
Implementation Method 3
the polymer network having a reflectance wavelength, wherein the periodic modulation of refractive indices is responsive to an external stimulus and the reflectance wavelength is shifted in response to the external stimulus
Implementation Method 4
Deformable photonic crystal are also known, comprising non-close-packed spheres embedded in an hydrogel or elastomer matrix
Data Source
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AI summary
A tunable photonic crystal composition comprising: tunable photonic crystal particles having a polymer network with a periodic modulation of refractive indices, the polymer network having a reflectance wavelength, wherein the periodic modulation of refractive indices is responsive to an external stimulus and the reflectance wavelength is shifted in response to the external stimulus; and a carrier in which the particles are dispersed.