Multi-Force-Driven Self-Recoverable SWIR Mechanoluminescence for Underwater Communication

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Physics
• Photonics

Background:

• Mechanoluminescence (ML) materials emit light under mechanical force, offering sustainable solutions for applications like underwater communication.
• Current ML systems face limitations including single-mode force response, poor cyclic repeatability, and environmental instability.
• Short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) emission is desirable for certain applications but challenging to achieve with stable ML.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel ML material capable of self-recoverable SWIR emission under multimodal mechanical actions.
• To investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed ML properties.
• To enhance the cyclic stability and reliability of ML systems for practical applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of MgNb2O6:Cr3+ crystals.
• Investigation of ML properties under various mechanical stimuli (e.g., stretching, impact).
• Analysis of piezoelectric and triboelectric contributions to the ML phenomenon.
• Long-term cyclic testing to evaluate repeatability and stability.

Main Results:

• MgNb2O6:Cr3+ crystals exhibit self-recoverable SWIR mechanoluminescence.
• Synergistic piezoelectric and triboelectric effects contribute to high-brightness and cyclic-repeatable ML.
• Achieved unprecedented stable ML signals over 4000 continuous stretching cycles in the SWIR range.
• Demonstrated multimodal force responsiveness and resistance to environmental interference.

Conclusions:

• The developed MgNb2O6:Cr3+ crystals offer a robust platform for multimodal-force-driven, self-recoverable, and cyclically stable ML.
• The findings provide design guidelines for next-generation ML materials.
• These advancements open new possibilities for reliable underwater communication technologies.