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Color tunable pressure sensors based on polymer nanostructured membranes for optofluidic applications
P Escudero1,2, J Yeste1, C Pascual-Izarra3
1Instituto de Microelectronica de Barcelona (IMB-CNM, CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
Scientific Reports
|March 3, 2019
Summary
We developed a novel optical pressure sensing platform using nanostructured membranes for optofluidics. These power-free sensors change color with pressure, offering a simple and cost-effective solution.
Area of Science:
- Optofluidics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Optofluidic systems require precise pressure monitoring.
- Existing pressure sensors can be complex or power-intensive.
- Nanostructured materials offer unique optical properties for sensing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an integrated optical pressure sensing platform for optofluidics.
- To develop a cost-effective method for creating pressure sensors.
- To investigate the relationship between pressure and optical response.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of elastomeric nanostructured membranes via colloidal photonic crystal infiltration with PDMS.
- Integration of membranes into a microfluidic system.
- Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and UV-Vis reflection spectrometry.
- Monitoring color shifts with pressure using a smartphone camera.
Main Results:
- Successfully created an array of 2D photonic crystal membranes.
- Demonstrated pressure-induced color shifts in membranes due to nanostructure deformation.
- Achieved a maximum sensitivity of 0.17 kPa⁻¹ at Littrow configuration.
- Validated smartphone camera as a tool for monitoring pressure-dependent color changes.
Conclusions:
- The developed platform provides a power-free, colorimetric method for pressure sensing in optofluidics.
- The simple fabrication process makes it a cost-effective solution.
- The platform shows potential for multiplexed sensing applications.
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