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A Silicon-tipped Fiber-optic Sensing Platform with High Resolution and Fast Response
Published on: January 7, 2019
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A flexible topo-optical sensing technology with ultra-high contrast
Cong Wang1, Ding Wang1, Valery Kozhevnikov2
1Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
Nature Communications
|March 21, 2020
Summary
Scientists developed a new optical sensing strategy using programmed surface folds and Iridium-III fluorophores. This method achieves ultra-high contrast signals for precise mechanical strain detection, enabling advanced flexible devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Engineering
Background:
- Elastic folding is a natural phenomenon with potential for engineering applications.
- Understanding the physics of topological transitions on surfaces is crucial for innovation.
- Current mechano-responsive luminescence mechanisms have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel topo-optical sensing strategy for ultra-high contrast signal generation.
- To utilize programmed surface folds and optical indicators for strain sensing.
- To leverage the oxygen quenching effect of Iridium-III fluorophores for enhanced signal output.
Main Methods:
- Programming surface folds on a targeted area with a thin optical indicator layer.
- Applying mechanical compressive strains to induce signal generation.
- Utilizing the oxygen quenching effect of Iridium-III (Ir-III) fluorophores.
Main Results:
- Achieved robust and precise signal generation under mechanical compressive strains (>0.4).
- Enabled an ultra-high contrast signal by exploiting the oxygen quenching effect of Ir-III fluorophores.
- Demonstrated high strain sensing capabilities, encoded logic functions, direct visualization, and adaptivity to local curvature.
Conclusions:
- The proposed topo-optical sensing strategy offers an effective solution for mechano-responsive luminescence.
- This technology bridges a gap in current sensing mechanisms by using an 'unwanted' effect for high contrast.
- The developed technology has significant potential for next-generation flexible and wearable devices.
