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A Contact-Sliding-Triboelectrification-Driven Dynamic Optical Transmittance Modulator for Self-Powered Information
Chen Zhang1,2, Zihao Guo2,3, Xiaoxiong Zheng1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|November 21, 2019
Summary
This study presents a self-powered dynamic optical transmittance modulator (OTM) using triboelectrification. The device integrates flexible electronics for adaptable, portable optical systems without external power.
Area of Science:
- Flexible Electronics
- Triboelectrification
- Optical Systems
Background:
- Self-powered flexible electronic/optical systems are gaining interest.
- Integrating these systems remains challenging due to architecture limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To upgrade a self-powered optical switch into a fully integrated dynamic optical transmittance modulator (OTM).
- To demonstrate a self-powered device for adaptable, portable optical applications.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a multilayered OTM with a triboelectrification top layer, a SiO2-spaced polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer, and a conductive substrate.
- Utilized contact-sliding triboelectrification to induce an electric field and switch PDLC states.
Main Results:
- Achieved a dimming range (0.17 to 0.72 relative transmitted light intensity) at low mechanical thresholds (≈20 kPa pressure, ≈0.3 m/s sliding velocity).
- Demonstrated information covering and selective visualization without external power or optical elements.
Conclusions:
- The developed OTM shows significant potential for various self-powered optical interactive applications.
- This work advances the integration of triboelectrification in flexible optical systems.
