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Reconfigurable Mechanochromic Patterns into Chameleon-Inspired Photonic Papers
Dongpeng Yang1, Yang Hu1, Dekun Ma2
1School of Materials and Energy, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Materials and Energy Storage Devices, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Research (Washington, D.C.)
|August 12, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed reconfigurable photonic crystal (PC) patterns using phase change material (PCM) ink on PC paper. These chameleon-inspired patterns offer multicolor, high-resolution, and reversible mechanochromic properties for optical devices and anticounterfeiting applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Photonic crystals (PCs) are crucial for optical devices, but pattern reconfiguration remains challenging.
- Existing PC fabrication methods lack flexibility for dynamic pattern changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel strategy for reconfigurable photonic crystal patterns.
- To develop self-recordable PC patterns with mechanochromic properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilized phase change material (PCM) as ink for printing patterns onto chameleon-inspired PC papers.
- Demonstrated pattern reconfiguration via printing and erasure in ethanol.
- Investigated mechanochromic properties of the resulting photonic patterns.
Main Results:
- Achieved multicolor and high-resolution (25 µm dots, 75 µm lines) reconfigurable PC patterns.
- Exhibited programmable and reversible color changes under pressure due to mechanochromic characteristics.
- Identified key factors: high melting point ink, non-closely packed PC paper, and similar solubility parameters.
Conclusions:
- The developed method offers a simple, flexible, and efficient way to reconfigure PC patterns.
- The PC patterns exhibit tunable mechanochromic properties, enabling novel applications.
- This work paves the way for advanced anticounterfeiting and optical devices operated by hand.
