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Thermally Triggered Multilevel Diffractive Optical Elements Tailored by Shape-Memory Polymers for Temperature History
Dokyung Kyeong1, Minsu Kim1, Moonkyu Kwak1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 13, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel optical temperature sensing film using shape-memory polymers (SMPs) and diffractive optical elements (DOEs). This smart film visually indicates temperature changes by altering its diffraction patterns, enabling temperature history recording.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) exhibit morphological transitions in response to stimuli.
- Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) display real-time far-field diffraction patterns.
- Combining SMPs and DOEs offers potential for novel optical sensing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an optical temperature sensing film by integrating SMPs and DOEs.
- To utilize the temperature-dependent visual changes in diffraction patterns for temperature indication.
- To demonstrate a customizable temperature sensing capability based on SMP properties.
Main Methods:
- Imprinting micropatterns of DOEs onto epoxy-based SMP films.
- Programming SMP-DOEs to hold temporary optical images.
- Utilizing temperature-induced reversion of SMPs to alter diffraction images.
- Customizing transition temperatures by adjusting SMP chain flexibility.
Main Results:
- An optical temperature sensing film was successfully fabricated.
- Temperature information was encoded as changes in far-field diffraction images.
- The image transformation temperature was tunable by modifying SMP chain flexibility.
- A sensor capable of recording and indicating temperature history was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The developed SMP-DOE film serves as a compact and reliable optical temperature indicator.
- This technology is suitable for temperature-sensitive industries like food and pharmaceuticals.
- The integration of SMPs and DOEs provides a versatile platform for advanced optical sensing.
