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Biodegradable Laser Arrays Self-Assembled from Plant Resources.
Jiaqi Guo1,2,3, Bastian Haehnle4, Daniel Hoenders1,2,3
1A3BMS Lab, Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 31, Freiburg, 79104, Germany.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|June 16, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed switchable lasers from plant-based cellulose nanocrystals and fluorescent polymers. These biobased optical devices offer advanced functions, stiffness, and biodegradability for sustainable technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Advanced optical devices typically rely on synthetic materials and top-down manufacturing.
- There is a need for sustainable alternatives to conventional advanced functional materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop switchable lasers from biobased materials.
- To demonstrate advanced optical functions using self-assembled cellulose nanocrystals and fluorescent polymers.
- To explore the potential of biobased materials for sustainable optical devices.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals and fluorescent polymers from water at room temperature.
- Controlled structure formation to create laser-grade cholesteric photonic bandgap materials.
- Matching the photonic bandgap to fluorescence emission for efficient lasing.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated switchable lasers that can be turned on/off using humidity.
- Achieved low threshold multimode lasing due to efficient resonator function.
- Developed printable pixelated laser arrays.
- The biobased materials exhibited stiffness and biodegradability.
Conclusions:
- Advanced optical functions can be achieved using biobased materials.
- This approach opens new possibilities for sustainable optical devices.
- The developed materials offer a viable alternative to synthetic materials in optics.
