3D printing of optical materials: an investigation of the microscopic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Persano, Luana; Cardarelli, Francesco; Arinstein, Arkadii; Uttiya, Sureeporn; Zussman, Eyal; Pisignano, Dario; Camposeo, Andrea

2018-02-01

3D printing technologies are currently enabling the fabrication of objects with complex architectures and tailored properties. In such framework, the production of 3D optical structures, which are typically based on optical transparent matrices, optionally doped with active molecular compounds and nanoparticles, is still limited by the poor uniformity of the printed structures. Both bulk inhomogeneities and surface roughness of the printed structures can negatively affect the propagation of light in 3D printed optical components. Here we investigate photopolymerization-based printing processes by laser confocal microscopy. The experimental method we developed allows the printing process to be investigated in-situ, with microscale spatial resolution, and in real-time. The modelling of the photo-polymerization kinetics allows the different polymerization regimes to be investigated and the influence of process variables to be rationalized. In addition, the origin of the factors limiting light propagation in printed materials are rationalized, with the aim of envisaging effective experimental strategies to improve optical properties of printed materials.

Direct dry transfer of CVD graphene to an optical substrate by in situ photo-polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kessler, Felipe; Muñoz, Pablo A. R.; Phelan, Ciaran; Romani, Eric C.; Larrudé, Dunieskys R. G.; Freire, Fernando L.; Thoroh de Souza, Eunézio A.; de Matos, Christiano J. S.; Fechine, Guilhermino J. M.

2018-05-01

Here, we report on a method that allows graphene produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to be directly transferred to an optically transparent photo resin, by in situ photo-polymerization of the latter, with high efficiency and low contamination. Two photocurable resins, A and B, with different viscosities but essentially the same chemical structure, were used. Raman spectroscopy and surface energy results show that large continuous areas of graphene were transferred with minimal defects to the lower viscosity resin (B), due to the better contact between the resin and graphene. As a proof-of-principle optical experiment, graphene on the polymeric substrate was subjected to high-intensity femtosecond infrared pulses and third-harmonic generation was observed with no noticeable degradation of the sample. A sheet third-order susceptibility χ (3) = 0.71 ×10-28m3V-2 was obtained, matching that of graphene on a glass substrate. These results indicate the suitability of the proposed transfer method, and of the photo resin, for the production of nonlinear photonic components and devices.

Polymer substrates for flexible photovoltaic cells application in personal electronic system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Znajdek, K.; Sibiński, M.; Strąkowska, A.; Lisik, Z.

2016-01-01

The article presents an overview of polymeric materials for flexible substrates in photovoltaic (PV) structures that could be used as power supply in the personal electronic systems. Four types of polymers have been elected for testing. The first two are the most specialized and heat resistant polyimide films. The third material is transparent polyethylene terephthalate film from the group of polyesters which was proposed as a cheap and commercially available substrate for the technology of photovoltaic cells in a superstrate configuration. The last selected polymeric material is a polysiloxane, which meets the criteria of high elasticity, is temperature resistant and it is also characterized by relatively high transparency in the visible light range. For the most promising of these materials additional studies were performed in order to select those of them which represent the best optical, mechanical and temperature parameters according to their usage for flexible substrates in solar cells.

Transparent Composites Made from Tunicate Cellulose Membranes and Environmentally Friendly Polyester.

PubMed

Zhao, Yadong; Moser, Carl; Henriksson, Gunnar

2018-05-25

A series of optically transparent composites were made by using tunicate cellulose membranes, in which the naturally organized cellulose microfibrillar network structure of tunicate tunics was preserved and used as the template and a solution of glycerol and citric acid at different molar ratios was used as the matrix. Polymerization through ester bond formation occurred at elevated temperatures without any catalyst, and water was released as the only byproduct. The obtained composites had a uniform and dense structure. Thus, the produced glycerol citrate polyester improved the transparency of the tunicate cellulose membrane while the cellulose membrane provided rigidity and strength to the prepared composite. The interaction between cellulose and polyester afforded the composites high thermal stability. Additionally, the composites were optically transparent and their shape, strength, and flexibility were adjustable by varying the formulation and reaction conditions. These composites of cellulose, glycerol, and citric acid are renewable and biocompatible and have many potential applications as structural materials in packaging, flexible displays, and solar cells. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Reverse-mode thermoresponsive light attenuators produced by optical anisotropic composites of nematic liquid crystals and reactive mesogens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakiuchida, Hiroshi; Ogiwara, Akifumi

2018-04-01

Polymer network liquid crystals (PNLCs) whose optical transmittance state switches between transparence at low temperatures and haze at high temperatures were fabricated from mixtures of nematic liquid crystals (LCs) and reactive mesogens (RMs). This PNLC structure is simple but effective, namely, consists of micro-scale domains of orientation-ordered LCs and anisotropically polymerized RMs. The domains form through photopolymerization induced phase separation with inhomogeneous irradiation projected by laser speckling techniques. This irradiation method enables you to control the size and shape of phase-separation domains, and these PNLCs can be applied to novel thermoresponsive optical devices; optical isolators, thermometric sheets, and smart windows.

Space radiation resistant transparent polymeric materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giori, C.; Yamauchi, T.

1977-01-01

A literature search in the field of ultraviolet and charged particle irradiation of polymers was utilized in an experimental program aimed at the development of radiation stable materials for space applications. The rationale utilized for material selection and the synthesis, characterization and testing performed on several selected materials is described. Among the materials tested for ultraviolet stability in vacuum were: polyethyleneoxide, polyvinylnaphthalene, and the amino resin synthesized by the condensation of o-hydroxybenzoguanamine with formaldehyde. Particularly interesting was the radiation behavior of poly(ethyleneoxide), irradiation did not cause degradation of optical properties but rather an improvement in transparency as indicated by a decrease in solar absorptance with increasing exposure time.

Optically transparent/colorless polyimides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stclair, A. K.; Stclair, T. L.; Slemp, W.; Ezzell, K. S.

1985-01-01

Several series of linear aromatic polyimide films have been synthesized and characterized with the objective of obtaining maximum optical transparency. Two approaches have been used as part of this structure-property relationship study. The first approach is to vary the molecular structure so as to separate chromophoric centers and reduce electronic interactions between polymer chains to lower the intensity of color in the resulting polymer films. A second and concurrent approach is to perform polymerizations with highly purified monomers. Glass transition temperatures of thermally cured polyimide films are obtained by thermomechanical analysis and thermal decomposition temperatures are determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Transmittance UV-visible spectra of the polyimide films are compared to that of a commercial polyimide film. Fully imidized films are tested for solubility in common organic solvents. The more transparent films prepared in this study are evaluated for use on second-surface mirror thermal control coating systems. Lightly colored to colorless films are characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy before and after exposure to 300 equivalent solar hours UV irradiation and varying doses of 1 MeV electron irradiation. The effects of monomer purity, casting solvent and cure atmosphere on polyimide film transparency are also investigated.

Process development and monitoring in stripping of a highly transparent polymeric paint with ns-pulsed fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jasim, Halah A.; Demir, Ali Gökhan; Previtali, Barbara; Taha, Ziad A.

2017-08-01

Laser paint removal was studied with ns-pulsed fiber laser on the combination of 20 μm-thick, white polymeric paint and Al alloy substrate. The response of paint to single pulse ablation was evaluated to measure the ablated zone dimensions. With this information, the effect of overlap, number of passes and pulse repetition rate was evaluated to investigate machining depth. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to investigate the machining behaviour as well as to propose monitoring strategies. The results showed that despite the high transparency of the paint, complete paint removal can be achieved with reduced substrate damage (Sa = 1.3 μm). The emission spectroscopy can be used to identify removal completion as well as the reach of substrate material. The observations were also used to explain a paint removal mechanism based on thermal expansion of the paint and mechanical action provided by the plasma expansion from the substrate material.

Optical characterization of composite layers prepared by plasma polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radeva, E.; Hikov, T.; Mitev, D.; Stroescu, H.; Nicolescu, M.; Gartner, M.; Presker, R.; Pramatarova, L.

2016-02-01

Thin composite layers from polymer/nanoparticles (Ag-nanoparticles and detonation nanodiamonds) were prepared by plasma polymerization process on the base of hexamethyldisiloxane. The variation of the layer composition was achieved by changing the type of nanoparticles. The optical measurement techniques used were UV-VIS-NIR ellipsometry (SE), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The values of the refractive index determined are in the range 1.30 to 1.42. All samples are transparent with transmission between 85-95% and very smooth. The change in Raman and FTIR spectra of the composites verify the expected bonding between polymer and diamond nanoparticles due to the penetration of the fillers in the polymer matrix. The comparison of the spectra of the corresponding NH3 plasma treated composites revealed that the composite surface becomes more hydrophilic. The obtained results indicate that preparation of layers with desired compositions is possible at a precise control of the detonation nanodiamond materials.

Chemical Synthesis and Optical Properties of CdS Poly(Lactic Acid) Nanocomposites and Their Transparent Fluorescent Films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Cai-Feng; Cheng, Yu-Peng; Xie, He-Yi

2011-01-01

This paper describes the chemical synthesis of cadmium sulfide (CdS) polymer nanocomposites by covalently grafting poly(lactic acid) (PLA) onto the surfaces of CdS nanocrystals (NCs). Synthesis of the nanocomposites involved two steps. Lactic acid (LA) capped CdS NCs were first prepared by reacting cadmium chloride (CdCl2) with sodium sulfide (Na2S) using LA as the organic ligand in H2O/N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution. Next CdS PLA nanocomposites were formed by in situ ring-opening polymerization of lactide on the surface of modified CdS NCs. Transparent fluorescent films were then successfully prepared by blending as-prepared CdS PLA nanocomposites with high-molecular-weight PLA. The as-prepared CdS NCsmore » and their nanocomposites were studied by transmission electron microscopic imaging, thermogravimetric analyses, and spectroscopic measurements (ultraviolet-visible absorption and photoluminescence). The spectroscopic studies revealed that the CdS polymer nanocomposites exhibited good optical properties in terms of their photoluminescence and transparency.« less

Single Step Laser Transfer and Laser Curing of Ag NanoWires: A Digital Process for the Fabrication of Flexible and Transparent Microelectrodes.

PubMed

Zacharatos, Filimon; Karvounis, Panagiotis; Theodorakos, Ioannis; Hatziapostolou, Antonios; Zergioti, Ioanna

2018-06-19

Ag nanowire (NW) networks have exquisite optical and electrical properties which make them ideal candidate materials for flexible transparent conductive electrodes. Despite the compatibility of Ag NW networks with laser processing, few demonstrations of laser fabricated Ag NW based components currently exist. In this work, we report on a novel single step laser transferring and laser curing process of micrometer sized pixels of Ag NW networks on flexible substrates. This process relies on the selective laser heating of the Ag NWs induced by the laser pulse energy and the subsequent localized melting of the polymeric substrate. We demonstrate that a single laser pulse can induce both transfer and curing of the Ag NW network. The feasibility of the process is confirmed experimentally and validated by Finite Element Analysis simulations, which indicate that selective heating is carried out within a submicron-sized heat affected zone. The resulting structures can be utilized as fully functional flexible transparent electrodes with figures of merit even higher than 100. Low sheet resistance (<50 Ohm/sq) and high visible light transparency (>90%) make the reported process highly desirable for a variety of applications, including selective heating or annealing of nanocomposite materials and laser processing of nanostructured materials on a large variety of optically transparent substrates, such as Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

Transparent anodic TiO2 nanotube arrays on plastic substrates for disposable biosensors and flexible electronics.

PubMed

Farsinezhad, Samira; Mohammadpour, Arash; Dalrymple, Ashley N; Geisinger, Jared; Kar, Piyush; Brett, Michael J; Shankar, Karthik

2013-04-01

Exploitation of anodically formed self-organized TiO2 nanotube arrays in mass-manufactured, disposable biosensors, rollable electrochromic displays and flexible large-area solar cells would greatly benefit from integration with transparent and flexible polymeric substrates. Such integration requires the vacuum deposition of a thin film of titanium on the desired substrate, which is then anodized in suitable media to generate TiO2 nanotube arrays. However the challenges associated with control of Ti film morphology, nanotube array synthesis conditions, and film adhesion and transparency, have necessitated the use of substrate heating during deposition to temperatures of at least 300 degrees C and as high as 500 degrees C to generate highly ordered open-pore nanotube arrays, thus preventing the use of polymeric substrates. We report on a film growth technique that exploits atomic peening to achieve high quality transparent TiO2 nanotube arrays with lengths up to 5.1 microm at room temperature on polyimide substrates without the need for substrate heating or substrate biasing or a Kauffman ion source. The superior optical quality and uniformity of the nanotube arrays was evidenced by the high specular reflectivity and the smooth pattern of periodic interferometric fringes in the transmission spectra of the nanotube arrays, from which the wavelength-dependent effective refractive index was extracted for the air-TiO2 composite medium. A fluorescent immunoassay biosensor constructed using 5.1 microm-long transparent titania nanotube arrays (TTNAs) grown on Kapton substrates detected human cardiac troponin I at a concentration of 0.1 microg ml(-1).

UV shielding with visible transparency based properties of poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile)/Ag doped ZnO nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Rajender; Verma, Karan; Singh, Tejbir; Barman, P. B.; Sharma, Dheeraj

2018-02-01

Development of ultraviolet (UV) shielding with visible transparency based thermoplastic polymer nanocomposite (PNs) presents an important requisite in terms of their efficiency and cost. Present study contributed for the same approach by dispersion of Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles upto 10 wt% in poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile) matrix by insitu emulsion polymerization method. The crystal and chemical structure of PNs has been analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier infrared spectrometer (FTIR) techniques. The morphological and elemental information of synthesized nanomaterial has been studied by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) technique. The optical properties of PNs has been studied by UV-visible spectroscopy technique. The incorporation of nanoparticles in polymer matrix absorb the complete UV light with visible transparency. The present reported polymer nanocomposite (PNs) have tuned refractive index with UV blocking and visible transparency based properties which can serve as a viable alternative as compared to related conventional materials.

High Resistivity Transparent/Conductive Coatings for Space Applications: Problems and Possible Improvements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cashman, Thomas; Demko, Rikako; Uppala, Nischala; Vemulapalli, Jyothi; Welch, Bryan; Hambourger, Paul D.

2003-01-01

We have prepared transparent films with a sheet relativity of 10(exp 1) to 10(exp 12) ohm/square by co-depositing a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) with magnesium fluoride, using two independently controlled RF magnetron sputter guns to facilitate adjustment of the film composition, Co-deposited indium tin oxide (ITO) and MgF2 on quartz and flexible polymeric substrate exhibited reasonably stable sheet resistivity over several months' time, with substantially lower optical reflectance than that of pure ITO. However, exposure to low-intensity blue light reduces sheet resistivity by as much as two orders of magnitude. Our results suggest this photoconductivity effect may be present in all InO(x)-based materials. We find that sheet resistivity can by "tuned" by admitting a small amount of high-purity air during deposition offering the possibility of closed loop process control.

Temporal Stability of Metal-Chloride-Doped Chemical-Vapour-Deposited Graphene.

PubMed

Kang, Moon H; Milne, William I; Cole, Matthew T

2016-08-18

Graphene has proven to be a promising material for transparent flexible electronics. In this study, we report the development of a transfer and doping scheme of large-area chemical vapour deposited (CVD) graphene. A technique to transfer the as-grown material onto mechanically flexible and optically transparent polymeric substrates using an ultraviolet adhesive (UVA) is outlined, along with the temporal stability of the sheet resistance and optical transparency following chemical doping with various metal chlorides (Mx Cly The sheet resistance (RS ) and 550 nm optical transparency (%T550 ) of the transferred un-doped graphene was 3.5 kΩ sq(-1) (±0.2 kΩ sq(-1) ) and 84.1 % (±2.9 %), respectively. Doping with AuCl3 showed a notable reduction in RS by some 71.4 % (to 0.93 kΩ sq(-1) ) with a corresponding %T550 of 77.0 %. After 200 h exposure to air at standard temperature and pressure, the increase in RS was found to be negligible (ΔRS AuCl3 =0.06 kΩ sq(-1) ), indicating that, of the considered Mx Cly species, AuCl3 doping offered the highest degree of time stability under ambient conditions. There appears a tendency of increasing RS with time for the remaining metal chlorides studied. We attribute the observed temporal shift to desorption of molecular dopants. We find that desorption was most significant in RhCl3 -doped samples whereas, in contrast, after 200 h in ambient conditions, AuCl3 -doped graphene showed only marginal desorption. The results of this study demonstrate that chemical doping of UVA-transferred graphene is a promising means for enhancing large-area CVD graphene in order to realise a viable platform for next-generation optically transparent and mechanically flexible electronics. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Molecularly Oriented Polymeric Thin Films for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fay, Catharine C.; Stoakley, Diane M.; St.Clair, Anne K.

1997-01-01

The increased commitment from NASA and private industry to the exploration of outer space and the use of orbital instrumentation to monitor the earth has focused attention on organic polymeric materials for a variety of applications in space. Some polymeric materials have exhibited short-term (3-5 yr) space environmental durability; however, future spacecraft are being designed with lifetimes projected to be 10-30 years. This gives rise to concern that material property change brought about during operation may result in unpredicted spacecraft performance. Because of their inherent toughness and flexibility, low density, thermal stability, radiation resistance and mechanical strength, aromatic polyimides have excellent potential use as advanced materials on large space structures. Also, there exists a need for high temperature (200-300 C) stable, flexible polymeric films that have high optical transparency in the 300-600nm range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Polymers suitable for these space applications were fabricated and characterized. Additionally, these polymers were molecularly oriented to further enhance their dimensional stability, stiffness, elongation and strength. Both unoriented and oriented polymeric thin films were also cryogenically treated to temperatures below -184 C to show their stability in cold environments and determine any changes in material properties.

High Refractive Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Films Prepared by Low Water Sol-Gel and UV-Irradiation Processes

PubMed Central

Ma, Hsiao-Yuan; Wang, Tzong-Liu; Chang, Pei-Yu; Yang, Chien-Hsin

2016-01-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid sols (Ti–O–Si precursor) were first synthesized by the sol-gel method at low addition of water, and were then employed to prepare a highly refractive hybrid optical film. This film was obtained by blending the Ti–O–Si precursor with 2-phenylphenoxyethyl acrylate (OPPEA) to perform photo-polymerization by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Results show that the film transparency of poly(Ti–O–Si precursor-co-OPPEA) film is higher than that of a pure poly(Ti–O–Si precursor) film, and that this poly(Ti–O–Si precursor-co-OPPEA) hybrid film exhibits a high transparency of ~93.7% coupled with a high refractive index (n) of 1.83 corresponding to a thickness of 2.59 μm. PMID:28344303

Ultrathin Transparent Membranes for Cellular Barrier and Co-Culture Models

PubMed Central

Carter, Robert N.; Casillo, Stephanie M.; Mazzocchi, Andrea R.; DesOrmeaux, Jon-Paul S.; Roussie, James A.; Gaborski, Thomas R.

2017-01-01

Typical in vitro barrier and co-culture models rely upon thick semi-permeable polymeric membranes that physically separate two compartments. Polymeric track-etched membranes, while permeable to small molecules, are far from physiological with respect to physical interactions with co-cultured cells and are not compatible with high-resolution imaging due to light scattering and autofluorescence. Here we report on an optically transparent ultrathin membrane with porosity exceeding 20%. We optimize deposition and annealing conditions to create a tensile and robust porous silicon dioxide membrane that is comparable in thickness to the vascular basement membrane (100–300 nm). We demonstrate that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) spread and proliferate on these membranes similarly to control substrates. Additionally, HUVECs are able to transfer cytoplasmic cargo to adipose-derived stem cells when they are co-cultured on opposite sides of the membrane, demonstrating its thickness supports physiologically relevant cellular interactions. Lastly, we confirm that these porous glass membranes are compatible with lift-off processes yielding membrane sheets with an active area of many square centimeters. We believe that these membranes will enable new in vitro barrier and co-culture models while offering dramatically improved visualization compared to conventional alternatives. PMID:28140345

Highly efficient flexible optoelectronic devices using metal nanowire-conducting polymer composite transparent electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Eui Dae; Nam, Yun Seok; Seo, Houn; Lee, Bo Ram; Yu, Jae Choul; Lee, Sang Yun; Kim, Ju-Young; Park, Jang-Ung; Song, Myoung Hoon

2015-09-01

Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of the electrical, optical, mechanical, and surface morphological properties of composite nanostrutures based on silver nanowires (AgNW) and PEDOT:PSS conducting polymer for the use as flexible and transparent electrodes. Compared to ITO or the single material of AgNW or PEDOT:PSS, the AgNW/PEDOT:PSS composite electrode showed high electrical conductivity with a low sheet resistance of 26.8 Ω/sq at 91% transmittance (at 550 nm), improves surface smoothness, and enhances mechanical properties assisted by an amphiphilic fluoro-surfactant. The polymeric light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) and organic solar cells (OSCs) using the AgNW/PEDOT:PSS composite electrode showed higher device performances than those with AgNW and PEDOT:PSS electrodes and excellent flexibility under bending test. These results indicates that the AgNW/PEDOT:PSS composite presented is a good candidate as next-generation transparent elelctrodes for applications into flexible optoelectronic devices. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Methods For Improving Polymeric Materials For Use In Solar Cell Applications

DOEpatents

Hanoka, Jack I.

2003-07-01

A method of manufacturing a solar cell module includes the use of low cost polymeric materials with improved mechanical properties. A transparent encapsulant layer is placed adjacent a rear surface of a front support layer. Interconnected solar cells are positioned adjacent a rear surface of the transparent encapsulant layer to form a solar cell assembly. A backskin layer is placed adjacent a rear surface of the solar cell assembly. At least one of the transparent encapsulant layer and the backskin layer are predisposed to electron beam radiation.

Methods For Improving Polymeric Materials For Use In Solar Cell Applications

DOEpatents

Hanoka, Jack I.

2001-11-20

A method of manufacturing a solar cell module includes the use of low cost polymeric materials with improved mechanical properties. A transparent encapsulant layer is placed adjacent a rear surface of a front support layer. Interconnected solar cells are positioned adjacent a rear surface of the transparent encapsulant layer to form a solar cell assembly. A backskin layer is placed adjacent a rear surface of the solar cell assembly. At least one of the transparent encapsulant layer and the backskin layer are predisposed to electron beam radiation.

Bioinspired Superhydrophobic Highly Transmissive Films for Optical Applications.

PubMed

Vüllers, Felix; Gomard, Guillaume; Preinfalk, Jan B; Klampaftis, Efthymios; Worgull, Matthias; Richards, Bryce; Hölscher, Hendrik; Kavalenka, Maryna N

2016-11-01

Inspired by the transparent hair layer on water plants Salvinia and Pistia, superhydrophobic flexible thin films, applicable as transparent coatings for optoelectronic devices, are introduced. Thin polymeric nanofur films are fabricated using a highly scalable hot pulling technique, in which heated sandblasted steel plates are used to create a dense layer of nano- and microhairs surrounding microcavities on a polymer surface. The superhydrophobic nanofur surface exhibits water contact angles of 166 ± 6°, sliding angles below 6°, and is self-cleaning against various contaminants. Additionally, subjecting thin nanofur to argon plasma reverses its surface wettability to hydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic. Thin nanofur films are transparent and demonstrate reflection values of less than 4% for wavelengths ranging from 300 to 800 nm when attached to a polymer substrate. Moreover, used as translucent self-standing film, the nanofur exhibits transmission values above 85% and high forward scattering. The potential of thin nanofur films for extracting substrate modes from organic light emitting diodes is tested and a relative increase of the luminous efficacy of above 10% is observed. Finally, thin nanofur is optically coupled to a multicrystalline silicon solar cell, resulting in a relative gain of 5.8% in photogenerated current compared to a bare photovoltaic device. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Materials for Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems: Optical Properties and Solar Radiation Durability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

French, R. H.; Rodríguez-Parada, J. M.; Yang, M. K.; Lemon, M. F.; Romano, E. C.; Boydell, P.

2010-10-01

Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems are designed to operate over a wide range of solar concentrations, from low concentrations of ˜1 to 12 Suns to medium concentrations in the range from 12 to 200 Suns, to high concentration CPV systems going up to 2000 Suns. Many transparent optical materials are used for a wide variety of functions ranging from refractive and reflective optics to homogenizers, encapsulants and even thermal management. The classes of materials used also span a wide spectrum from hydrocarbon polymers (HCP) and fluoropolymers (FP) to silicon containing polymers and polyimides (PI). The optical properties of these materials are essential to the optical behavior of the system. At the same time radiation durability of these materials under the extremely wide range of solar concentrations is a critical performance requirement for the required lifetime of a CPV system. As part of our research on materials for CPV we are evaluating the optical properties and solar radiation durability of various polymeric materials to define the optimum material combinations for various CPV systems.

Interference lithography for optical devices and coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juhl, Abigail Therese

Interference lithography can create large-area, defect-free nanostructures with unique optical properties. In this thesis, interference lithography will be utilized to create photonic crystals for functional devices or coatings. For instance, typical lithographic processing techniques were used to create 1, 2 and 3 dimensional photonic crystals in SU8 photoresist. These structures were in-filled with birefringent liquid crystal to make active devices, and the orientation of the liquid crystal directors within the SU8 matrix was studied. Most of this thesis will be focused on utilizing polymerization induced phase separation as a single-step method for fabrication by interference lithography. For example, layered polymer/nanoparticle composites have been created through the one-step two-beam interference lithographic exposure of a dispersion of 25 and 50 nm silica particles within a photopolymerizable mixture at a wavelength of 532 nm. In the areas of constructive interference, the monomer begins to polymerize via a free-radical process and concurrently the nanoparticles move into the regions of destructive interference. The holographic exposure of the particles within the monomer resin offers a single-step method to anisotropically structure the nanoconstituents within a composite. A one-step holographic exposure was also used to fabricate self-healing coatings that use water from the environment to catalyze polymerization. Polymerization induced phase separation was used to sequester an isocyanate monomer within an acrylate matrix. Due to the periodic modulation of the index of refraction between the monomer and polymer, the coating can reflect a desired wavelength, allowing for tunable coloration. When the coating is scratched, polymerization of the liquid isocyanate is catalyzed by moisture in air; if the indices of the two polymers are matched, the coatings turn transparent after healing. Interference lithography offers a method of creating multifunctional self-healing coatings that readout when damage has occurred.

UV and γ-ray resistance of poly(N-methylmaleimide-alt-isobutene) and poly(diisopropyl fumarate) as transparent polymer films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imaizumi, Ryota; Furuta, Masakazu; Okamura, Haruyuki; Matsumoto, Akikazu

2017-09-01

UV and γ-ray resistance of transparent polymers obtained by radical polymerization of maleic and fumaric acid derivatives, i.e., an alternating copolymer of N-methylmaleimide and isobutene (PMI) and poly(diisopropyl fumarate) (PDiPF), was investigated. Transmittance in UV and visible regions of these polymers were examined after UV irradiation and compared with the results for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) as conventional transparent polymers. The order of stability toward UV irradiation was PMMA≈PDiPF>PMI>>PC, deduced from changes in the transmittance of 380 nm light. Tensile mechanical properties, such as elastic modulus, maximum strength, and elongation values of PMI, PDiPF, and PMMA were also investigated after UV and γ-radiation. UV irradiation induced the side chain scission of PMI and PDiPF via Norrish I type reaction as well as crosslinking by combination between formed polymer radicals, leading to deterioration in their optical and mechanical properties. γ-radiation induced significant changes in molecular weight and mechanical properties of the polymers. In conclusion, PMI exhibited unchanged mechanical properties and PDiPF maintained its high transparency under various irradiation conditions.

Transparent and Electrically Conductive Carbon Nanotube-Polymer Nanocomposite Materials for Electrostatic Charge Dissipation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dervishi, E.; Biris, A. S.; Biris, A. R.; Lupu, D.; Trigwell, S.; Miller, D. W.; Schmitt, T.; Buzatu, D. A.; Wilkes, J. G.

2006-01-01

In recent years, nanocomposite materials have been extensively studied because of their superior electrical, magnetic, and optical properties and large number of possible applications that range from nano-electronics, specialty coatings, electromagnetic shielding, and drug delivery. The aim of the present work is to study the electrical and optical properties of carbon nanotube(CNT)-polymer nanocomposite materials for electrostatic charge dissipation. Single and multi-wall carbon nanotubes were grown by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) on metal/metal oxide catalytic systems using acetylene or other hydrocarbon feedstocks. After the purification process, in which amorphous carbon and non-carbon impurities were removed, the nanotubes were functionalized with carboxylic acid groups in order to achieve a good dispersion in water and various other solvents. The carbon nanostructures were analyzed, both before and after functionalization by several analytical techniques, including microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Solvent dispersed nanotubes were mixed (1 to 7 wt %) into acrylic polymers by sonication and allowed to dry into 25 micron thick films. The electrical and optical properties of the films were analyzed as a function of the nanotubes' concentration. A reduction in electrical resistivity, up to six orders of magnitude, was measured as the nanotubes' concentration in the polymeric films increased, while optical transparency remained 85 % or higher relative to acrylic films without nanotubes.

Evaluation of Photopolymerization Kinetics by Means of Transmittance Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bovesecchi, G.; Coppa, P.; Armellin, E.; Cerroni, L.

2018-04-01

Polymeric resins are widely used for dental reconstruction, and most resins use camphorquinone as activator of the polymerization reaction, through the absorption of light at a defined wavelength range (from 400 nm to 460 nm). During the photopolymerization curing, transparency of these resins changes and transmittance variation can be detected by photodiode and bolometer measurements. This change can be used as an index of the reaction rate, and the kinetic parameter k (reaction rate) can be evaluated from transmittance data by means of nonlinear regression. The relation between k and the light intensity impinging on the resin sample can thus be obtained. In the present work, tests were carried out using the resin Enamel Plus HFO GE2. Results reveal the presence of two different polymerization reactions at two different intensity ranges. The obtained k values were used to predict the most suited curing times for different light intensities. The proposed methodology can be applied to different dental reconstruction materials, provided that the material is partially transparent and that its transparency changes during the polymerization reaction.

Organic-inorganic hybrid optical foils with strong visible reflection, excellent near infrared-shielding ability and high transparency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yijie; Huang, Aibin; Zhou, Huaijuan; Ji, Shidong; Jin, Ping

2018-03-01

Research on functional flexible films has recently been attracting widespread attention especially with regards to foils, which can be designed artificially on the basis of the practical requirements. In this work, a foil with high visible reflection and a strong near infrared shielding efficiency was prepared by a simple wet chemical method. In the process of making this kind of optical foil, emulsion polymerization was first introduced to synthesize polymer opals, which were further compressed between two pieces of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foil under polymer melting temperature to obtain a photonic crystal film with a strong reflection in the visible region to block blue rays. The following step was to coat a layer of the inorganic nano paint, which was synthesized by dispersing Cs-doped WO3 (CWO) nanoparticles homogenously into organic resin on the surface of the PET to achieve a high near infrared shielding ability. The final composite foil exhibited unique optical properties such as high visible reflectance (23.9%) to block blue rays, and excellent near infrared shielding efficiency (98.0%), meanwhile it still maintained a high transparency meaning that this foil could potentially be applied in energy-saving window films. To sum up, this study provides new insight into devising flexible hybrid films with novel optical properties, which could be further extended to prepare other optical films for potential use in automobile, architectural and other decorative fields.

Evaluations of candidate encapsulation designs and materials for low-cost silicon photovoltaic arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaines, G. B.; Carmichael, D. C.; Sliemers, F. A.; Brockway, M. C.; Bunk, A. R.; Nance, G. P.

1978-01-01

Three encapsulation designs for silicon photovoltaic arrays based on cells with silk-screened Ag metallization have been evaluated: transparent polymeric coatings over cells laminated between two films or sheets of polymeric materials; cells adhesively bonded to a glass cover with a polymer pottant and a glass or other substrate component. Silicone and acrylic coatings were assessed, together with acrylic sheet, 0.635 mm fiberglass-reinforced polyester sheet, 0.102 mm polycarbonate/acrylic dual-layer film, 0.127 mm fluorocarbon film, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, low-iron glass, and several adhesives. The encapsulation materials were characterized by light transmittance measurements, determination of moisture barrier properties and bond strengths, and by the performance of cells before and after encapsulation. Silicon and acrylic coatings provided inadequate protection. Acrylic and fluorocarbon films displayed good weatherability and acceptable optical transmittance. Borosilicate, low-iron and soda-lime-float glasses were found to be acceptable candidate encapsulants for most environments.

Impregnation of soft biological specimens with thermosetting resins and elastomers.

PubMed

von Hagens, G

1979-06-01

A new method for impregnation of biological specimens with thermosetting resins and elastomers is described. The method has the advantage that the original relief of the surface is retained. The impregnation is carried out by utilizing the difference between the high vapor tension of the intermedium (e.g., methylene chloride) and the low vapor tension of the solution to be polymerized. After impregnation, the specimen is subject to polymerization conditions without surrounding embedding material. The optical and mechanical properties can be selected by proper choice from various kinds of resins and different procedures, for example, by complete or incomplete impregnation. Acrylic resins, polyester resins, epoxy resins, polyurethanes and silicone rubber have been found suitable for the method. Excellent results have been obtained using transparent silicone rubber since after treatment the specimens are still flexible and resilient, and have retained their natural appearance.

Electrical Properties and Manufacturability of ITO-MgF2 and Related Transparent Arcproof Spacecraft Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hambourger, Paul D.

2003-01-01

To investigate the applicability of co-deposited indium tin oxide and magnesium fluoride as a transparent arcproof coating on the exterior of PowerSphere microsatellites. This included testing coating performance after deposition on flexible polymeric substrates, determining whether ultraviolet (UV) radiation present during deposition might affect the UV-curing resin contained in the substrate, and preparation of coated polymeric samples for radiation damage studies by the PowerSphere team.

Growth and characterisation of a new polymorph of barium maleate: a metal organic framework.

PubMed

Nair, Lekshmi P; Bijini, B R; Prasanna, S; Eapen, S M; Nair, C M K; Deepa, M; RajendraBabu, K

2015-02-25

A new polymorph of barium maleate (BM) with chemical formula C24H14O24Ba5⋅7H2O is grown by modified gel method. Transparent plate like crystals of dimensions 9×4×1 mm(3) were obtained. Single crystal X-ray Diffraction analysis was done to determine the structure and the crystal belongs to triclinic system, P-1 space group with cell dimensions a=7.2929(3) Å, b=10.5454(4) Å, c=14.2837(6) Å, α=102.0350(10)°, β=99.1580(10)°, γ=102.9170(10)°. Hydrogen bonding stabilises the two dimensional polymeric crystal structure. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopic method was utilised for the analysis of various functional groups present in the complex. Elemental analysis confirmed the stoichiometry of the complex. Thermal properties of the crystal were studied by TGA/DTA. The material melts at 368°C. The optical transparency of the crystal was studied using UV-Visible absorption spectra. The optical band gap is found to be 3.35 eV. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ag/Au/Polypyrrole Core-shell Nanowire Network for Transparent, Stretchable and Flexible Supercapacitor in Wearable Energy Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Hyunjin; Lee, Habeom; Kwon, Jinhyeong; Suh, Young Duk; Kim, Dong Kwan; Ha, Inho; Yeo, Junyeob; Hong, Sukjoon; Ko, Seung Hwan

2017-02-01

Transparent and stretchable energy storage devices have attracted significant interest due to their potential to be applied to biocompatible and wearable electronics. Supercapacitors that use the reversible faradaic redox reaction of conducting polymer have a higher specific capacitance as compared with electrical double-layer capacitors. Typically, the conducting polymer electrode is fabricated through direct electropolymerization on the current collector. However, no research have been conducted on metal nanowires as current collectors for the direct electropolymerization, even though the metal nanowire network structure has proven to be superior as a transparent, flexible, and stretchable electrode platform because the conducting polymer’s redox potential for polymerization is higher than that of widely studied metal nanowires such as silver and copper. In this study, we demonstrated a highly transparent and stretchable supercapacitor by developing Ag/Au/Polypyrrole core-shell nanowire networks as electrode by coating the surface of Ag NWs with a thin layer of gold, which provide higher redox potential than the electropolymerizable monomer. The Ag/Au/Polypyrrole core-shell nanowire networks demonstrated superior mechanical stability under various mechanical bending and stretching. In addition, proposed supercapacitors showed fine optical transmittance together with fivefold improved areal capacitance compared to pristine Ag/Au core-shell nanowire mesh-based supercapacitors.

Ag/Au/Polypyrrole Core-shell Nanowire Network for Transparent, Stretchable and Flexible Supercapacitor in Wearable Energy Devices

PubMed Central

Moon, Hyunjin; Lee, Habeom; Kwon, Jinhyeong; Suh, Young Duk; Kim, Dong Kwan; Ha, Inho; Yeo, Junyeob; Hong, Sukjoon; Ko, Seung Hwan

2017-01-01

Transparent and stretchable energy storage devices have attracted significant interest due to their potential to be applied to biocompatible and wearable electronics. Supercapacitors that use the reversible faradaic redox reaction of conducting polymer have a higher specific capacitance as compared with electrical double-layer capacitors. Typically, the conducting polymer electrode is fabricated through direct electropolymerization on the current collector. However, no research have been conducted on metal nanowires as current collectors for the direct electropolymerization, even though the metal nanowire network structure has proven to be superior as a transparent, flexible, and stretchable electrode platform because the conducting polymer’s redox potential for polymerization is higher than that of widely studied metal nanowires such as silver and copper. In this study, we demonstrated a highly transparent and stretchable supercapacitor by developing Ag/Au/Polypyrrole core-shell nanowire networks as electrode by coating the surface of Ag NWs with a thin layer of gold, which provide higher redox potential than the electropolymerizable monomer. The Ag/Au/Polypyrrole core-shell nanowire networks demonstrated superior mechanical stability under various mechanical bending and stretching. In addition, proposed supercapacitors showed fine optical transmittance together with fivefold improved areal capacitance compared to pristine Ag/Au core-shell nanowire mesh-based supercapacitors. PMID:28155913

Transparent luminescent bulk nanocomposites of polysiloxane embedded with CdS nanocrystallines by a direct dispersion process.

PubMed

Shen, Zhu-Rui; Li, Ya-Li; Liu, Jian-Bin; Chen, Ming-Xia; Hou, Feng; Wang, Li-Qun

2012-03-07

Transparent luminescent bulk nanocomposites of polysiloxane (PSO) embedded with semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) have been fabricated by the direct dispersion of CdS NCs in alkyl-(poly)siloxane (APS) followed by co-polymerization. The non-polar characteristics of the APS precursor are compatible with the CdS NC surface (oleylamine), which allows the direct dispersion of the CdS NCs without the need of any surfactant exchange. Chemical crosslinking of the NC-APS dispersion via hydrosilylation between Si-H and the vinyl group in APS immobilizes the CdS NCs in the polysiloxane network. Net-shaped three-dimensional bulk transparent polysiloxane/CdS NC composites were obtained by liquid casting of the NC-precursor dispersion and chemical crosslinking. The PSO/CdS NC composites show visible luminescence under ultraviolet excitation and the luminescent color is tunable from blue to red by controlling the NC concentration in the composite. Photoluminescence spectral analyses reveal the origin of the luminescence as being from the defect emission of the CdS NCs (550-900 nm) and an emission from the PSO matrix (380-550 nm). The luminescent spectra covered a wide range from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared region. The luminescence of the PSO/CdS NC nanocomposites was stable without any apparent degradation after exposure to air for a long time. This simple direct dispersion process is feasible for the fabrication of luminescent nanocomposites with useful optical properties for potential applications in optics and photoelectron devices.

Photothermoplastic recording media and its application in the holographic method of determination of the refractive index of liquid objects.

PubMed

Davidenko, N A; Davidenko, I I; Pavlov, V A; Chuprina, N G; Kravchenko, V V; Kuranda, N N; Mokrinskaya, E V; Studzinsky, S L

2018-03-10

The photothermoplastic medium based on the films of photosensitive polymeric composites with semiconductor properties is developed for application in optical information recording and storage, in holographic interferometry, as well as for medical purposes. This medium was used in the modified holographic device for determination of changes of the refractive index of homogeneous and inhomogeneous liquid objects. The technique and holographic equipment were modified by employing the specially developed and produced transparent cuvette of special shape and the phase shifting interferometry method. Experimentally demonstrated precision of the measurements is not less than 10 -5 .

Preparation of Transparent Bulk TiO2/PMMA Hybrids with Improved Refractive Indices via an in Situ Polymerization Process Using TiO2 Nanoparticles Bearing PMMA Chains Grown by Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization.

PubMed

Maeda, Satoshi; Fujita, Masato; Idota, Naokazu; Matsukawa, Kimihiro; Sugahara, Yoshiyuki

2016-12-21

Transparent TiO 2 /PMMA hybrids with a thickness of 5 mm and improved refractive indices were prepared by in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of TiO 2 nanoparticles bearing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chains grown using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP), and the effect of the chain length of modified PMMA on the dispersibility of modified TiO 2 nanoparticles in the bulk hybrids was investigated. The surfaces of TiO 2 nanoparticles were modified with both m-(chloromethyl)phenylmethanoyloxymethylphosphonic acid bearing a terminal ATRP initiator and isodecyl phosphate with a high affinity for common organic solvents, leading to sufficient dispersibility of the surface-modified particles in toluene. Subsequently, SI-ATRP of MMA was achieved from the modified surfaces of the TiO 2 nanoparticles without aggregation of the nanoparticles in toluene. The molecular weights of the PMMA chains cleaved from the modified TiO 2 nanoparticles increased with increases in the prolonging of the polymerization period, and these exhibited a narrow distribution, indicating chain growth controlled by SI-ATRP. The nanoparticles bearing PMMA chains were well-dispersed in MMA regardless of the polymerization period. Bulk PMMA hybrids containing modified TiO 2 nanoparticles with a thickness of 5 mm were prepared by in situ polymerization of the MMA dispersion. The transparency of the hybrids depended significantly on the chain length of the modified PMMA on the nanoparticles, because the modified PMMA of low molecular weight induced aggregation of the TiO 2 nanoparticles during the in situ polymerization process. The refractive indices of the bulk hybrids could be controlled by adjusting the TiO 2 content and could be increased up to 1.566 for 6.3 vol % TiO 2 content (1.492 for pristine PMMA).

Clear, Conductive, Transparent, Flexible Space Durable Composite Films for Electrostatic Charge Mitigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Kent A.; Connell, John W.; Delozier, Donavon M.; Smith, Joseph G., Jr.

2004-01-01

Space environmentally durable polymeric films with low color and sufficient electrical conductivity to mitigate electrostatic charge (ESC) build-up have been under investigation as part of a materials development activity. These materials have potential applications on advanced spacecraft, particularly on large, deployable, ultra-light weight Gossamer spacecraft. The approach taken to impart sufficient electrical conductivity into the polymer film while maintaining flexibility is to use single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as conductive additives. Approaches investigated in our lab involved an in-situ polymerization method, addition of SWNTs to a polymer containing reactive end-groups, and spray coating of polymer surfaces. The work described herein is a summary of the current status of this project. Surface conductivities (measured as surface resistance) in the range sufficient for ESC mitigation were achieved with minimal effects on the physical, thermal, mechanical and optical properties of the films. Additionally, the electrical conductivity was not affected by harsh mechanical manipulation of the films. The chemistry and physical properties of these nanocomposites will be discussed.

Influence of Clay Platelet Spacing on Oxygen Permeability of Thin Film Assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priolo, Morgan; Gamboa, Daniel; Grunlan, Jaime

2010-03-01

Thin films of anionic natural montmorrilonite clay and various polyelectrolytes have been produced by alternately dipping a plastic substrate into dilute aqueous mixtures containing each ingredient in an effort to show the influence of clay platelet spacing on thin film permeability. After polymer-clay layers have been sequentially deposited, the resulting transparent films exhibit a brick wall nanostructure comprised of completely exfoliated clay bricks in polymeric mortar. This brick wall forms an extremely tortuous path for a molecule to traverse, creating channels perpendicular to the concentration gradient that increase the molecule's diffusion length and delay its transmission. To a first approximation, greater clay spacing (i.e., reduced clay concentration) produces greater oxygen barrier. Oxygen transmission rates below 0.005 cm^3/m^2.day have been achieved for films with only eight clay layers (total thickness of only 200 nm). With optical transparencies greater than 86% and the ability to be microwaved, these thin film composites are good candidates for flexible electronics packaging and foil replacement for food.

Tunable Gas Permeability of Polymer-Clay Nano Brick Wall Thin Film Assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamboa, Daniel; Priolo, Morgan; Grunlan, Jaime

2010-03-01

Thin films of anionic natural montmorrilonite (MMT) clay and cationic polyethylenimine (PEI) have been produced by alternately dipping a plastic substrate into dilute aqueous mixtures containing each ingredient. After 40 polymer-clay layers have been deposited, the resulting transparent film exhibits an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) below 0.35 cm^3/m^2 . day when the pH of PEI solution is 10. This low permeability is due to a brick wall nanostructure comprised of completely exfoliated clay bricks in polymeric mortar. This brick wall creates an extremely tortuous path at thicknesses below 250 nm and clay concentration above 80 wt%. A 70-bilayer PEI-MMT assembly has an undetectable OTR (< 0.005 cm^3/m^2 . day), which equates to a permeability below SiOx when multiplied by its film thickness of 231 nm. With optical transparency greater than 86% and the ability to be microwaved, these thin film composites are good candidates for flexible electronics packaging and foil replacement for food.

Functional nanocomposites prepared by self-assembly and polymerization of diacetylene surfactants and silicic acid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Yi; Lu, Yunfeng; Lu, Mengcheng; Huang, Jinman; Haddad, Raid; Xomeritakis, George; Liu, Nanguo; Malanoski, Anthony P.; Sturmayr, Dietmar; Fan, Hongyou;

Polyimide/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films for Electrostatic Charge Mitigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Joseph G., Jr.; Delozier, Donavon M.; Connell, John W.; Watson, Kent A.

2004-01-01

Low color, space environmentally durable polymeric films with sufficient electrical conductivity to mitigate electrostatic charge (ESC) build-up have potential applications on large, deployable, ultra-light weight Gossamer spacecraft as thin film membranes on antennas, solar sails, thermal/optical coatings, multi-layer insulation blankets, etc.. The challenge has been to develop a method to impart robust electrical conductivity into these materials without increasing solar absorptivity (alpha ) or decreasing optical transparency or film flexibility. Since these spacecraft will require significant compaction prior to launch, the film portion of the spacecraft will require folding. The state-of-the-art clear, conductive coating (e.g. indium-tin-oxide, ITO) is brittle and cannot tolerate folding. In this report, doping a polymer with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using two different methods afforded materials with good flexibility and surface conductivities in the range sufficient for ESC mitigation. A coating method afforded materials with minimal effects on the mechanical, optical, and thermo-optical properties as compared to dispersal of SWNTs in the matrix. The chemistry and physical properties of these nanocomposites are discussed.

Growth and characterisation of a new polymorph of strontium D, L-malate: A metal organic frame work

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nair, Lekshmi P.; Bijini, B. R.; Prasanna, S.; Eapen, S. M.; Dileep Kumar, B. S.; Nair, C. M. K.; Deepa, M.; RajendraBabu, K.

2015-09-01

A new non-centrosymmetricpolymorph of distrontium D, L-dimalatepentahydrate (DSM) with chemical formula Sr2(C4H4O5)2·5H2O is grown by conventional gel method for the first time. Transparent block like crystals were obtained. Single crystal X-ray Diffraction analysis was done to determine the structure and the crystal belongs to triclinic system, P1 space group with cell dimensions a=6.3815(3) Å, b=7.7753(3) Å, c=9.0309(4) Å, α=73.528(2)°, β=75.608(2)°, γ=86.901(2)°. Hydrogen bonding stabilises the three dimensional polymeric crystal structure. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopic method was utilised for the analysis of various functional groups present in the complex. The stoichiometry of the complex was confirmed by elemental analysis. Thermal properties of the crystal were studied by TGA/DTA. The optical transparency of the crystal was studied using UV-visible absorption spectra. The optical band gap is found to be 5.39 eV.The biological activity of the complex was screened against different bacteria using the disc-diffusion method. DSM is found to have antibacterial activity against groups of bacteria excluding Escherichia coli.

Three-dimensional femtosecond laser processing for lab-on-a-chip applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sima, Felix; Sugioka, Koji; Vázquez, Rebeca Martínez; Osellame, Roberto; Kelemen, Lóránd; Ormos, Pal

2018-02-01

The extremely high peak intensity associated with ultrashort pulse width of femtosecond laser allows us to induce nonlinear interaction such as multiphoton absorption and tunneling ionization with materials that are transparent to the laser wavelength. More importantly, focusing the femtosecond laser beam inside the transparent materials confines the nonlinear interaction only within the focal volume, enabling three-dimensional (3D) micro- and nanofabrication. This 3D capability offers three different schemes, which involve undeformative, subtractive, and additive processing. The undeformative processing preforms internal refractive index modification to construct optical microcomponents including optical waveguides. Subtractive processing can realize the direct fabrication of 3D microfluidics, micromechanics, microelectronics, and photonic microcomponents in glass. Additive processing represented by two-photon polymerization enables the fabrication of 3D polymer micro- and nanostructures for photonic and microfluidic devices. These different schemes can be integrated to realize more functional microdevices including lab-on-a-chip devices, which are miniaturized laboratories that can perform reaction, detection, analysis, separation, and synthesis of biochemical materials with high efficiency, high speed, high sensitivity, low reagent consumption, and low waste production. This review paper describes the principles and applications of femtosecond laser 3D micro- and nanofabrication for lab-on-a-chip applications. A hybrid technique that promises to enhance functionality of lab-on-a-chip devices is also introduced.

The development and characterization of sol-gel substrates for chemical and optical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powers, Kevin William

1998-12-01

The sol gel process can be used to make monolithic porous glass for various scientific and engineering uses. The porosity of the material imparts a large surface area which is advantageous in applications such as catalyst supports or in the study of surface mediated chemical reactions. The chemical stability and transparency of the porous glass also make it suitable for use in the emerging field of optical sensors. In this study fluoride catalysis is used to produce sol gel monoliths with pore radii of up to 400 Angstroms, four times larger than any previously reported using conventional drying techniques. Gel monoliths with pore radii of 200 Angstroms were found to have the best combination of surface area, pore volume and optical transparency. Typical monoliths have surface areas of 150 m2/g and pore volumes of 1.60 cm3/g with good transparency. The monoliths are chemically stable, have good mechanical strength and can be easily rehydrated without cracking. The substrates are also suitable for sintering into dense high purity silica glass with little tendency towards foaming. An in-depth study of the catalytic effect of fluoride on the sol gel process is also included. It has been theorized that fluoride serves to expand the coordination sphere of the silicon center making it more subject to nucleophilic attack. In this work an ion-specific fluoride electrode is used to monitor free fluoride concentrations in HF catalyzed sols while silicic acid is added in the form of tetramethoxysilane (TMOS). It is found that fluoride is rapidly bound by the silicic acid in a ratio of four to one, indicating the formation of silicon tetrafluoride. A concurrent decrease in pH suggests that a pentacoordinate species is formed that is more stable than previously thought. A polymerization mechanism is proposed that explains the hydrophobicity of fluoride catalyzed gels and the difficulty in retaining structural fluoride in fluoride catalyzed sol gel glasses. Finally, several porous monoliths are doped with colloidal gold and the optical properties evaluated as a function of heat treatment. This demonstrates the feasibility of using porous glass nanocomposites in sensors and other optical components.

Simulating tissue oxygenation by encapsulating hemoglobin in polymer microcapsules (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Guangli; Wu, Qiang; Shen, Shuwei; Zhao, Gang; Dong, Erbao; Xu, Ronald X.

2017-03-01

We describe a combination of liquid-jet microencapsulation and molding techniques to fabricate tissue-simulating phantoms that mimick functional characteristics of tissue oxygen saturation (StO2). Chicken hemoglobin (Hb) was encapsulated inside a photocurable resin by a coaxial flow focusing process. The microdroplets were cured by ultraviolet (UV) illumination to form Hb loaded polymersome microdroplets. The microdroplets were further freeze-dried to form semipermeable solid microcapules with an outer transparent polymeric shell and an inner core of Hb. The diameter of the microcapsules ranged from 50 to100 μm. The absorption spectrum of the microcapsules was measured by a UV/VIS spectrophotometer over a wavelength range from 400 nm to 1100 nm. To fabricate the tissue-simulating phantom, the Hb loaded microcapsules were dispersed in transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The optical properties of the phantom were determined by an vertical double integrating sphere with a reconstruction algorithm. The experimental results showed that the tissue-simulating phantom exhibited the spectral characteristics closely resembling that of oxy-hemoglobin. The phantom had a long-term optical stability when stored in 4 ℃, indicating that microencapsulation effectively protected Hb and improved its shelf time. With the Hb loaded microcapsules, we will produce skin-simulating phantoms for quantitative validation of multispectral imaging techniques. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no solid phantom is able to mimick living tissue oxygenation with good agreement. Therefore, our work provided an engineering platform for validating and calibrating spectral optical devices in biomedical applications.

Transparent bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells based on organic counter electrodes and iodine-free electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ku, Zhiliang; Rong, Yaoguang; Han, Hongwei

2013-10-01

In this study, a novel bifacially active transparent dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSCs) assembled with a transparent poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) counter electrode and a colorless iodine-free polymer gel (IFPG) electrolyte was developed. The IFPG electrolyte was prepared by employing an ionic liquid (1,2-dimethyl-3-propylinmidazolium iodide, DMPII) as the charge transfer intermediate and a polymer composite as the gelator without the addition of iodine, exhibiting high conductivity and non-absorption characters. PEDOT electrodes were prepared via a facile electro-polymerization method. By controlling the amount of polymerization charge capacity, we optimized the PEDOT electrodes with high transparency and a favorable activity for catalyzing the IFPG electrolyte. The bifacial DSSCs device fabricated by this kind of transparent PEDOT electrode and colorless IFPG electrolyte showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.35% and 4.98% at 100 mW cm-2 AM1.5 illumination corresponding to front- and rear-side illumination. It is notable that the PCE under rear-side illumination approaches 80% that of front-side illumination. Moreover, the device shows excellent stability as confirmed by aging test. These promising results highlight the enormous potential of this transparent PEDOT CE and colorless IFPG electrolyte in scaling up and commercialization of low cost and effective bifacial DSSCs.

Board-to-board optical interconnection using novel optical plug and slot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, In K.; Yoon, Keun Byoung; Ahn, Seong H.; Kim, Jin Tae; Lee, Woo Jin; Shin, Kyoung Up; Heo, Young Un; Park, Hyo Hoon

2004-10-01

A novel optical PCB with transmitter/receiver system boards and optical bakcplane was prepared, which is board-to-board interconnection by optical plug and slot. We report an 8Gb/s PRBS NRZ data transmission between transmitter system board and optical backplane embedded multimode polymeric waveguide arrays. The basic concept of ETRI's optical PCB is as follows; 1) Metal optical bench is integrated with optoelectronic devices, driver and receiver circuits, polymeric waveguide and access line PCB module. 2) Multimode polymeric waveguide inside an optical backplane, which is embedded into PCB. 3) Optical slot and plug for high-density(channel pitch : 500um) board-to-board interconnection. The polymeric waveguide technology can be used for transmission of data on transmitter/ receiver system boards and for backplane interconnections. The main components are low-loss tapered polymeric waveguides and a novel optical plug and slot for board-to-board interconnections, respectively. The optical PCB is characteristic of low coupling loss, easy insertion/extraction of the boards and, especially, reliable optical coupling unaffected from external environment after board insertion.

Transmission in Optically Transparent Core Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kilper, Dan; Jensen, Rich; Petermann, Klaus; Karasek, Miroslav

2007-03-01

Scope of Submission

• Optically transparent system design issues, transmission experiments, and field trials
• Optically transparent network architectures and topologies
• Dispersion management in reconfigurable and mesh systems
• Optically transparent network device and sub-system performance, design, characterization and control, including: amplifiers, transmitters, receivers, switches, add/drop multiplexers
• Transient and fault management
• Physical layer system control
• Monitoring and compensation to support transparency
• Wavelength routing and planning as they relate to physical layer transmission
• Hardware cost and configuration optimization for optically transparent networks

All-dielectric resonant cavity-enabled metals with broadband optical transparency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhengqi; Zhang, Houjiao; Liu, Xiaoshan; Pan, Pingping; Liu, Yi; Tang, Li; Liu, Guiqiang

2017-06-01

Metal films with broadband optical transparency are desirable in many optoelectronic devices, such as displays, smart windows, light-emitting diodes and infrared detectors. As bare metal is opaque to light, this issue of transparency attracts great scientific interest. In this work, we proposed and demonstrated a feasible and universal approach for achieving broadband optical transparent (BOT) metals by utilizing all-dielectric resonant cavities. Resonant dielectrics provide optical cavity modes and couple strongly with the surface plasmons of the metal film, and therefore produce a broadband near-unity optical transparent window. The relative enhancement factor (EF) of light transmission exceeds 3400% in comparison with that of pure metal film. Moreover, the transparent metal motif can be realized by other common metals including gold (Au), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). These optical features together with the fully retained electric and mechanical properties of a natural metal suggest that it will have wide applications in optoelectronic devices.

Preferential polymerization and adsorption of L-optical isomers of amino acids relative to D-optical isomers on kaolinite templates.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, T. A.

1971-01-01

Experiments on the polymerization of the L- and D-optical isomers of aspartic acid and serine using kaolinite as a catalyst showed that the L-optical isomers were polymerized at a much higher rate than the D-optical isomers; racemic (DL-) mixtures were polymerized at an intermediate rate. The peptides formed from the L-monomers were preferentially adsorbed by the clay. In the absence of kaolinite, no significant or consistent difference in the behavior of the L- and D-optical isomers was observed. In experiments on the adsorption of L- and D-phenylalanine by kaolinite, the L-optical isomer was preferentially adsorbed.

Tunable optical analog to electromagnetically induced transparency in graphene-ring resonators system.

PubMed

Wang, Yonghua; Xue, Chenyang; Zhang, Zengxing; Zheng, Hua; Zhang, Wendong; Yan, Shubin

2016-12-12

The analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency in optical ways has shown great potential in optical delay and quantum-information technology due to its flexible design and easy implementation. The chief drawback for these devices is the bad tunability. Here we demonstrate a tunable optical transparency system formed by graphene-silicon microrings which could control the transparent window by electro-optical means. The device consists of cascaded coupled ring resonators and a graphene/graphene capacitor which integrated on one of the rings. By tuning the Fermi level of the graphene sheets, we can modulate the round-trip ring loss so that the transparency window can be dynamically tuned. The results provide a new method for the manipulation and transmission of light in highly integrated optical circuits and quantum information storage devices.

Graft Polymerization of Acrylic Acid on a Polytetrafluoroethylene Panel by an Inductively Coupled Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Yan; You, Qingliang; Cheng, Cheng; Zhang, Suzhen; Ni, Guohua; Nagatsu, M.; Meng, Yuedong

2011-02-01

Surface modification on a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) panel was performed with sequential nitrogen plasma treatments and surface-initiated polymerization. By introducing COO- groups to the surface of the PTFE panel through grafting polymerization of acrylic acid (AA), a transparent poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) membrane was achieved from acrylic acid solution. Grafting polymerization initiating from the active groups was achieved on the PTFE panel surface after the nitrogen plasma treatment. Utilizing the acrylic acid as monomers, with COO- groups as cross link sites to form reticulation structure, a transparent poly (acrylic acid) membrane with arborescent macromolecular structure was formed on the PTFE panel surface. Analysis methods, such as fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were utilized to characterize the structures of the macromolecule membrane on the PTFE panel surface. A contact angle measurement was performed to characterize the modified PTFE panels. The surface hydrophilicities of modified PTFE panels were significantly enhanced after the plasma treatment. It was shown that the grafting rate is related to the treating time and the power of plasma.

Polymeric Luminescent Compositions Doped with Beta-Diketonates Boron Difluoride as Material for Luminescent Solar Concentrator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khrebtov, A. A.; Fedorenko, E. V.; Reutov, V. A.

2017-11-01

In this paper we investigated polymeric luminescent compositions based on polystyrene doped with beta diketonates boron difluoride. Transparent films with effective absorption in the ultraviolet and blue regions of the spectrum were obtained. Polymeric luminescent compositions based on the mixture of dyes allow expanding the absorption region and increase the radiation shift. A luminescent solar concentrator consisting of a glass plate coated with such film can be used for photovoltaic window application.

Development of a novel polymeric fiber-optic magnetostrictive metal detector.

PubMed

Hua, Wei-Shu; Hooks, Joshua Rosenberg; Wu, Wen-Jong; Wang, Wei-Chih

2010-01-01

The purpose this paper is the development a novel polymeric fiber-optic magnetostrictive metal detector, using a fiber-optic Mach-Zehnder interferometer and polymeric magnetostrictive material. Metal detection is based on the strain-induced optical path length change steming from the ferromagnetic material introduced in the magnetic field. Varied optical phase shifts resulted largely from different metal objects. In this paper, the preliminary results on the different metal material detection will be discussed.

Optically transparent, superhydrophobic, biocompatible thin film coatings and methods for producing same

DOEpatents

Armstrong, Beth L.; Aytug, Tolga; Paranthaman, Mariappan Parans; Simpson, John T.; Hillesheim, Daniel A.; Trammell, Neil E.

2017-09-05

An optically transparent, hydrophobic coating, exhibiting an average contact angle of at least 100 degrees with a drop of water. The coating can be produced using low-cost, environmentally friendly components. Methods of preparing and using the optically transparent, hydrophobic coating.

Tunable optical analog to electromagnetically induced transparency in graphene-ring resonators system

PubMed Central

Wang, Yonghua; Xue, Chenyang; Zhang, Zengxing; Zheng, Hua; Zhang, Wendong; Yan, Shubin

2016-01-01

The analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency in optical ways has shown great potential in optical delay and quantum-information technology due to its flexible design and easy implementation. The chief drawback for these devices is the bad tunability. Here we demonstrate a tunable optical transparency system formed by graphene-silicon microrings which could control the transparent window by electro-optical means. The device consists of cascaded coupled ring resonators and a graphene/graphene capacitor which integrated on one of the rings. By tuning the Fermi level of the graphene sheets, we can modulate the round-trip ring loss so that the transparency window can be dynamically tuned. The results provide a new method for the manipulation and transmission of light in highly integrated optical circuits and quantum information storage devices. PMID:27941895

Self-assembly of mesoscopically ordered chromatic polydiacetylene/silica nanocomposites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, Y.; Yang, Y.; Sellinger, A.; Lu, M.; Huang, J.; Fan, H.; Haddad, R.; Lopez, G.; Burns, A. R.; Sasaki, D. Y.;

A novel structure of gel grown strontium cyanurate crystal and its structural, optical, electrical characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Divya, R.; Nair, Lekshmi P.; Bijini, B. R.; Nair, C. M. K.; Gopakumar, N.; Babu, K. Rajendra

2017-12-01

Strontium cyanurate crystals with novel structure and unique optical property like mechanoluminescence have been grown by conventional gel method. Transparent crystals were obtained. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the exquisite structure of the grown crystal. The crystal is centrosymmetric and has a three dimensional polymeric structure. The powder X ray diffraction analysis confirms its crystalline nature. The functional groups present in the crystal were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Elemental analysis confirmed the composition of the complex. A study of thermal properties was done by thermo gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. The optical properties like band gap, refractive index and extinction coefficient were evaluated from the UV visible spectral analysis. The etching study was done to reveal the dislocations in the crystal which in turn explains mechanoluminescence emission. The mechanoluminescence property exhibited by the crystal makes it suitable for stress sensing applications. Besides being a centrosymmetric crystal, it also exhibits NLO behavior. Dielectric properties were studied and theoretical calculations of Fermi energy, valence electron plasma energy, penn gap and polarisability have been done.

Plasmonic transparent conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liapis, Andreas C.; Sfeir, Matthew Y.; Black, Charles T.

2016-09-01

Many of today's technological applications, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, displays, and touch screens, require materials that are simultaneously optically transparent and electrically conducting. Here we explore transparent conductors based on the excitation of surface plasmons in nanostructured metal films. We measure both the optical and electrical properties of films perforated with nanometer-scale features and optimize the design parameters in order to maximize optical transmission without sacrificing electrical conductivity. We demonstrate that plasmonic transparent conductors can out-perform indium tin oxide in terms of both their transparency and their conductivity.

Poly(n-hexyl methacrylate) polymerization in three-component microemulsion stabilized by a cationic surfactant.

PubMed

Katime, Issa; Arellano, Jesús; Schulz, Pablo

2006-04-15

The polymerization of n-hexyl methacrylate (n-HMA) in three-component microemulsion stabilized with dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) is reported as a function of monomer and initiator concentrations and temperature. The obtained latices were bluish, transparent, and translucent. Particle sizes and molar masses were on the order of 20 nm and 3 x 10(6) g/mol, respectively. In all cases, high reaction rates and final conversions of 98% were obtained. Polymerization temperature has a strong effect on reaction rate and conversion.

Nonlinear optical and conductive polymeric material

DOEpatents

Barton, Thomas J.; Ijadi-Maghsoodi, Sina; Pang, Yi

1992-05-19

A polymeric material which exhibits nonlinear optical properties if undoped and conductive properties if doped. The polymer is prepared by polymerizing diethynylsilane compositions, the resulting polymeric material having a weight average molecular weight between about 20,000 and about 200,000 grams per mole. The polymer is prepared and catalytically polymerized by exposure to a catalyst, such as MoCl.sub.5 or W(CO).sub.6 /hv.

Nonlinear optical and conductive polymeric material

DOEpatents

Barton, T.J.; Ijadi-Maghsooodi, S; Yi Pang.

1993-10-19

A polymeric material is described which exhibits nonlinear optical properties if undoped and conductive properties if doped. The polymer is prepared by polymerizing diethynylsilane compositions, the resulting polymeric material having a weight average molecular weight between about 20,000 and about 200,000 grams per mole. The polymer is prepared and catalytically polymerized by exposure to a catalyst, such as MoCl[sub 5] or W(CO)[sub 6].

Nonlinear optical and conductive polymeric material

DOEpatents

Barton, T.J.; Ijadi-Maghsoodi, S.; Pang, Y.

1992-05-19

A polymeric material which exhibits nonlinear optical properties if undoped and conductive properties if doped. The polymer is prepared by polymerizing diethynylsilane compositions, the resulting polymeric material having a weight average molecular weight between about 20,000 and about 200,000 grams per mole. The polymer is prepared and catalytically polymerized by exposure to a catalyst, such as MoCl[sub 5] or W(CO)[sub 6]/hv.

Nonlinear optical and conductive polymeric material

DOEpatents

Barton, Thomas J.; Ijadi-Maghsoodi, Sina; Pang, Yi

1993-10-19

A polymeric material which exhibits nonlinear optical properties if undoped and conductive properties if doped. The polymer is prepared by polymerizing diethynylsilane compositions, the resulting polymeric material having a weight average molecular weight between about 20,000 and about 200,000 grams per mole. The polymer is prepared and catalytically polymerized by exposure to a catalyst, such as MoCl.sub.5 or W(CO).sub.6 /hv.

Micro and nano-biomimetic structures for cell migration study fabricated by hybrid subtractive and additive 3D femtosecond laser processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sima, Felix; Serien, Daniela; Wu, Dong; Xu, Jian; Kawano, Hiroyuki; Midorikawa, Katsumi; Sugioka, Koji

2017-02-01

Lab-on-a-chip devices have been intensively developed during the last decade when emerging technologies offered possibilities to manufacture reliable devices with increased spatial resolution. These biochips allowed testing chemical reactions in nanoliter volumes with enhanced sensitivity and lower consumption of reagents. There is space to further consolidate biochip assembling processing since the new technologies attempt direct fabrication in view of reducing costs and time by increasing efficiency and functionalities. Rapid prototyping by ultrafast lasers which induces local modifications inside transparent materials of both glass and polymers with high precision at micro- and nanoscale is a promising tool for fabrication of such biochips. We have developed a new technology by combining subtractive ultrafast laser assisted chemical etching of glasses and additive two-photon polymerization to integrate 3D glass microfluidics and polymer microcomponents in a single biochip. The innovative hybrid "ship-in-a-bottle" approach is not only an instrument that can tailor 3D environments but also a tool to fabricate biomimetic in vivo structures inside a glass microfluidic chip. It was possible to create appropriate environment for cell culturing and to offer robustness and transparency for optical interrogation. Cancer cells were cultivated inside biochips and monitored over short and long periods. With the view of understanding cancer cells specific behavior such as migration or invasiveness inside human body, introduction of different geometrical configurations and chemical conditions were proposed. The cells were found responsive to a gradient of nutrient concentration through the microchannels of a 3D polymeric scaffold integrated inside glass biochip.

Ultrashort-pulsed laser processing and solution based coating in roll-to-roll manufacturing of organic photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hördemann, C.; Hirschfelder, K.; Schaefer, M.; Gillner, A.

2015-09-01

The breakthrough of flexible organic electronics and especially organic photovoltaics is highly dependent on cost-efficient production technologies. Roll-2-Roll processes show potential for a promising solution in terms of high throughput and low-cost production of thin film organic components. Solution based material deposition and integrated laser patterning processes offer new possibilities for versatile production lines. The use of flexible polymeric substrates brings along challenges in laser patterning which have to be overcome. One main challenge when patterning transparent conductive layers on polymeric substrates are material bulges at the edges of the ablated area. Bulges can lead to short circuits in the layer system leading to device failure. Therefore following layers have to have a sufficient thickness to cover and smooth the ridge. In order to minimize the bulging height, a study has been carried out on transparent conductive ITO layers on flexible PET substrates. Ablation results using different beam shapes, such as Gaussian beam, Top-Hat beam and Donut-shaped beam, as well as multi-pass scribing and double-pulsed ablation are compared. Furthermore, lab scale methods for cleaning the patterned layer and eliminating bulges are contrasted to the use of additional water based sacrificial layers in order to obtain an alternative procedure suitable for large scale Roll-2-Roll manufacturing. Besides progress in research, ongoing transfer of laser processes into a Roll-2-Roll demonstrator is illustrated. By using fixed optical elements in combination with a galvanometric scanner, scribing, variable patterning and edge deletion can be performed individually.

Optical based tactile shear and normal load sensor

DOEpatents

Salisbury, Curt Michael

2015-06-09

Various technologies described herein pertain to a tactile sensor that senses normal load and/or shear load. The tactile sensor includes a first layer and an optically transparent layer bonded together. At least a portion of the first layer is made of optically reflective material. The optically transparent layer is made of resilient material (e.g., clear silicone rubber). The tactile sensor includes light emitter/light detector pair(s), which respectively detect either normal load or shear load. Light emitter(s) emit light that traverses through the optically transparent layer and reflects off optically reflective material of the first layer, and light detector(s) detect and measure intensity of reflected light. When a normal load is applied, the optically transparent layer compresses, causing a change in reflected light intensity. When shear load is applied, a boundary between optically reflective material and optically absorptive material is laterally displaced, causing a change in reflected light intensity.

Three-Dimensional Printing of Bisphenol A-Free Polycarbonates.

PubMed

Zhu, Wei; Pyo, Sang-Hyun; Wang, Pengrui; You, Shangting; Yu, Claire; Alido, Jeffrey; Liu, Justin; Leong, Yew; Chen, Shaochen

2018-02-14

Polycarbonates are widely used in food packages, drink bottles, and various healthcare products such as dental sealants and tooth coatings. However, bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene used in the production of commercial polycarbonates pose major concerns to public health safety. Here, we report a green pathway to prepare BPA-free polycarbonates (BFPs) by thermal ring-opening polymerization and photopolymerization. Polycarbonates prepared from two cyclic carbonates in different mole ratios demonstrated tunable mechanical stiffness, excellent thermal stability, and high optical transparency. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of the new BFPs was demonstrated using a two-photon laser direct writing system and a rapid 3D optical projection printer to produce structures possessing complex high-resolution geometries. Seeded C3H10T1/2 cells also showed over 95% viability with potential applications in biological studies. By combining biocompatible BFPs with 3D printing, novel safe and high-performance biomedical devices and healthcare products could be developed with broad long-term benefits to society.

Water-based metamaterial absorbers for optical transparency and broadband microwave absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Yongqiang; Shen, Yang; Li, Yongfeng; Wang, Jiafu; Xu, Zhuo; Qu, Shaobo

2018-04-01

Naturally occurring water is a promising candidate for achieving broadband absorption. In this work, by virtue of the optically transparent character of the water, the water-based metamaterial absorbers (MAs) are proposed to achieve the broadband absorption at microwave frequencies and optical transparence simultaneously. For this purpose, the transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are chosen as the constitutive materials. The water is encapsulated between the ITO backed plate and PMMA, serving as the microwave loss as well as optically transparent material. Numerical simulations show that the broadband absorption with the efficiency over 90% in the frequency band of 6.4-30 GHz and highly optical transparency of about 85% in the visible region can be achieved and have been well demonstrated experimentally. Additionally, the proposed water-based MA displays a wide-angle absorption performance for both TE and TM waves and is also robust to the variations of the structure parameters, which is much desired in a practical application.

Effect of annealing over optoelectronic properties of graphene based transparent electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Shriniwas; Kaur, Inderpreet

2016-04-01

Graphene, an atom-thick two dimensional graphitic material have led various fundamental breakthroughs in the field of science and technology. Due to their exceptional optical, physical and electrical properties, graphene based transparent electrodes have shown several applications in organic light emitting diodes, solar cells and thin film transistors. Here, we are presenting effect of annealing over optoelectronic properties of graphene based transparent electrodes. Graphene based transparent electrodes have been prepared by wet chemical approach over glass substrates. After fabrication, these electrodes tested for optical transmittance in visible region. Sheet resistance was measured using four probe method. Effect of thermal annealing at 200 °C was studied over optical and electrical performance of these electrodes. Optoelectronic performance was judged from ratio of direct current conductivity to optical conductivity (σdc/σopt) as a figure of merit for transparent conductors. The fabricated electrodes display good optical and electrical properties. Such electrodes can be alternatives for doped metal oxide based transparent electrodes.

Graphene-based stretchable and transparent moisture barrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Won, Sejeong; Van Lam, Do; Lee, Jin Young; Jung, Hyun-June; Hur, Min; Kim, Kwang-Seop; Lee, Hak-Joo; Kim, Jae-Hyun

2018-03-01

We propose an alumina-deposited double-layer graphene (2LG) as a transparent, scalable, and stretchable barrier against moisture; this barrier is indispensable for foldable or stretchable organic displays and electronics. Both the barrier property and stretchability were significantly enhanced through the introduction of 2LG between alumina and a polymeric substrate. 2LG with negligible polymeric residues was coated on the polymeric substrate via a scalable dry transfer method in a roll-to-roll manner; an alumina layer was deposited on the graphene via atomic layer deposition. The effect of the graphene layer on crack generation in the alumina layer was systematically studied under external strain using an in situ micro-tensile tester, and correlations between the deformation-induced defects and water vapor transmission rate were quantitatively analyzed. The enhanced stretchability of alumina-deposited 2LG originated from the interlayer sliding between the graphene layers, which resulted in the crack density of the alumina layer being reduced under external strain.

Transparent wood for functional and structural applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yuanyuan; Fu, Qiliang; Yang, Xuan; Berglund, Lars

2017-12-01

Optically transparent wood combines mechanical performance with optical functionalities is an emerging candidate for applications in smart buildings and structural optics and photonics. The present review summarizes transparent wood preparation methods, optical and mechanical performance, and functionalization routes, and discusses potential applications. The various challenges are discussed for the purpose of improved performance, scaled-up production and realization of advanced applications. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue `New horizons for cellulose nanotechnology'.

Transparent Conductive Nanofiber Paper for Foldable Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Nogi, Masaya; Karakawa, Makoto; Komoda, Natsuki; Yagyu, Hitomi; Nge, Thi Thi

2015-01-01

Optically transparent nanofiber paper containing silver nanowires showed high electrical conductivity and maintained the high transparency, and low weight of the original transparent nanofiber paper. We demonstrated some procedures of optically transparent and electrically conductive cellulose nanofiber paper for lightweight and portable electronic devices. The nanofiber paper enhanced high conductivity without any post treatments such as heating or mechanical pressing, when cellulose nanofiber dispersions were dropped on a silver nanowire thin layer. The transparent conductive nanofiber paper showed high electrical durability in repeated folding tests, due to dual advantages of the hydrophilic affinity between cellulose and silver nanowires, and the entanglement between cellulose nanofibers and silver nanowires. Their optical transparency and electrical conductivity were as high as those of ITO glass. Therefore, using this conductive transparent paper, organic solar cells were produced that achieved a power conversion of 3.2%, which was as high as that of ITO-based solar cells. PMID:26607742

Fully optical backplane system using novel optical plug and slot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, In-Kui; Ahn, Seung-Ho; Lee, Woo-Jin; Han, Sang-Pil; Kim, Jin-Tae; Choi, Chun-Ki; Shin, Kyung-Up; Yoon, Keun Byoung; Jeong, Myung-Yung; Park, Hyo Hoon

2005-10-01

A fully optical PCB with transmitter/receiver system boards and optical bakcplane was prepared, which is board-to-board interconnection by an optical slot. We report a 10 Gb/s PRBS NRZ data transmission between transmitter system board and optical backplane embedded multimode polymeric waveguide arrays. The basic concept of the optical PCB is as follows; 1) Metal optical bench is integrated with optoelectronic devices, driver and receiver circuits, polymeric waveguide and access line PCB module. 2) Multimode polymeric waveguide inside an optical backplane, which is embedded into PCB, 3) Optical slot and plug for high-density (channel pitch : 500 um) board-to-board interconnection. The polymeric waveguide technology can be used for transmission of data between transmitter/receiver processing boards and backplane boards. The main components are low-loss tapered polymeric waveguides and a novel optical plug and slot for board-to-board interconnections, respectively. The transmitter/receiver processing boards are designed as plug types, and can be easily plugged-in and -out at an optical backplane board. The optical backplane boards are prepared by employing the lamination processes for conventional electrical PCBs. A practical optical backplane system was implemented with two processing boards and an optical backplane. As connection components between the transmitter/receiver processing boards and backplane board, optical slots made of a 90°-bending structure-embedded optical plug was used. A 10 Gb/s data link was successfully demonstrated. The bit error rate (BER) was determined and is 5.6×10 -9(@10Gb/s) and the BER of 8 Gb/s is < 10 -12.

Modern trends in industrial technology of production of optical polymeric components for night vision devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goev, A. I.; Knyazeva, N. A.; Potelov, V. V.; Senik, B. N.

2005-06-01

The present paper represents in detail the complex approach to creating industrial technology of production of polymeric optical components: information has been given on optical polymeric materials, automatic machines for injection moulding, the possibilities of the Moldflow system (the AB "Universal" company) used for mathematical simulation of the technological process of injection moulding and making the moulds.

High-refractive index of acrylate embedding resin clarifies mouse brain tissue.

PubMed

Zhou, Hongfu; Xiong, Yumiao; Wang, Yu; Wang, Xiaojun; Li, Pei; Gang, Yadong; Liu, Xiuli; Zeng, Shaoqun

2017-11-01

Biological tissue transparency combined with light-sheet fluorescence microscopy is a useful method for studying the neural structure of biological tissues. The development of light-sheet fluorescence microscopy also promotes progress in biological tissue clearing methods. The current clarifying methods mostly use liquid reagent to denature protein or remove lipids first, to eliminate or reduce the scattering index or refractive index of the biological tissue. However, denaturing protein and removing lipids require complex procedures or an extended time period. Therefore, here we have developed acrylate resin with a high refractive index, which causes clearing of biological tissue directly after polymerization. This method can improve endogenous fluorescence retention by adjusting the pH value of the resin monomer. (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Investigation of fluorine-doped tin oxide based optically transparent E-shaped patch antenna for terahertz communications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anand, S., E-mail: anand.s.krishna@gmail.com, E-mail: darak.mayur@gmail.com, E-mail: srk@nitt.edu; Darak, Mayur Sudesh, E-mail: anand.s.krishna@gmail.com, E-mail: darak.mayur@gmail.com, E-mail: srk@nitt.edu; Kumar, D. Sriram, E-mail: anand.s.krishna@gmail.com, E-mail: darak.mayur@gmail.com, E-mail: srk@nitt.edu

2014-10-15

In this paper, a fluorine-doped tin oxide based optically transparent E-shaped patch antenna is designed and its radiation performance is analyzed in the 705 – 804 GHz band. As optically transparent antennas can be mounted on optical display, they facilitate the reduction of overall system size. The proposed antenna design is simulated using electromagnetic solver - Ansys HFSS and its characteristics such as impedance bandwidth, directivity, radiation efficiency and gain are observed. Results show that the fluorine-doped tin oxide based optically transparent patch antenna overcomes the conventional patch antenna limitations and thus the same can be used for solar cellmore » antenna used in satellite systems.« less

Transparency Film for Demonstration of Biaxial Optics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Camp, Paul R.

1994-01-01

Explains why transparency film demonstrates biaxial optical properties. Provides detailed descriptions of the procedure and equipment needed for large-scale optics demonstrations of the polarization interference pattern produced by biaxial crystals. (DDR)

Semi-transparent a-IGZO thin-film transistors with polymeric gate dielectric.

PubMed

Hyung, Gun Woo; Wang, Jian-Xun; Li, Zhao-Hui; Koo, Ja-Ryong; Kwon, Sang Jik; Cho, Eou-Sik; Kim, Young Kwan

2013-06-01

We report the fabrication of semi-transparent a-IGZO-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) with crosslinked poly-4-vinylphenol (PVP) gate dielectric layers on PET substrate and thermally-evaporated Al/Ag/Al source and drain (S&D) electrodes, which showed a transmittance of 64% at a 500-nm wavelength and sheet resistance of 16.8 omega/square. The semi-transparent a-IGZO TFTs with a PVP layer exhibited decent saturation mobilities (maximum approximately 5.8 cm2Ns) and on/off current ratios of approximately 10(6).

Fabrication of fully transparent nanowire transistors for transparent and flexible electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ju, Sanghyun; Facchetti, Antonio; Xuan, Yi; Liu, Jun; Ishikawa, Fumiaki; Ye, Peide; Zhou, Chongwu; Marks, Tobin J.; Janes, David B.

2007-06-01

The development of optically transparent and mechanically flexible electronic circuitry is an essential step in the effort to develop next-generation display technologies, including `see-through' and conformable products. Nanowire transistors (NWTs) are of particular interest for future display devices because of their high carrier mobilities compared with bulk or thin-film transistors made from the same materials, the prospect of processing at low temperatures compatible with plastic substrates, as well as their optical transparency and inherent mechanical flexibility. Here we report fully transparent In2O3 and ZnO NWTs fabricated on both glass and flexible plastic substrates, exhibiting high-performance n-type transistor characteristics with ~82% optical transparency. These NWTs should be attractive as pixel-switching and driving transistors in active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. The transparency of the entire pixel area should significantly enhance aperture ratio efficiency in active-matrix arrays and thus substantially decrease power consumption.

Fabrication of fully transparent nanowire transistors for transparent and flexible electronics.

PubMed

Ju, Sanghyun; Facchetti, Antonio; Xuan, Yi; Liu, Jun; Ishikawa, Fumiaki; Ye, Peide; Zhou, Chongwu; Marks, Tobin J; Janes, David B

2007-06-01

The development of optically transparent and mechanically flexible electronic circuitry is an essential step in the effort to develop next-generation display technologies, including 'see-through' and conformable products. Nanowire transistors (NWTs) are of particular interest for future display devices because of their high carrier mobilities compared with bulk or thin-film transistors made from the same materials, the prospect of processing at low temperatures compatible with plastic substrates, as well as their optical transparency and inherent mechanical flexibility. Here we report fully transparent In(2)O(3) and ZnO NWTs fabricated on both glass and flexible plastic substrates, exhibiting high-performance n-type transistor characteristics with approximately 82% optical transparency. These NWTs should be attractive as pixel-switching and driving transistors in active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. The transparency of the entire pixel area should significantly enhance aperture ratio efficiency in active-matrix arrays and thus substantially decrease power consumption.

Ultra-fast all-optical plasmon induced transparency in a metal–insulator–metal waveguide containing two Kerr nonlinear ring resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurmohammadi, Tofiq; Abbasian, Karim; Yadipour, Reza

2018-05-01

In this work, an ultra-fast all-optical plasmon induced transparency based on a metal–insulator–metal nanoplasmonic waveguide with two Kerr nonlinear ring resonators is studied. Two-dimensional simulations utilizing the finite-difference time-domain method are used to show an obvious optical bistability and significant switching mechanisms of the signal light by varying the pump-light intensity. The proposed all-optical switching based on plasmon induced transparency demonstrates femtosecond-scale feedback time (90 fs), meaning ultra-fast switching can be achieved. The presented all-optical switch may have potential significant applications in integrated optical circuits.

Transparent conductive nano-composites

DOEpatents

Geohegan, David Bruce; Ivanov, Ilia N; Puretzky, Alexander A; Jesse, Stephen; Hu, Bin; Garrett, Matthew; Zhao, Bin

2013-09-24

The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of forming an organic electric device that includes providing a plurality of carbon nanostructures; and dispersing the plurality of carbon nanostructures in a polymeric matrix to provide a polymeric composite, wherein when the plurality of carbon nanostructures are present at a first concentration an interface of the plurality of carbon nanostructures and the polymeric matrix is characterized by charge transport when an external energy is applied, and when the plurality of carbon nanostructures are present at a second concentration the interface of the plurality of carbon nanostructures and the polymeric matrix are characterized by exciton dissociation when an external energy is applied, wherein the first concentration is less than the second concentration.

Transparent conductive nano-composites

DOEpatents

Geohegan, David Bruce [Knoxville, TN; Ivanov, Ilia N [Knoxville, TN; Puretzky, Alexander A [Knoxville, TN; Jesse, Stephen [Knoxville, TN; Hu, Bin [Knoxville, TN; Garrett, Matthew [Knoxville, TN; Zhao, Bin [Easley, SC

2011-04-12

The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of forming an organic electric device that includes providing a plurality of carbon nanostructures; and dispersing the plurality of carbon nanostructures in a polymeric matrix to provide a polymeric composite, wherein when the plurality of carbon nanostructures are present at a first concentration an interface of the plurality of carbon nanostructures and the polymeric matrix is characterized by charge transport when an external energy is applied, and when the plurality of carbon nanostructures are present at a second concentration the interface of the plurality of carbon nanostructures and the polymeric matrix are characterized by exciton dissociation when an external energy is applied, wherein the first concentration is less than the second concentration.

X Ray Mask Of Gold-Carbon Mixture Absorber On BCN Compound Substrate Fabricated By Plasma Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aiyer, Chandrasekhar R.; Itoh, Satoshi; Yamada, Hitomi; Morita, Shinzo; Hattori, Shuzo

1988-06-01

X-ray mask fabrication based on BCN compound membrane and gold containing polymeric carbon ( Au-C ) absorber by totally dry processes is proposed. The Au-C films were depo-sited by plasma polymerization of propylene or styrene monomers and co-evaporation of gold. These films have 2 to 5 times higher etching rate than that of pure gold for 09 RIE, depending on the Au content. The stress in the films could be reduced to 1.9 E 7 N/m2 by annealing. The BCN films were deposited on silicon wafers by rf (13.56 MHz) plasma CVD with diborane, methane and nitrogen as source gases at typical deposition rate of 30 nm/min. The optical (633nm) and X ray (Pd L~) transparencies were nearly 80% for film thickness of 6 um. Patterning of Au-C was achieved by using tungsten as intermediate layer and PMMA electron beam resist. CF4 RIE was used to etch the tungsten layer which in turn acted as mask for the gold carbide 02 RIE. The process parameters and the characteristics of the Au-C and BCN films are presented.

Temperature-dependent optical constants of highly transparent solids determined by the combined double optical pathlength transmission-ellipsometry method.

PubMed

Li, X C; Wang, C C; Zhao, J M; Liu, L H

2018-02-10

The optical constants of five highly transparent substrates (polycrystalline BaF 2 , CaF 2 , MgF 2 , ZnSe, and ZnS) were experimentally determined based on a combined technique using both the double optical pathlength transmission method and the ellipsometry method within temperature range 20°C-350°C in the ultraviolet-infrared region (0.2-20 μm). The results show that the refractive index spectra of polycrystalline BaF 2 , CaF 2 , and MgF 2 are similar, but differ from that of polycrystalline ZnSe and ZnS. The thermo-optic coefficient of these highly transparent substrates increases with increasing temperature. The absorption indices show a significant temperature-dependent behavior, which increases with increasing temperature from 20°C to 350°C over the transparent region. For the sake of application, the fitted formulas of the refractive index of the five highly transparent substrates as a function of wavelength and temperature are presented.

SPECIAL ISSUE ON OPTICAL PROCESSING OF INFORMATION: Realisation of video-frequency filters on the basis of a new mode of operation of an acousto-optical correlator with spatial integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ushakov, V. N.

1995-10-01

A video-frequency acousto-optical correlator with spatial integration, which widens the functional capabilities of correlation-type acousto-optical processors, is described. The correlator is based on a two-dimensional reference transparency and it can filter arbitrary video signals of spectral width limited by the pass band of an acousto-optical modulator. The calculated pulse characteristic is governed by the structure of the reference transparency. A procedure for the synthesis of this transparency is considered and experimental results are reported.

Pore size and concentration effect of mesoporous silica nanoparticles on the coefficient of thermal expansion and optical transparency of poly(ether sulfone) films.

PubMed

Vo, Nhat Tri; Patra, Astam K; Kim, Dukjoon

2017-01-18

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with uniform size (<50 nm) yet with different pore diameters were synthesized, and used as fillers in poly(ether sulfone) (PES) films in order to decrease their coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) without sacrificing optical transparency. Here, both CTE and optical transparency of the MSN/PES nanocomposite films gradually decreased with increasing MSN concentration. The PES films containing MSNs with larger pores showed the best performance in CTE and optical transparency. While the CTE decreased by 32.3% with increasing MSN content up to 0.5 wt%, the optical transparency decreased by only less than 6.9% because of the small and uniform particle size of less than 50 nm, which minimizes light scattering. This pore size effect is more clearly observed via an annealing process, which enables the polymer chains to slowly move and fill in the free volume in the pores of the MSN, and thus restricts the thermal motion. The effect of the silica nanoparticles was investigated not only on the thermal stability but also on the mechanical stability. We expect the MSNs synthesized in this study to be used as a promising filler to enhance the thermal and mechanical stability of the PES substrate without sacrificing its optical transparency.

Composite films of oxidized multiwall carbon nanotube and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as a contact electrode for transistor and inverter devices.

PubMed

Yun, Dong-Jin; Rhee, Shi-Woo

2012-02-01

Composite films of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polymerized with poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) were prepared by spin-coating a mixture solution. The effect of the MWNT loading and the MWNT oxidation, with acid solution or ultraviolet (UV)-ozone treatment, on the film properties such as surface roughness, work function, surface energy, optical transparency and conductivity were studied. Also pentacene thin film transistors and inverters were made with these composite films as a contact metal and the device characteristics were measured. The oxidation of MWNT reduced the conductivity of MWNT/PEDOT:PSS composite film but increased the work function and transparency. UV-ozone treated MWNT/PEDOT:PSS composite film showed higher conductivity (14000 Ω/□) and work function (4.9 eV) than acid-oxidized MWNT/PEDOT:PSS composite film and showed better performance as a source/drain electrode in organic thin film transistor (OTFT) than other types of MWNT/PEDOT:PSS composite films. Hole injection barrier of the UV-ozone treated MWNT/PEDOT:PSS composite film with pentacene was significantly lower than any other films because of the higher work function.

Transparent, flexible, and solid-state supercapacitors based on graphene electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Y.; Zhou, Y. S.; Xiong, W.; Jiang, L. J.; Mahjouri-samani, M.; Thirugnanam, P.; Huang, X.; Wang, M. M.; Jiang, L.; Lu, Y. F.

2013-07-01

In this study, graphene-based supercapacitors with optical transparency and mechanical flexibility have been achieved using a combination of poly(vinyl alcohol)/phosphoric acid gel electrolyte and graphene electrodes. An optical transmittance of ˜67% in a wavelength range of 500-800 nm and a 92.4% remnant capacitance under a bending angle of 80° have been achieved for the supercapacitors. The decrease in capacitance under bending is ascribed to the buckling of the graphene electrode in compression. The supercapacitors with high optical transparency, electrochemical stability, and mechanical flexibility hold promises for transparent and flexible electronics.

Optically Transparent Microwave Polarizer Based On Quasi-Metallic Graphene.

PubMed

Grande, Marco; Bianco, Giuseppe Valerio; Vincenti, Maria Antonietta; de Ceglia, Domenico; Capezzuto, Pio; Scalora, Michael; D'Orazio, Antonella; Bruno, Giovanni

2015-11-25

In this paper, we report on the engineering and the realization of optically transparent graphene-based microwave devices using Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) graphene whose sheet resistance may be tailored down to values below 30 Ω/sq. In particular, we show that the process was successfully used to realize and characterize a simple, optically transparent graphene-based wire-grid polarizer at microwave frequencies (X band). The availability of graphene operating in a quasi-metallic region may allow the integration of graphene layers in several microwave components, thus leading to the realization of fully transparent (and flexible) microwave devices.

Optically Transparent Microwave Polarizer Based On Quasi-Metallic Graphene

PubMed Central

Grande, Marco; Bianco, Giuseppe Valerio; Vincenti, Maria Antonietta; de Ceglia, Domenico; Capezzuto, Pio; Scalora, Michael; D’Orazio, Antonella; Bruno, Giovanni

2015-01-01

In this paper, we report on the engineering and the realization of optically transparent graphene-based microwave devices using Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) graphene whose sheet resistance may be tailored down to values below 30 Ω/sq. In particular, we show that the process was successfully used to realize and characterize a simple, optically transparent graphene-based wire-grid polarizer at microwave frequencies (X band). The availability of graphene operating in a quasi-metallic region may allow the integration of graphene layers in several microwave components, thus leading to the realization of fully transparent (and flexible) microwave devices. PMID:26603112

Smart window using a thermally and optically switchable liquid crystal cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Seung-Won; Kim, Sang-Hyeok; Baek, Jong-Min; Yoon, Tae-Hoon

2018-02-01

Light shutter technologies that can control optical transparency have been studied extensively for developing curtain-free smart windows. We introduce thermally and optically switchable light shutters using LCs doped with push-pull azobenzene, which is known to speed up thermal relaxation. The liquid crystal light shutter can be switched between translucent and transparent states or transparent and opaque states by phase transition through changing temperature or photo-isomerization of doped azobenzene. The liquid crystal light shutter can be used for privacy windows with an initial translucent state or energy-saving windows with an initial transparent state.

Optical and nanomechanical study of anti-scratch layers on polycarbonate lenses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charitidis, C.; Laskarakis, A.; Kassavetis, S.; Gravalidis, C.; Logothetidis, S.

2004-07-01

In recent years, as the optical-electronic industry developed, polymeric materials were gradually increasing in importance. Polycarbonate (PC) is a good candidate for eyewear applications due to its low weight and transparency. In the case of PC lenses, the deposition of anti-scratch (AS) coatings on the polymer surface is essential for the improvement of the mechanical behavior of the lens. In this work, we present a detailed investigation of the optical and nanomechanical properties of a PC based optical lens and coated by an AS coating as a protective overcoat. The study of the effect of the AS coating on the optical response of the PC lens has been performed by the use of Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE) in the IR spectral region, where the characteristic features corresponding to the different bonding configuration of the PC lens and the AS coating were studied. Also, the nanomechanical study of the PC lens, before and after the deposition of the AS coating, performed by nanoindentation measurements revealed the significant enhancement of the mechanical response of the AS/PC lens. More specifically, the AS/PC lens is characterized by enhanced values of hardness and elastic modulus. Finally, the use of AS coating has found to lead to a better scratch resistance and to the reduction of the coefficient of friction (μ) of the PC lens.

Ultralow-power and ultrafast all-optical tunable plasmon-induced transparency in metamaterials at optical communication range.

PubMed

Zhu, Yu; Hu, Xiaoyong; Fu, Yulan; Yang, Hong; Gong, Qihuang

2013-01-01

Actively all-optical tunable plasmon-induced transparency in metamaterials paves the way for achieving ultrahigh-speed quantum information processing chips. Unfortunately, up to now, very small experimental progress has been made for all-optical tunable plasmon-induced transparency in metamaterials in the visible and near-infrared range because of small third-order optical nonlinearity of conventional materials. The achieved operating pump intensity was as high as several GW/cm(2) order. Here, we report an ultralow-power and ultrafast all-optical tunable plasmon-induced transparency in metamaterials coated on polycrystalline indium-tin oxide layer at the optical communication range. Compared with previous reports, the threshold pump intensity is reduced by four orders of magnitude, while an ultrafast response time of picoseconds order is maintained. This work not only offers a way to constructing photonic materials with large nonlinearity and ultrafast response, but also opens up the possibility for realizing quantum solid chips and ultrafast integrated photonic devices based on metamaterials.

Ultralow-power and ultrafast all-optical tunable plasmon-induced transparency in metamaterials at optical communication range

PubMed Central

Zhu, Yu; Hu, Xiaoyong; Fu, Yulan; Yang, Hong; Gong, Qihuang

2013-01-01

Actively all-optical tunable plasmon-induced transparency in metamaterials paves the way for achieving ultrahigh-speed quantum information processing chips. Unfortunately, up to now, very small experimental progress has been made for all-optical tunable plasmon-induced transparency in metamaterials in the visible and near-infrared range because of small third-order optical nonlinearity of conventional materials. The achieved operating pump intensity was as high as several GW/cm2 order. Here, we report an ultralow-power and ultrafast all-optical tunable plasmon-induced transparency in metamaterials coated on polycrystalline indium-tin oxide layer at the optical communication range. Compared with previous reports, the threshold pump intensity is reduced by four orders of magnitude, while an ultrafast response time of picoseconds order is maintained. This work not only offers a way to constructing photonic materials with large nonlinearity and ultrafast response, but also opens up the possibility for realizing quantum solid chips and ultrafast integrated photonic devices based on metamaterials. PMID:23903825

Optical properties of transparent glass–ceramics containing lithium–mica nanocrystals: Crystallization effect

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Khani, V.; Alizadeh, P., E-mail: p-alizadeh@modares.ac.ir; Shakeri, M.S.

2013-09-01

Graphical abstract: Optical properties of transparent Li{sub 2}O–MgO–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–SiO{sub 2}–F glasses containing lithium–mica nanocrystals are studied and crystallization condition has been evaluated and optimized to produce transparent glass–ceramics. Crystallization temperatures were determined by differential thermal analysis and crystalline phases were identified and quantified by X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was used for morphological variations and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy for comparative analysis of transparency. In order to investigate the optical properties of transparent glass–ceramics, optical band gap, Fermi energy level and Urbach energy are calculated. The results of the investigation illustrate that band gap is reduced with increases in crystallizationmore » time and temperature. Enhanced orderliness in the arrangement of atoms might be regarded as possible reasons for the above changes. - Highlights: • The optimum temperature and time of crystallization were determined. • Li–mica nanocrystals with size of <30 nm were formed using a two-step heat-treatment. • Optical band gap and Fermi energy of nanocrystalline materials decreased with increasing of crystallization temperature and time. • Urbach band tailing was decreased with increasing of crystallization condition. - Abstract: Optical properties of transparent Li{sub 2}O–MgO–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–SiO{sub 2}–F glasses containing lithium–mica nanocrystals were studied. The crystallization condition of these glasses was evaluated and optimized to produce transparent glass–ceramics. Crystallization temperatures were determined by differential thermal analysis and crystalline phases were identified and quantified by X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect morphological changes and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy was used for comparative analysis of transparency. In order to investigate the optical properties of the transparent glass–ceramics, optical band gap, Fermi energy level and Urbach energy were calculated. The results of the investigation illustrate that the band gap is reduced with increases in crystallization time and temperature. Enhanced orderliness in the arrangement of atoms might be regarded as possible reasons for the above changes.« less

Optically Transparent Wood from a Nanoporous Cellulosic Template: Combining Functional and Structural Performance.

PubMed

Li, Yuanyuan; Fu, Qiliang; Yu, Shun; Yan, Min; Berglund, Lars

2016-04-11

Optically transparent wood (TW) with transmittance as high as 85% and haze of 71% was obtained using a delignified nanoporous wood template. The template was prepared by removing the light-absorbing lignin component, creating nanoporosity in the wood cell wall. Transparent wood was prepared by successful impregnation of lumen and the nanoscale cellulose fiber network in the cell wall with refractive-index-matched prepolymerized methyl methacrylate (MMA). During the process, the hierarchical wood structure was preserved. Optical properties of TW are tunable by changing the cellulose volume fraction. The synergy between wood and PMMA was observed for mechanical properties. Lightweight and strong transparent wood is a potential candidate for lightweight low-cost, light-transmitting buildings and transparent solar cell windows.

Optically Transparent Ferromagnetic Nanogranular Films with Tunable Transmittance

PubMed Central

Kobayashi, Nobukiyo; Masumoto, Hiroshi; Takahashi, Saburo; Maekawa, Sadamichi

2016-01-01

Developing optically transparent magnets at room temperature is an important challenge. They would bring many innovations to various industries, not only for electronic and magnetic devices but also for optical applications. Here we introduce FeCo-(Al-fluoride) nanogranular films exhibiting ferromagnetic properties with high optical transparency in the visible light region. These films have a nanocomposite structure, in which nanometer-sized FeCo ferromagnetic granules are dispersed in an Al-fluoride crystallized matrix. The optical transmittance of these films is controlled by changing the magnetization. This is a new type of magneto-optical effect and is explained by spin-dependent charge oscillation between ferromagnetic granules due to quantum-mechanical tunneling. PMID:27677710

An optically transparent, flexible, patterned and conductive silk biopolymer film (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umar, Muhammad; Min, Kyungtaek; Kim, Sunghwan

2017-02-01

Transparent, flexible, and conducting films are of great interest for wearable electronics. For better biotic/abiotic interface, the films to integrate the electronics components requires the patterned surface conductors with optical transparency, smoothness, good electrical conductivity, along with the biofriendly traits of films. We focus on silk fibroin, a natural biopolymer extracted from the Bombyx mori cocoons, for this bioelectronics applications. Here we report an optically transparent, flexible, and patterned surface conductor on a silk film by burying a silver nanowires (AgNW) network below the surface of the silk film. The conducting silk film reveals high optical transparency of 80% and the excellent electronic conductivity of 15 Ω/sq, along with smooth surface. The integration of light emitting diode (LED) chip on the patterned electrodes confirms that the current can flow through the transparent and patterned electrodes on the silk film, and this result shows an application for integration of functional electronic/opto-electronic devices. Additionally, we fabricate a transparent and flexible radio frequency (RF) antenna and resistor on a silk film and apply these as a food sensor by monitoring the increasing resistance by the flow of gases from the spoiled food.

Design considerations for multi component molecular-polymeric nonlinear optical materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singer, K. D.; Kuzyk, M. G.; Fang, T.; Holland, W. R.; Cahill, P. A.

1990-08-01

We review our work on multi component polymeric nonlinear optical materials. These materials consist of nonlinear optical molecules incorporated in a polymeric host. A cross-linked triazine polymer incorporating a dicyanovinyl terminated azo dye was found to be relatively stable at 85 deg and possess an electro-optic coefficient of 11pm/V. We have also observed the zero dispersion condition in a new anomalous dispersion dye for phase matched second harmonic generation, and expect efficient conversion to the blue. A squarylium dye, ISQ, has been found to possess a large third order nonlinearity, and may display two-level behavior.

Disorder-induced transparency in a one-dimensional waveguide side coupled with optical cavities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Yongyou, E-mail: yyzhang@bit.edu.cn; Dong, Guangda; Zou, Bingsuo

2014-05-07

Disorder influence on photon transmission behavior is theoretically studied in a one-dimensional waveguide side coupled with a series of optical cavities. For this sake, we propose a concept of disorder-induced transparency appearing on the low-transmission spectral background. Two kinds of disorders, namely, disorders of optical cavity eigenfrequencies and relative phases in the waveguide side coupled with optical cavities are considered to show the disorder-induced transparency. They both can induce the optical transmission peaks on the low-transmission backgrounds. The statistical mean value of the transmission also increases with increasing the disorders of the cavity eigenfrequencies and relative phases.

Transparent electrode for optical switch

DOEpatents

Goldhar, J.; Henesian, M.A.

1984-10-19

The invention relates generally to optical switches and techniques for applying a voltage to an electro-optical crystal, and more particularly, to transparent electodes for an optical switch. System architectures for very large inertial confinement fusion (ICF) lasers require active optical elements with apertures on the order of one meter. Large aperture optical switches are needed for isolation of stages, switch-out from regenerative amplifier cavities and protection from target retroreflections.

Multi-layer electrode for high contrast electrochromic devices

DOEpatents

Schwendeman, Irina G [Wexford, PA; Finley, James J [Pittsburgh, PA; Polcyn, Adam D [Pittsburgh, PA; Boykin, Cheri M [Wexford, PA

2011-11-01

An electrochromic device includes a first substrate spaced from a second substrate. A first transparent conductive electrode is formed over at least a portion of the first substrate. A polymeric anode is formed over at least a portion of the first conductive electrode. A second transparent conductive electrode is formed over at least a portion of the second substrate. In one aspect of the invention, a multi-layer polymeric cathode is formed over at least a portion of the second conductive electrode. In one non-limiting embodiment, the multi-layer cathode includes a first cathodically coloring polymer formed over at least a portion of the second conductive electrode and a second cathodically coloring polymer formed over at least a portion of the first cathodically coloring polymer. An ionic liquid is positioned between the anode and the cathode.

Evaluation available encapsulation materials for low-cost long-life silicon photovoltaic arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carmichael, D. C.; Gaines, G. B.; Noel, G. T.; Sliemers, F. A.; Nance, G. P.; Bunk, A. R.; Brockway, M. C.

1978-01-01

Experimental evaluation of selected encapsulation designs and materials based on an earlier study which have potential for use in low cost, long-life photovoltaic arrays are reported. The performance of candidate materials and encapsulated cells were evaluated principally for three types of encapsulation designs based on their potentially low materials and processing costs: (1) polymeric coatings, transparent conformal coatings over the cell with a structural-support substrate; (2) polymeric film lamination, cells laminated between two films or sheets of polymeric materials; and (3) glass-covered systems, cells adhesively bonded to a glass cover (superstrate) with a polymeric pottant and a glass or other substrate material. Several other design types, including those utilizing polymer sheet and pottant materials, were also included in the investigation.

Au@MnO2 core-shell nanomesh electrodes for transparent flexible supercapacitors.

PubMed

Qiu, Tengfei; Luo, Bin; Giersig, Michael; Akinoglu, Eser Metin; Hao, Long; Wang, Xiangjun; Shi, Lin; Jin, Meihua; Zhi, Linjie

2014-10-29

A novel Au@MnO2 supercapacitor is presented. The sophisticated core-shell architecture combining an Au nanomesh core with a MnO2 shell on a flexible polymeric substrate is demonstrated as an electrode for high performance transparent flexible supercapacitors (TFSCs). Due to their unique structure, high areal/gravimetric capacitance and rate capability for TFSCs are achieved. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Dimension-sensitive optical responses of electromagnetically induced transparency vapor in a waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi Shen, Jian; He, Sailing

2006-12-01

A three-level EIT (electromagnetically induced transparency) vapor is used to manipulate the transparency and absorption properties of the probe light in a waveguide. The most remarkable feature of the present scheme is such that the optical responses resulting from both electromagnetically induced transparency and large spontaneous emission enhancement are very sensitive to the frequency detunings of the probe light as well as to the small changes of the waveguide dimension. The potential applications of the dimension- and dispersion-sensitive EIT responses are discussed, and the sensitivity limits of some waveguide-based sensors, including electric absorption modulator, optical switch, wavelength sensor, and sensitive magnetometer, are analyzed.

Vacuum stability requirements of polymeric material for spacecraft application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Craig, J. W.

1984-01-01

The purpose of this document is to establish outgassing requirements and test guidelines for polymeric materials used in the space thermal/vacuum environment around sensitive optical or thermal control surfaces. The scope of this document covers the control of polymeric materials used near or adjacent to optical or thermal control surfaces that are exposed to the thermal/vacuum environment of space. This document establishes the requirements and defines the test method to evaluate polymeric materials used in the vicinity of these surfaces in space applications.

Nonimaging light concentrator with uniform irradiance

DOEpatents

Winston, Roland; Gee, Randy C.

2003-04-01

A nonimaging light concentrator system including a primary collector of light, an optical mixer disposed near the focal zone for collecting light from the primary collector, the optical mixer having a transparent entrance aperture, an internally reflective housing for substantially total internal reflection of light, a transparent exit aperture and an array of photovoltaic cells disposed near the transparent exit aperture.

Research Studies on Electromagnetically Induced Transparency

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-20

allowing the same simple equations to be used to simulate nonlinear and quantum optics with the N-photon states generated in this regime. One...induced transparency, photon interactions with atoms, nonclassical states of the electromagnetic field, including entangled photon states , quantum ...them. This is important because optical nonlinearities when produced using electromagnetically induced transparency continue to increase in the

Tunable phonon-induced transparency in bilayer graphene nanoribbons.

PubMed

Yan, Hugen; Low, Tony; Guinea, Francisco; Xia, Fengnian; Avouris, Phaedon

2014-08-13

In the phenomenon of plasmon-induced transparency, which is a classical analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in atomic gases, the coherent interference between two plasmon modes results in an optical transparency window in a broad absorption spectrum. With the requirement of contrasting lifetimes, typically one of the plasmon modes involved is a dark mode that has limited coupling to the electromagnetic radiation and possesses relatively longer lifetime. Plasmon-induced transparency not only leads to light transmission at otherwise opaque frequency regions but also results in the slowing of light group velocity and enhanced optical nonlinearity. In this article, we report an analogous behavior, denoted as phonon-induced transparency (PIT), in AB-stacked bilayer graphene nanoribbons. Here, light absorption due to the plasmon excitation is suppressed in a narrow window due to the coupling with the infrared active Γ-point optical phonon, whose function here is similar to that of the dark plasmon mode in the plasmon-induced transparency. We further show that PIT in bilayer graphene is actively tunable by electrostatic gating and estimate a maximum slow light factor of around 500 at the phonon frequency of 1580 cm(-1), based on the measured spectra. Our demonstration opens an avenue for the exploration of few-photon nonlinear optics and slow light in this novel two-dimensional material.

Solution processable broadband transparent mixed metal oxide nanofilm optical coatings via substrate diffusion doping.

PubMed

Glynn, Colm; Aureau, Damien; Collins, Gillian; O'Hanlon, Sally; Etcheberry, Arnaud; O'Dwyer, Colm

2015-12-21

Devices composed of transparent materials, particularly those utilizing metal oxides, are of significant interest due to increased demand from industry for higher fidelity transparent thin film transistors, photovoltaics and a myriad of other optoelectronic devices and optics that require more cost-effective and simplified processing techniques for functional oxides and coatings. Here, we report a facile solution processed technique for the formation of a transparent thin film through an inter-diffusion process involving substrate dopant species at a range of low annealing temperatures compatible with processing conditions required by many state-of-the-art devices. The inter-diffusion process facilitates the movement of Si, Na and O species from the substrate into the as-deposited vanadium oxide thin film forming a composite fully transparent V0.0352O0.547Si0.4078Na0.01. Thin film X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering spectroscopy show the crystalline component of the structure to be α-NaVO3 within a glassy matrix. This optical coating exhibits high broadband transparency, exceeding 90-97% absolute transmission across the UV-to-NIR spectral range, while having low roughness and free of surface defects and pinholes. The production of transparent films for advanced optoelectronic devices, optical coatings, and low- or high-k oxides is important for planar or complex shaped optics or surfaces. It provides opportunities for doping metal oxides to ternary, quaternary or other mixed metal oxides on glass, encapsulants or other substrates that facilitate diffusional movement of dopant species.

An Electrochemical Experiment Using an Optically Transparent Thin Layer Electrode

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeAngelis, Thomas P.; Heineman, William R.

1976-01-01

Describes a unified experiment in which an optically transparent thin layer electrode is used to illustrate the techniques of thin layer electrochemistry, cyclic voltammetry, controlled potential coulometry, and spectroelectrochemistry. (MLH)

Thermochromic microcapsules with highly transparent shells obtained through in-situ polymerization of urea formaldehyde around thermochromic cores for smart wood coatings.

PubMed

Zhu, Xiaodong; Liu, Yu; Li, Zhao; Wang, Weicong

2018-03-05

In this paper, thermochromic microcapsules were synthesized in situ polymerization with urea formaldehyde as shell material and thermochromic compounds as core material. The effects of emulsifying agent and conditions on surface morphology and particle size of microcapsules were studied. It was found that the size and surface morphology of microcapsules were strongly depending on stirring rate and the ratio of core to shell. The stable and small size spherical microcapsules with excellent transparency can be obtained at an emulsifying agent to core to shell ratio as 1:5:7.5 under mechanical stirring at 12 krpm for 15 min. Finally, the thermochromic property was discussed by loading microcapsules in wood and wood coatings. Results indicate that microcapsules can realize the thermochromic property while incorporated with wood and coatings, and could have high potential in smart material fabrication.

Transparency through Structural Disorder: A New Concept for Innovative Transparent Ceramics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Al Saghir, Kholoud; Chenu, Sébastien; Veron, Emmanuel

2015-01-27

Transparent polycrystalline ceramics present signi fi cant eco- nomical and functional advantages over single crystal materials for optical, communication, and laser technologies. To date, transparency in these ceramics is ensured either by an optical isotropy (i.e., cubic symmetry) or a nanometric crystallite size, and the main challenge remains to eliminate porosity through complex high pressure - high temperature synthesis. Here we introduce a new concept to achieve ultimate transparency reaching the theoretical limit. We use a controlled degree of chemical disorder in the structure to obtain optical isotropy at the micrometer length scale. This approach can be applied in themore » case of anisotropic structures and micrometer scale crystal size ceramics. We thus report Sr 1+ x /2 Al 2+ x Si 2 - x O 8 (0 < x ≤ 0.4) readily scalable polycrystalline ceramics elaborated by full and congruent crystallization from glass. These materials reach 90% transmittance. This innovative method should drive the development of new highly transparent materials with technologically relevant applications.« less

On-chip plasmon-induced transparency based on plasmonic coupled nanocavities

PubMed Central

Zhu, Yu; Hu, Xiaoyong; Yang, Hong; Gong, Qihuang

2014-01-01

On-chip plasmon-induced transparency offers the possibility of realization of ultrahigh-speed information processing chips. Unfortunately, little experimental progress has been made to date because it is difficult to obtain on-chip plasmon-induced transparency using only a single meta-molecule in plasmonic circuits. Here, we report a simple and efficient strategy to realize on-chip plasmon-induced transparency in a nanoscale U-shaped plasmonic waveguide side-coupled nanocavity pair. High tunability in the transparency window is achieved by covering the pair with different organic polymer layers. It is possible to realize ultrafast all-optical tunability based on pump light-induced refractive index change of a graphene cover layer. Compared with previous reports, the overall feature size of the plasmonic nanostructure is reduced by more than three orders of magnitude, while ultrahigh tunability of the transparency window is maintained. This work also provides a superior platform for the study of the various physical effects and phenomena of nonlinear optics and quantum optics. PMID:24435059

On-chip plasmon-induced transparency based on plasmonic coupled nanocavities.

PubMed

Zhu, Yu; Hu, Xiaoyong; Yang, Hong; Gong, Qihuang

2014-01-17

On-chip plasmon-induced transparency offers the possibility of realization of ultrahigh-speed information processing chips. Unfortunately, little experimental progress has been made to date because it is difficult to obtain on-chip plasmon-induced transparency using only a single meta-molecule in plasmonic circuits. Here, we report a simple and efficient strategy to realize on-chip plasmon-induced transparency in a nanoscale U-shaped plasmonic waveguide side-coupled nanocavity pair. High tunability in the transparency window is achieved by covering the pair with different organic polymer layers. It is possible to realize ultrafast all-optical tunability based on pump light-induced refractive index change of a graphene cover layer. Compared with previous reports, the overall feature size of the plasmonic nanostructure is reduced by more than three orders of magnitude, while ultrahigh tunability of the transparency window is maintained. This work also provides a superior platform for the study of the various physical effects and phenomena of nonlinear optics and quantum optics.

Highly optical transparency and thermally stable polyimides containing pyridine and phenyl pendant.

PubMed

Yao, Jianan; Wang, Chunbo; Tian, Chengshuo; Zhao, Xiaogang; Zhou, Hongwei; Wang, Daming; Chen, Chunhai

2017-01-01

In order to obtain highly optical transparency polyimides, two novel aromatic diamine monomers containing pyridine and kinky structures, 1,1-bis[4-(5-amino-2-pyridinoxy)phenyl]diphenylmethane (BAPDBP) and 1,1-bis[4-(5-amino-2-pyridinoxy)phenyl]-1-phenylethane (BAPDAP), were designed and synthesized. Polyimides based on BAPDBP, BAPDAP, 2,2-bis[4-(5-amino-2-pyridinoxy)phenyl]propane (BAPDP) with various commercial dianhydrides were prepared for comparison and structure-property relationships study. The structures of the polyimides were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, wide-angle X-ray diffractograms (XRD) and elemental analysis. Film properties including solubility, optical transparency, water uptake, thermal and mechanical properties were also evaluated. The introduction of pyridine and kinky structure into the backbones that polyimides presented good optical properties with 91-97% transparent at 500 nm and a low cut-off wavelength at 353-398 nm. Moreover, phenyl pendant groups of the polyimides showed high glass transition temperatures ( T g ) in the range of 257-281 °C. These results suggest that the incorporating pyridine, kinky and bulky substituents to polymer backbone can improve the optical transparency effectively without sacrificing the thermal properties.

Transparent, Weakly Conductive Films for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griffin, John; Morgan, Ashraf; Hambourger, Paul D.

2004-01-01

Electrically insulating spacecraft surfaces are vulnerable to nonuniform charge buildup due to particles emitted by the sun. On Mars, insulating surfaces of exploration vehicles and structures will be affected by dust coatings possibly held in place by triboelectric surface charge. Application of a conductive film may be a solution to the charging problem, but the coating must be highly transparent if used on solar panels, lenses, etc. Sheet resistivity requirements depend on the application and are in the range 10(exp 2) - 10(exp 8) ohms/square. Co-deposited indium tin oxide (ITO) and MgF2 is promising, with high transparency, tailorable electrical properties, and durability to atomic oxygen. Due to ITO's relatively narrow bandgap (approximately 3.5 eV), the film might absorb enough ultraviolet to protect polymeric substrates. Recent work on dual-magnetron-sputtered ITO-MgF2 showed that a variety of polymeric substrates can be coated at room temperature. However, the sheet resistivity is very sensitive to composition, suggestive of a percolation transition. This could be a serious problem for large-scale coating production. We will report on attempts to control film composition by plasma emission monitoring of the ITO and MgF2 guns.

Impact of low-pressure glow-discharge-pulsed plasma polymerization on properties of polyaniline thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jatratkar, Aviraj A.; Yadav, Jyotiprakash B.; Deshmukh, R. R.; Barshilia, Harish C.; Puri, Vijaya; Puri, R. K.

2016-12-01

This study reports on polyaniline thin films deposited on a glass substrate using a low-pressure glow-discharge-pulsed plasma polymerization method. The polyaniline thin film obtained by pulsed plasma polymerization has been successfully demonstrated as an optical waveguide with a transmission loss of 3.93 dB cm-1, and has the potential to be employed in integrated optics. An attempt has been made to investigate the effect of plasma OFF-time on the structural, optical as well as surface properties of polyaniline thin film. The plasma ON-time has been kept constant and the plasma OFF-time has been varied throughout the work. The plasma OFF-time strongly influenced the properties of the polyaniline thin film, and a nanostructured and compact surface was revealed in the morphological studies. The plasma OFF-time was found to enhance film thickness, roughness, refractive index and optical transmission loss, whereas it reduced the optical band gap of the polyaniline thin films. Retention in the aromatic structure was confirmed by FTIR results. Optical studies revealed a π-π* electronic transition at about 317 nm as well as the formation of a branched structure. As compared with continuous wave plasma, pulsed plasma polymerization shows better properties. Pulsed plasma polymerization reduced the roughness of the film from 1.2 nm to 0.42 nm and the optical transmission loss from 6.56 dB cm-1 to 3.39 dB cm-1.

Effect of γ-irradiation on the optical and electrical properties of fiber reinforced composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anwar, Ahmad; Elfiky, Dalia; Ramadan, Ahmed M.; Hassan, G. M.

2017-05-01

The effect of gamma irradiation on the optical and electrical properties of the reinforced fiber polymeric based materials became an important issue. Fiberglass/epoxy and Kevlar fiber/epoxy were selected as investigated samples manufactured with hand lay-up without autoclave curing technique. The selected technique is simple and low cost while being rarely used in space materials production. The electric conductivity and dielectric constant for those samples were measured with increasing the gamma radiation dose. Moreover, the absorptivity, band gap and color change were determined. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was performed to each of the material's constituent to evaluate the change in the investigated materials due to radiation exposure dose. In this study, the change of electrical properties for both investigated materials showed a slight variation of the test parameters with respect to the gamma dose increase; this variation is placed in the insulators rang. The tested samples showed an insulator stable behavior during the test period. The change of optical properties for both composite specimens showed the maximum absorptivity at the gamma dose 750 kGy. These materials are suitable for structure materials and thermal control for orbital life less than 7 years. In addition, the transparency of epoxy matrix was degraded. However, there is no color change for either Kevlar fiber or fiberglass.

Thermodynamic and kinetic characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Howerton, Samuel B; McGuffin, Victoria L

2003-07-15

The retention of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was characterized by reversed-phase liquid chromatography. The PAHs were detected by laser-induced fluorescence at four points along an optically transparent capillary column. The profiles were characterized in space and time using an exponentially modified Gaussian equation. The resulting parameters were used to calculate the retention factors, as well as the concomitant changes in molar enthalpy and molar volume, for each PAH on monomeric (2.7 micromol/m2) and polymeric (5.4 micromol/m2) octadecylsilica. The changes in molar enthalpy become more exothermic as ring number increases and as annelation structure becomes less condensed. The changes in molar volume become more negative as ring number increases for the planar PAHs, but are positive for the nonplanar solutes. In addition, the rate constants, as well as the concomitant activation enthalpy and activation volume, are calculated for the first time. The kinetic data demonstrate that many of the PAHs exhibit very fast transitions between the mobile and stationary phases. The transition state is very high in energy, and the activation enthalpies and volumes become greater as ring number increases and as annelation structure becomes less condensed. The changes in thermodynamic and kinetic behavior are much more pronounced for the polymeric phase than for the monomeric phase.

Infrared blocking, microwave and terahertz low-loss transmission AlN films grown on flexible polymeric substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudenko, E.; Tsybrii, Z.; Sizov, F.; Korotash, I.; Polotskiy, D.; Skoryk, M.; Vuichyk, M.; Svezhentsova, K.

2017-04-01

Aluminum nitride (AlN) film coatings on flexible substrates (polymeric Teflon, Mylar) have been obtained using a hybrid helicon-arc ion-plasma deposition technique with high adhesion of coatings. Studies of optical, morphological, and structural properties of AlN films have been carried out. It was found that AlN coatings on Teflon and Mylar thin-film substrates substantially suppress transmission of infrared (IR) radiation within the spectral range λ ˜ 5-20 μm at certain technological parameters and thickness of AlN. Transmission in THz regions by using quasioptics attains T ≈ 79%-95%, and losses measured in the channels within the microwave region 2 to 36 GHz are <0.06 dB. The obtained composite structures (AlN coatings on Teflon and Mylar thin-film substrates), due to a high thermal conductivity of AlN, could be used as efficient blocking structures in the infrared spectral range ("infrared stealth") withdrawing the heat from filters warmed by IR radiation. At the same time, they can be used as the transparent ones in the microwave and THz regions, which can be important for low-temperature detector components of navigation, positioning, and telecommunication systems due to reducing the background noise.

Experimental realization of an on-chip all-optical analogue to electromagnetically induced transparency.

PubMed

Xu, Qianfan; Sandhu, Sunil; Povinelli, Michelle L; Shakya, Jagat; Fan, Shanhui; Lipson, Michal

2006-03-31

We provide the first experimental observation of structure tuning of the electromagnetically induced transparency-like spectrum in integrated on-chip optical resonator systems. The system consists of coupled silicon ring resonators with 10 microm diameter on silicon, where the coherent interference between the two coupled resonators is tuned. We measured a transparency-resonance mode with a quality factor of 11,800.

Facile Dry Surface Cleaning of Graphene by UV Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jin Hong; Haidari, Mohd Musaib; Choi, Jin Sik; Kim, Hakseong; Yu, Young-Jun; Park, Jonghyurk

2018-05-01

Graphene has been considered an ideal material for application in transparent lightweight wearable electronics due to its extraordinary mechanical, optical, and electrical properties originating from its ordered hexagonal carbon atomic lattice in a layer. Precise surface control is critical in maximizing its performance in electronic applications. Graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition is widely used but it produces polymeric residue following wet/chemical transfer process, which strongly affects its intrinsic electrical properties and limits the doping efficiency by adsorption. Here, we introduce a facile dry-cleaning method based on UV irradiation to eliminate the organic residues even after device fabrication. Through surface topography, Raman analysis, and electrical transport measurement characteristics, we confirm that the optimized UV treatment can recover the clean graphene surface and improve graphene-FET performance more effectively than thermal treatment. We propose our UV irradiation method as a systematically controllable and damage-free post process for application in large-area devices.

A graphene-based electrochemical device with thermoresponsive microneedles for diabetes monitoring and therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyunjae; Choi, Tae Kyu; Lee, Young Bum; Cho, Hye Rim; Ghaffari, Roozbeh; Wang, Liu; Choi, Hyung Jin; Chung, Taek Dong; Lu, Nanshu; Hyeon, Taeghwan; Choi, Seung Hong; Kim, Dae-Hyeong

2016-06-01

Owing to its high carrier mobility, conductivity, flexibility and optical transparency, graphene is a versatile material in micro- and macroelectronics. However, the low density of electrochemically active defects in graphene synthesized by chemical vapour deposition limits its application in biosensing. Here, we show that graphene doped with gold and combined with a gold mesh has improved electrochemical activity over bare graphene, sufficient to form a wearable patch for sweat-based diabetes monitoring and feedback therapy. The stretchable device features a serpentine bilayer of gold mesh and gold-doped graphene that forms an efficient electrochemical interface for the stable transfer of electrical signals. The patch consists of a heater, temperature, humidity, glucose and pH sensors and polymeric microneedles that can be thermally activated to deliver drugs transcutaneously. We show that the patch can be thermally actuated to deliver Metformin and reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic mice.

Gels and gel-derived glasses in the Na2O-B2O3-SiO2 system. [containerless melting in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mukherjee, S. P.

1982-01-01

The containerless melting of high-purity multicomponent homogeneous gels and gel-monoliths offers a unique approach to making ultrapure multicomponent optical glasses in the reduced gravity environment of space. Procedures for preparing and characterizing gels and gel-derived glasses in the Na2O-B2O3-SiO2 system are described. Preparation is based on the polymerization reactions of alkoxysilane with trimethyl borate or boric acid and a suitable sodium compound. The chemistry of the gelling process is discussed in terms of process parameters and the gel compositions. The physicochemical nature of gels prepared by three different procedures were found to be significantly different. IR absorption spectra indicate finite differences in the molecular structures of the different gels. The melting of the gel powders and the transformation of porous gel-monoliths to transparent 'glass' without melting are described.

Gels and gel-derived glasses in the system Na2O-B2O3-SiO2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mukherjee, S. P.

1983-01-01

The containerless melting of high-purity multicomponent homogeneous gels and gel monoliths offers a unique approach to making ultrapure multicomponent optical glasses in the reduced gravity environment of space. Procedures for preparing and characterizing gels and gel-derived glasses in the system Na2O-B2O3-SiO2 are described. Preparation is based on the polymerization reactions of alkoxysilane with trimethyl borate or boric acid and a suitable sodium compound. The chemistry of the gelling process is discussed in terms of process parameters and the gel compositions. The physicochemical nature of gels prepared by three different procedures was found to be significantly different. Infrared absorption spectra indicate finite differences in the molecular structures of the different gels. The melting of the gel powders and the transformation of porous gel monoliths to transparent 'glass' without melting are described.

Effect of Core-shell Ceria/Poly(Vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) Nanoparticles Incorporated in Polymer Films and Their Optical Properties (2): Increasing the Refractive Index

PubMed Central

Itoh, Toshio; Uchida, Toshio; Izu, Noriya; Shin, Woosuck

2017-01-01

We investigated the preparation of well-dispersed core-shell ceria-poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) nanoparticles with an average particle size of around 20 nm which were used to produce a hybrid film with a polymer coating of dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (DPHA). We obtained good dispersion of the nanoparticles in a mixed solvent of 48% 1-methoxy-2-propanol (MP), 32% 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol (MMB), and 20% methyl i-butyl ketone (MIBK). An ink of the polymer coating consisting of 68.7 wt% nanoparticles and 31.3 wt% DPHA with a polymerization initiator was prepared using this solvent mixture. The surface of the hybrid film showed low roughness and the nanoparticles formed a densely packed structure in the DPHA matrix. The resulting coating possessed excellent transparency and a high refractive index of 1.69. PMID:28773070

Enhanced contrast ratio and viewing angle of polymer-stabilized liquid crystal via refractive index matching between liquid crystal and polymer network.

PubMed

Lee, Ji-Hoon; Lee, Jung Jin; Lim, Young Jin; Kundu, Sudarshan; Kang, Shin-Woong; Lee, Seung Hee

2013-11-04

Long standing electro-optic problems of a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) such as low contrast ratio and transmittances decrease in oblique viewing angle have been challenged with a mixture of dual frequency liquid crystal (DFLC) and reactive mesogen (RM). The DFLC and RM molecules were vertically aligned and then photo-polymerized using a UV light. At scattering state under 50 kHz electric field, DFLC was switched to planar state, giving greater extraordinary refractive index than the normal PDLC cell. Consequently, the scattering intensity and the contrast ratio were increased compared to the conventional PDLC cell. At transparent state under 1 kHz electric field, the extraordinary refractive index of DFLC was simultaneously matched with the refractive index of vertically aligned RM so that the light scattering in oblique viewing angles was minimized, giving rise to high transmittance in all viewing angles.

Optically transparent semiconducting polymer nanonetwork for flexible and transparent electronics

PubMed Central

Yu, Kilho; Park, Byoungwook; Kim, Geunjin; Kim, Chang-Hyun; Park, Sungjun; Kim, Jehan; Jung, Suhyun; Jeong, Soyeong; Kwon, Sooncheol; Kang, Hongkyu; Kim, Junghwan; Yoon, Myung-Han; Lee, Kwanghee

2016-01-01

Simultaneously achieving high optical transparency and excellent charge mobility in semiconducting polymers has presented a challenge for the application of these materials in future “flexible” and “transparent” electronics (FTEs). Here, by blending only a small amount (∼15 wt %) of a diketopyrrolopyrrole-based semiconducting polymer (DPP2T) into an inert polystyrene (PS) matrix, we introduce a polymer blend system that demonstrates both high field-effect transistor (FET) mobility and excellent optical transparency that approaches 100%. We discover that in a PS matrix, DPP2T forms a web-like, continuously connected nanonetwork that spreads throughout the thin film and provides highly efficient 2D charge pathways through extended intrachain conjugation. The remarkable physical properties achieved using our approach enable us to develop prototype high-performance FTE devices, including colorless all-polymer FET arrays and fully transparent FET-integrated polymer light-emitting diodes. PMID:27911774

Direct ink write fabrication of transparent ceramic gain media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Ivy Krystal; Seeley, Zachary M.; Cherepy, Nerine J.; Duoss, Eric B.; Payne, Stephen A.

2018-01-01

Solid-state laser gain media based on the garnet structure with two spatially distinct but optically contiguous regions have been fabricated. Transparent gain media comprised of a central core of Y2.97Nd0.03Al5.00O12.00 (Nd:YAG) and an undoped cladding region of Y3Al5O12 (YAG) were fabricated by direct ink write and transparent ceramic processing. Direct ink write (DIW) was employed to form the green body, offering a general route to preparing functionally structured solid-state laser gain media. Fully-dense transparent optical ceramics in a "top hat" geometry with YAG/Nd:YAG have been fabricated by DIW methods with optical scatter at 1064 nm of <3%/cm.

Crystal structure, spectral, thermal and dielectric studies of a new zinc benzoate single crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bijini, B. R.; Prasanna, S.; Deepa, M.; Nair, C. M. K.; Rajendra Babu, K.

2012-11-01

Single crystals of zinc benzoate with a novel structure were grown in gel media. Sodium metasilicate of gel density 1.04 g/cc at pH 6 was employed to yield transparent single crystals. The crystal structure of the compound was ascertained by single crystal X-ray diffractometry. It was noted that the crystal belongs to monoclinic system with space group P21/c with unit cell parameters a = 10.669(1) Å, b = 12.995(5) Å, c = 19.119(3) Å, and β = 94.926(3)°. The crystal was seen to possess a linear polymeric structure along b-axis; with no presence of coordinated or lattice water. CHN analysis established the stoichiometric composition of the crystal. The existence of functional groups present in the single crystal system was confirmed by FT-IR studies. The thermal characteristic of the sample was analysed by TGA-DTA techniques, and the sample was found to be thermally stable up to 280 °C. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were also determined. UV-Vis spectroscopy corroborated the transparency of the crystal and revealed the optical band gap to be 4 eV. Dielectric studies showed decrease in the dielectric constant of the sample with increase in frequency.

Diffractive optical elements with radial four-level microrelief fabricated by two-photon polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavelyev, V.; Osipov, V.; Kachalov, D.; Chichkov, B.

2013-01-01

The two-photon polymerization technique is applied for the fabrication of diffractive optical elements (DOE) with a four-level microrelief. These DOEs form longitudinal intensity distribution (axial light segment) with dimensions required for ophthalmological applications.

Graphene and silver-nanoprism dispersion for printing optically-transparent electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinar, Dogan; Knopf, George K.; Nikumb, Suwas

2017-02-01

Optically transparent electrodes (OTEs) are used for bioelectronics, touch screens, visual displays, and photovoltaic cells. Although the conductive coating for these electrodes is often composed of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium is a very expensive material and thin ITO films are relatively brittle compared to conductive polymer or graphene thin films. An alternative highly conductive optically transparent thin film based on a graphene (G) and silver-nanoprism (AgNP) dispersion is introduced in this paper. The aqueous G ink is first synthesized using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a stabilizing agent. Silver (Ag) nanoprisms are then prepared separately by a simple thermal process which involves the reduction of silver nitrate by sodium borohydride. These Ag nanoprisms are only a few nanometers thick but have relatively large surface areas (>1000 nm2). As a consequence, the nanoprisms provide more efficient injection of free carriers to the G layer. The concentrated G-AgNP dispersions are then deposited on optically transparent glass and polyimide substrates using an inkjet printer with a HP6602A print head. After printing, these optically thin films can be thermally treated to further increase electrical conductivity. Thermal treatment decomposes CMC which frees elemental carbon from polymer chain and, simultaneously, causes the film to become hydrophobic. Preliminary experiments demonstrate that the G-AgNP films on glass substrates exhibit high conductivity at 70% transparency (550 nm). Additional tests on the Gr-AgNP thin films printed on polymide substrates show mechanical stability under bending with minimal reduction in electrical conductivity or optical transparency.

Positron annihilation in transparent ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husband, P.; Bartošová, I.; Slugeň, V.; Selim, F. A.

2016-01-01

Transparent ceramics are emerging as excellent candidates for many photonic applications including laser, scintillation and illumination. However achieving perfect transparency is essential in these applications and requires high technology processing and complete understanding for the ceramic microstructure and its effect on the optical properties. Positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) is the perfect tool to study porosity and defects. It has been applied to investigate many ceramic structures; and transparent ceramics field may be greatly advanced by applying PAS. In this work positron lifetime (PLT) measurements were carried out in parallel with optical studies on yttrium aluminum garnet transparent ceramics in order to gain an understanding for their structure at the atomic level and its effect on the transparency and light scattering. The study confirmed that PAS can provide useful information on their microstructure and guide the technology of manufacturing and advancing transparent ceramics.

High Fidelity Additive Manufacturing of Optically Transparent Glass Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inamura, Chikara

Glass has been an integral part of human civilization with expressions across scales and disciplines: from the microscope to the telescope, from fiber optics to mobile interface, and from the petri dish to a building envelope. Such a diverse range of applications is enabled by the inherent material properties including mechanical strength, optical transparency and chemical inertness. Additive manufacturing provides opportunities for integrating the unique properties of glass to engineer novel structures that are functionary graded through precise spatiotemporal deposition of molten glass. This talk presents the Mediated Matter Group's latest development of a novel additive manufacturing platform, and related processes, for 3D Printing optically transparent glass for architectural scale applications.

Transparent 'solution' of ultrathin magnesium hydroxide nanocrystals for flexible and transparent nanocomposite films.

PubMed

Wang, Jie-Xin; Sun, Qian; Chen, Bo; Wu, Xi; Zeng, Xiao-Fei; Zhang, Cong; Zou, Hai-Kui; Chen, Jian-Feng

2015-05-15

Transparent solutions of nanocrystals exhibit many unique properties, and are thus attractive materials for numerous applications. However, the synthesis of transparent nanocrystal solutions of magnesium hydroxide (MH) with wide applications is yet to be realized. Here, we report a facile two-step process, which includes a direct reactive precipitation in alcohol phase instead of aqueous phase combined with a successive surface modification, to prepare transparent alcohol solutions containing lamellar MH nanocrystals with an average size of 52 nm and an ultrathin thickness of 1-2 nm, which is the thinnest MH nanoplatelet reported in the literatures. Further, highly flexible and transparent nanocomposite films are fabricated with a solution mixing method by adding the transparent MH nanocrystal solutions into PVB solution. Considering the simplicity of the fabrication process, high transparency and good flexibility, this MH/polymer nanocomposite film is promising for flame-resistant applications in plastic electronics and optical devices with high transparency, such as flexible displays, optical filters, and flexible solar cells.

A new optically transparent silicon containing polyimide film

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, D.; Gupta, A.D.

1995-12-31

A new optically transparent, heat-resistant, flexible silicon containing polyimide (PI)(SIDA-BAPB) film has been developed. It was characterized by UV-Visible, FT-IR, differential scanning calorimetery (DSC), thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. The developed film showed high optical transparency in the 350-600 nm range of electromagnetic spectrum. The DSC analysis of the film showed glass transition temperature (T{sub g}) at 200{degrees}C. The dynamic thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated its polymer decomposition temperature at 425{degrees}C. The char yield of the amorphous film in nitrogen at 800{degrees}C was 61%.

Transparent active matrix organic light-emitting diode displays driven by nanowire transistor circuitry.

PubMed

Ju, Sanghyun; Li, Jianfeng; Liu, Jun; Chen, Po-Chiang; Ha, Young-Geun; Ishikawa, Fumiaki; Chang, Hsiaokang; Zhou, Chongwu; Facchetti, Antonio; Janes, David B; Marks, Tobin J

2008-04-01

Optically transparent, mechanically flexible displays are attractive for next-generation visual technologies and portable electronics. In principle, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) satisfy key requirements for this application-transparency, lightweight, flexibility, and low-temperature fabrication. However, to realize transparent, flexible active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) displays requires suitable thin-film transistor (TFT) drive electronics. Nanowire transistors (NWTs) are ideal candidates for this role due to their outstanding electrical characteristics, potential for compact size, fast switching, low-temperature fabrication, and transparency. Here we report the first demonstration of AMOLED displays driven exclusively by NW electronics and show that such displays can be optically transparent. The displays use pixel dimensions suitable for hand-held applications, exhibit 300 cd/m2 brightness, and are fabricated at temperatures suitable for integration on plastic substrates.

Wave-mixing-induced transparency with zero phase shift in atomic vapors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, F.; Zhu, C. J.; Li, Y.

2017-12-01

We present a wave-mixing induced transparency that can lead to a hyper-Raman gain-clamping effect. This new type of transparency is originated from a dynamic gain cancellation effect in a multiphoton process where a highly efficient light field of new frequency is generated and amplified. We further show that this novel dynamic gain cancellation effect not only makes the medium transparent to a probe light field at appropriate frequency but also eliminates the probe field propagation phase shift. This gain-cancellation-based induced transparency holds for many potential applications on optical communication and may lead to effective suppression of parasitic Raman/hyper-Raman noise field generated in high intensity optical fiber transmissions.

Flexible transparent aerogels as window retrofitting films and optical elements with tunable birefringence

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Qingkun; Frazier, Allister W.; Zhao, Xinpeng

Experimental realization of optically transparent, mechanically robust and flexible aerogels has been a longstanding challenge, which limits their practical applications in energy-saving devices, such as thermally insulating films for enhancing energy efficiency of windows. The poor transparency precluded even hypothetical consideration of the possibility of birefringent aerogels. We develop birefringent and optically isotropic aerogels that combine properties of thermal super-insulation, mechanical robustness and flexibility, and transparency to visible-spectrum light. This unusual combination of physical properties is achieved by combining liquid crystalline self-organization of cellulose nanofibers with polysiloxane cross-linking and control of the nanoscale porosity to form hybrid organic-inorganic mesostructured aerogels.more » Potential applications of these inexpensive materials range from single pane window retrofitting to smart fabrics.« less

Direct ink write fabrication of transparent ceramic gain media

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jones, Ivy Krystal; Seeley, Zachary M.; Cherepy, Nerine J.

Solid-state laser gain media based on the garnet structure with two spatially distinct but optically contiguous regions have been fabricated. Transparent gain media comprised of a central core of Y 2.97Nd 0.03Al 5.00O 12.00 (Nd:YAG) and an undoped cladding region of Y 3Al 5O 12 (YAG) were fabricated by direct ink write and transparent ceramic processing. Direct ink write (DIW) was employed to form the green body, offering a general route to preparing functionally structured solid-state laser gain media. Lastly, fully-dense transparent optical ceramics in a “top hat” geometry with YAG/Nd:YAG have been fabricated by DIW methods with optical scattermore » at 1064 nm of <3%/cm.« less

Direct ink write fabrication of transparent ceramic gain media

DOE PAGES

Jones, Ivy Krystal; Seeley, Zachary M.; Cherepy, Nerine J.; ...

2018-11-06

Solid-state laser gain media based on the garnet structure with two spatially distinct but optically contiguous regions have been fabricated. Transparent gain media comprised of a central core of Y 2.97Nd 0.03Al 5.00O 12.00 (Nd:YAG) and an undoped cladding region of Y 3Al 5O 12 (YAG) were fabricated by direct ink write and transparent ceramic processing. Direct ink write (DIW) was employed to form the green body, offering a general route to preparing functionally structured solid-state laser gain media. Lastly, fully-dense transparent optical ceramics in a “top hat” geometry with YAG/Nd:YAG have been fabricated by DIW methods with optical scattermore » at 1064 nm of <3%/cm.« less

What is and what is not electromagnetically induced transparency in whispering-gallery microcavities.

PubMed

Peng, Bo; Özdemir, Sahin Kaya; Chen, Weijian; Nori, Franco; Yang, Lan

2014-10-24

There has been an increasing interest in all-optical analogues of electromagnetically induced transparency and Autler-Townes splitting. Despite the differences in their underlying physics, both electromagnetically induced transparency and Autler-Townes splitting are quantified by a transparency window in the absorption or transmission spectrum, which often leads to a confusion about its origin. While the transparency window in electromagnetically induced transparency is a result of Fano interference among different transition pathways, in Autler-Townes splitting it is the result of strong field-driven interactions leading to the splitting of energy levels. Being able to tell objectively whether an observed transparency window is because of electromagnetically induced transparency or Autler-Townes splitting is crucial for applications and for clarifying the physics involved. Here we demonstrate the pathways leading to electromagnetically induced transparency, Fano resonances and Autler-Townes splitting in coupled whispering-gallery-mode resonators. Moreover, we report the application of the Akaike Information Criterion discerning between all-optical analogues of electromagnetically induced transparency and Autler-Townes splitting and clarifying the transition between them.

Thermal lens elimination by gradient-reduced zone coupling of optical beams

DOEpatents

Page, Ralph H.; Beach, Raymond J.

2000-01-01

A thermal gradient-reduced-zone laser includes a laser medium and an optically transparent plate with an index of refraction that is less than the index of refraction of the laser medium. The pump face of the laser medium is bonded to a surface of the optically transparent member. Pump light is directed through the transparent plate to optically pump the solid state laser medium. Heat conduction is mainly through the surface of the laser medium where the heat is introduced by the pump light. Heat flows in a direction opposite to that of the pump light because the side of the laser medium that is opposite to that of the pump face is not in thermal contact with a conductor and thus there is no heat flux (and hence, no temperature gradient), thus producing a thermal gradient-reduced zone. A laser cavity is formed around the laser medium such that laser light oscillating within the laser cavity reflects by total-internal-reflection from the interface between the pump face and the optically transparent plate and enters and exits through a thermal gradient-reduced zone.

Optical and electrical properties of CuMO2 transparent p-type conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Draeseke, A. D.; Jayaraj, M. K.; Ulbrich, T.; Kroupp, M.; Tate, J.; Nagarajan, R.; Oblezov, A.; Sleight, A. W.

2001-03-01

Wide band gap oxides of the type CuMO2 with the delafossite structure are p-type conductors and many of them are transparent. Films of these p-type oxides have been grown by sputtering and thermal evaporation, and characterized electrically and optically. We present transport and optical transmission measurements for CuY_1-xCa_xO_2, CuScO_2+x and other similar materials. Conductivities are in the range 1 200 S/cm and depend on details of film preparation. The carriers are p-type as determined by thermopower measurements, and typical Seebeck coefficients are several hundred µV/K. Optical transparency varies considerably, but is about 40% at 550 nm for the highest conductivity films. Excellent transparency can be achieved at the expense of conductivity, and optimization is being studied. Band gaps derived from optical transmission are larger than 3.1 eV. Prototype all-oxide pn diodes have been fabricated. This work was partially supported by the NSF under DMR-0071727 and by the Research Corporation under RA0291.

Graphene Transparent Conductive Electrodes for Next- Generation Microshutter Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Mary; Sultana, Mahmooda; Hess, Larry

2012-01-01

Graphene is a single atomic layer of graphite. It is optically transparent and has high electron mobility, and thus has great potential to make transparent conductive electrodes. This invention contributes towards the development of graphene transparent conductive electrodes for next-generation microshutter arrays. The original design for the electrodes of the next generation of microshutters uses indium-tin-oxide (ITO) as the electrode material. ITO is widely used in NASA flight missions. The optical transparency of ITO is limited, and the material is brittle. Also, ITO has been getting more expensive in recent years. The objective of the invention is to develop a graphene transparent conductive electrode that will replace ITO. An exfoliation procedure was developed to make graphene out of graphite crystals. In addition, large areas of single-layer graphene were produced using low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) with high optical transparency. A special graphene transport procedure was developed for transferring graphene from copper substrates to arbitrary substrates. The concept is to grow large-size graphene sheets using the LPCVD system through chemical reaction, transfer the graphene film to a substrate, dope graphene to reduce the sheet resistance, and pattern the film to the dimension of the electrodes in the microshutter array. Graphene transparent conductive electrodes are expected to have a transparency of 97.7%. This covers the electromagnetic spectrum from UV to IR. In comparison, ITO electrodes currently used in microshutter arrays have 85% transparency in mid-IR, and suffer from dramatic transparency drop at a wavelength of near-IR or shorter. Thus, graphene also has potential application as transparent conductive electrodes for Schottky photodiodes in the UV region.

Composition for forming an optically transparent, superhydrophobic coating

DOEpatents

Simpson, John T.; Lewis, Linda A.

2015-12-29

A composition for producing an optically clear, well bonded superhydrophobic coating includes a plurality of hydrophobic particles comprising an average particle size of about 200 nm or less, a binder at a binder concentration of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, and a solvent. The hydrophobic particles may be present in the composition at a particle concentration of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %. An optically transparent, superhydrophobic surface includes a substrate, a plurality of hydrophobic particles having an average particle size of about 200 nm or less dispersed over the substrate, and a discontinuous binder layer bonding the hydrophobic particles to the substrate, where the hydrophobic particles and the binder layer form an optically transparent, superhydrophobic coating.

Transparent ITO electrode in the polymer network liquid crystal variable optical attenuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xindong; Dong, Wei; Liu, Caixia; Chen, Yinghua; Ruan, Shengping; Zhang, Shuang; Guo, Wenbin; Yang, Dong; Han, Lin; Chen, Weiyou

2004-05-01

Indium tin oxide (ITO) films as transparent conductors have caused a great deal of interest due to their prominent electro-optical behavior. This paper describes a study of the properties of ITO thin films that are used for a new type variable optical attenuator using polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC). The mechanism of PNLC optical attenuator operation is that the light from the input fiber is scattered when no voltage is applied, and the light passes through the attenuator when sufficient voltage is applied. So the ITO thin films can provide transparent electrodes for PNLC. They were deposited under various preparation conditions using the radio-frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering technique. Here discuss the results of the structural, electrical and optical properties of the ITO films. The paper presents some experimental results obtained in laboratory.

Transparent Nanoporous Glass-Polymer Composite for U.S. Army Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-01

a nitrogen environment until infiltration and polymerization. Infiltration and curing procedures varied for each of the prepolymers . Samples...manufacturing a nanocomposite from nanoporous glass was first tested by infiltrating Vycor glass with various prepolymers (MMA, IBA, and a low-viscosity

Pressure-induced nano-crystallization of silicate garnets from glass

PubMed Central

Irifune, T.; Kawakami, K.; Arimoto, T.; Ohfuji, H.; Kunimoto, T.; Shinmei, T.

2016-01-01

Transparent ceramics are important for scientific and industrial applications because of the superior optical and mechanical properties. It has been suggested that optical transparency and mechanical strength are substantially enhanced if transparent ceramics with nano-crystals are available. However, synthesis of the highly transparent nano-crystalline ceramics has been difficult using conventional sintering techniques at relatively low pressures. Here we show direct conversion from bulk glass starting material in mutianvil high-pressure apparatus leads to pore-free nano-polycrystalline silicate garnet at pressures above ∼10 GPa in a limited temperature range around 1,400 °C. The synthesized nano-polycrystalline garnet is optically as transparent as the single crystal for almost the entire visible light range and harder than the single crystal by ∼30%. The ultrahigh-pressure conversion technique should provide novel functional ceramics having various crystal structures, including those of high-pressure phases, as well as ideal specimens for some mineral physics applications. PMID:27924866

All-optical regeneration using SOA-based polarization-discriminated switch injected by transparent assist light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Usami, Masashi; Tsurusawa, Munefumi; Inohara, Ryo; Nishimura, Kohsuke

2003-08-01

All optical regenerations or wavelength conversions using SOA-based polarization discriminated switch injected by a transparent assist light are reviewed. First, the reduction of a gain recovery time in SOA by injection of a transparent assist light wass discussed. A simple measurement technique of cross gain modulation (XGM) and cross phase modulation (XPM) in SOA was shown to confirm that the injection of transparent cw assist light reduced a gain recovery time without significant reduction in the amount of XGM and XPM. All optical regeneration operation 40Gbit/s as well as bit-rate tunable operation from 10Gbit/s to 80Gbit/s were presented. Simultaneous demultiplexing from 80Gbit/s to 2 channels of 40Gbit/s signals with little loss was also demonstrated. Finally, tolerance to amplitude noise and timing jitter was discussed. Those results indicate that the SOA-based polarization discriminated switch is a promising candidate for all-optical regenerator from the practical point of view.

Physics and applications of electrochromic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawlicka, Agnieszka; Avellaneda, Cesar O.

2003-07-01

Solid state electrochromic devices (ECD) are of considerable technological and commercial interest because of their controllable transmission, absorption and/or reflectance. For instance, a major application of these devices is in smart windows that can regulate the solar gains of buildings and also in glare attenuation in automobile rear view mirrors. Other applications include solar cells, small and large area flat panel displays, satellite temperature control, food monitoring, and document authentication. A typical electrochromic device has a five-layer structure: GS/TC/EC/IC/IS/TC/GS, where GS is a glass substrate, TC is a transparent conductor, generally ITO (indium tin oxide) or FTO (fluorine tin oxide), EC is an electrochromic coating, IC is an ion conductor (solid or liquid electrolyte) and IS is an ion storage coating. Generally, the EC and IS layers are deposited separately on the TC coatings and then jointed with the IC and sealed. The EC and IS are thin films that can be deposited by sputtering, CVD, sol-gel precursors, etc. There are different kinds of organic, inorganic and organic-inorganic films that can be used to make electrochromic devices. Thin electrochromic films can be: WO3, Nb2O5, Nb2O5:Li+ or Nb2O5-TiO2 coatings, ions storage films: CeO2-TiO2, CeO2-ZrO2 or CeO2-TiO2-ZrO2 and electrolytes like Organically Modified Electrolytes (Ormolytes) or polymeric films also based on natural polymers like starch or cellulose. These last are very interesting due to their high ionic conductivity, high transparency and good mechanical properties. This paper describes construction and properties of different thin oxide and polymeric films and also shows the optical response of an all sol-gel electrochromic device with WO3/Ormolyte/CeO2-TiO2 configuration.

One-step direct-laser metal writing of sub-100 nm 3D silver nanostructures in a gelatin matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, SeungYeon; Vora, Kevin; Mazur, Eric

2015-03-01

Developing an ability to fabricate high-resolution, 3D metal nanostructures in a stretchable 3D matrix is a critical step to realizing novel optoelectronic devices such as tunable bulk metal-dielectric optical devices and THz metamaterial devices that are not feasible with alternative techniques. We report a new chemistry method to fabricate high-resolution, 3D silver nanostructures using a femtosecond-laser direct metal writing technique. Previously, only fabrication of 3D polymeric structures or single-/few-layer metal structures was possible. Our method takes advantage of unique gelatin properties to overcome such previous limitations as limited freedom in 3D material design and short sample lifetime. We fabricate more than 15 layers of 3D silver nanostructures with a resolution of less than 100 nm in a stable dielectric matrix that is flexible and has high large transparency that is well-matched for potential applications in the optical and THz metamaterial regimes. This is a single-step process that does not require any further processing. This work will be of interest to those interested in fabrication methods that utilize nonlinear light-matter interactions and the realization of future metamaterials.

Tuning all-Optical Analog to Electromagnetically Induced Transparency in nanobeam cavities using nanoelectromechanical system.

PubMed

Shi, Peng; Zhou, Guangya; Deng, Jie; Tian, Feng; Chau, Fook Siong

2015-09-29

We report the observations of all-optical electromagnetically induced transparency in nanostructures using waveguide side-coupled with photonic crystal nanobeam cavities, which has measured linewidths much narrower than individual resonances. The quality factor of transparency resonance can be 30 times larger than those of measured individual resonances. When the gap between cavity and waveguide is reduced to 10 nm, the bandwidth of destructive interference region can reach 10 nm while the width of transparency resonance is 0.3 nm. Subsequently, a comb-drive actuator is introduced to tune the line shape of the transparency resonance. The width of the peak is reduced to 15 pm and the resulting quality factor exceeds 10(5).

Spatial and spectral characterization of acid rain stress in Canadian Shield lakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, Elizabeth J.; Tanis, Frederick J.

1989-01-01

Results from this study demonstrate that a remote sensor can discriminate lake clarity based upon reflection. The basic hypothesis was that seasonal and multiyear changes in lake optical transparency are indicative of sensitivity to acidic deposition. In many acid-sensitive lakes optical transparency is controlled by the amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) present. DOC is a strong absorbing, nonscattering material which has the greatest impact at short visible wavelengths, including Thematic Mapper band 1. Acid-sensitive lakes have high concentrations of aluminum which have been mobilized by acidic components contained in the runoff. Aluminum complexing with DOC is considered to be the primary mechanism to account for observed increases in lake transparency in acid-sensitive lakes. Thus seasonal changes in the optical transparency of lakes should provide an indication of the stress due to acid deposition and loading.

Enhancement of absorption and color contrast in ultra-thin highly absorbing optical coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kats, Mikhail A.; Byrnes, Steven J.; Blanchard, Romain; Kolle, Mathias; Genevet, Patrice; Aizenberg, Joanna; Capasso, Federico

2013-09-01

Recently a new class of optical interference coatings was introduced which comprises ultra-thin, highly absorbing dielectric layers on metal substrates. We show that these lossy coatings can be augmented by an additional transparent subwavelength layer. We fabricated a sample comprising a gold substrate, an ultra-thin film of germanium with a thickness gradient, and several alumina films. The experimental reflectivity spectra showed that the additional alumina layer increases the color range that can be obtained, in agreement with calculations. More generally, this transparent layer can be used to enhance optical absorption, protect against erosion, or as a transparent electrode for optoelectronic devices.

Synthesis of transparent dispersions of aluminium hydroxide nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Bo; Wang, Jie-Xin; Wang, Dan; Zeng, Xiao-Fei; Clarke, Stuart M.; Chen, Jian-Feng

2018-07-01

Transparent dispersions of inorganic nanoparticles are attractive materials in many fields. However, a facile method for preparing such dispersions of aluminium hydroxide nanoparticles is yet to be realized. Here, we report a direct reactive method to prepare transparent dispersions of pseudo-boehmite nanoparticles (1 wt%) without any surface modification, and with an average particle size of 80 nm in length and 10 nm in width, as well as excellent optical transparency over 94% in the visible range. Furthermore, transparent dispersions of boehmite nanoparticles (1.5 wt%) were also achieved after an additional hydrothermal treatment. However, the optical transparency of dispersions decreased with the rise of hydrothermal temperature and the shape of particles changed from rhombs to hexagons. In particular, monodisperse hexagonal boehmite nanoplates with an average lateral size of 58 nm and a thickness of 12.5 nm were obtained at a hydrothermal temperature of 220 °C. The selectivity of crystal growth direction was speculated as the possible formation mechanism of these as-prepared aluminium hydroxide nanoparticles. Besides, two values of 19.6 wt% and 14.64 wt% were separately measured for the weight loss of pseudo-boehmite and boehmite nanoparticles after a continuous heating, indicating their potential flame-resistant applications in the fabrication of plastic electronics and optical devices with high transparency.

Synthesis of transparent dispersions of aluminium hydroxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Chen, Bo; Wang, Jie-Xin; Wang, Dan; Zeng, Xiao-Fei; Clarke, Stuart M; Chen, Jian-Feng

2018-07-27

Transparent dispersions of inorganic nanoparticles are attractive materials in many fields. However, a facile method for preparing such dispersions of aluminium hydroxide nanoparticles is yet to be realized. Here, we report a direct reactive method to prepare transparent dispersions of pseudo-boehmite nanoparticles (1 wt%) without any surface modification, and with an average particle size of 80 nm in length and 10 nm in width, as well as excellent optical transparency over 94% in the visible range. Furthermore, transparent dispersions of boehmite nanoparticles (1.5 wt%) were also achieved after an additional hydrothermal treatment. However, the optical transparency of dispersions decreased with the rise of hydrothermal temperature and the shape of particles changed from rhombs to hexagons. In particular, monodisperse hexagonal boehmite nanoplates with an average lateral size of 58 nm and a thickness of 12.5 nm were obtained at a hydrothermal temperature of 220 °C. The selectivity of crystal growth direction was speculated as the possible formation mechanism of these as-prepared aluminium hydroxide nanoparticles. Besides, two values of 19.6 wt% and 14.64 wt% were separately measured for the weight loss of pseudo-boehmite and boehmite nanoparticles after a continuous heating, indicating their potential flame-resistant applications in the fabrication of plastic electronics and optical devices with high transparency.

Some Early Optics: Classical and Medieval. Experiment No. 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Devons, Samuel

Information related to the history of optics with emphasis on the classical and medieval periods is presented. Notes are included on experiments dealing with refraction at a plane interface between two media; refraction by transparent spheres; light, color, and reflection by transparent spheres. (Author/SA)

Preparation of Silica Aerogel from TEOS

PubMed

Tamon; Kitamura; Okazaki

1998-01-15

Silica alcogels were synthesized by the sol-gel polymerization of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). In the synthesis, HCl and NH3 were used as hydrolysis and condensation catalysts. The gelation time became short and the visible light transmittance increased with increasing the amount of HCl or lengthening the hydrolysis time. The alcogels were dried under supercritical conditions with carbon dioxide, and silica aerogels were obtained. As a result of characterization by visible light transmission and N2 adsorption, the aerogels are mesoporous materials with high surface areas. The experimental results suggest that the aerogel properties are not influenced by the drying conditions such as extraction temperature, extraction time, depressurizing temperature, and depressurizing rate. On the other hand, the properties are changed under the conditions of sol-gel polymerization. In the preparation of highly transparent aerogels with high surface areas and large pore volumes, it is necessary to synthesize highly transparent alcogels. It is found that the visible light transmittance of alcogels is an index for preparing aerogels from TEOS. Copyright 1998 Academic Press. Copyright 1998Academic Press

In situ prepared transparent polyaniline electrode and its application in bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Tai, Qidong; Chen, Bolei; Guo, Feng; Xu, Sheng; Hu, Hao; Sebo, Bobby; Zhao, Xing-Zhong

2011-05-24

Highly uniform and transparent polyaniline (PANI) electrodes that can be used as counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were prepared by a facile in situ polymerization method. They were used to fabricate a novel bifacially active transparent DSSC, which showed conversion efficiencies of 6.54 and 4.26% corresponding to front- and rear-side illumination, respectively. Meanwhile, the efficiency of the same photoanode employing a Pt counter electrode was 6.69%. Compared to conventional Pt-based DSSCs, the design of the bifacial DSSC fabricated in this work would help to bring down the cost of energy production due to the lower cost of the materials and the higher power-generating efficiency of such devices for their capabilities of utilizing the light from both sides. These promising results highlight the potential application of PANI in cost-effective, transparent DSSCs.

High Efficiency, Transparent, Reusable, and Active PM2.5 Filters by Hierarchical Ag Nanowire Percolation Network.

PubMed

Jeong, Seongmin; Cho, Hyunmin; Han, Seonggeun; Won, Phillip; Lee, Habeom; Hong, Sukjoon; Yeo, Junyeob; Kwon, Jinhyeong; Ko, Seung Hwan

2017-07-12

Air quality has become a major public health issue in Asia including China, Korea, and India. Particulate matters are the major concern in air quality. We present the first environmental application demonstration of Ag nanowire percolation network for a novel, electrical type transparent, reusable, and active PM2.5 air filter although the Ag nanowire percolation network has been studied as a very promising transparent conductor in optoelectronics. Compared with previous particulate matter air filter study using relatively weaker short-range intermolecular force in polar polymeric nanofiber, Ag nanowire percolation network filters use stronger long-range electrostatic force to capture PM2.5, and they are highly efficient (>99.99%), transparent, working on an active mode, low power consumption, antibacterial, and reusable after simple washing. The proposed new particulate matter filter can be applied for a highly efficient, reusable, active and energy efficient filter for wearable electronics application.

Highly flexible transparent self-healing composite based on electrospun core-shell nanofibers produced by coaxial electrospinning for anti-corrosion and electrical insulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Seongpil; Liou, Minho; Song, Kyo Yong; Jo, Hong Seok; Lee, Min Wook; Al-Deyab, Salem S.; Yarin, Alexander L.; Yoon, Sam S.

2015-10-01

Coaxial electrospinning was used to fabricate two types of core-shell fibers: the first type with liquid resin monomer in the core and polyacrylonitrile in the shell, and the second type with liquid curing agent in the core and polyacrylonitrile in the shell. These two types of core-shell fibers were mutually entangled and embedded into two flexible transparent matrices thus forming transparent flexible self-healing composite materials. Such materials could be formed before only using emulsion electrospinning, rather than coaxial electrospinning. The self-healing properties of such materials are associated with release of healing agents (resin monomer and cure) from nanofiber cores in damaged locations with the subsequent polymerization reaction filing the micro-crack with polydimethylsiloxane. Transparency of these materials is measured and the anti-corrosive protection provided by them is demonstrated in electrochemical experiments.

Broadband polarization-independent and low-profile optically transparent metamaterial absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Long; Xi, Rui; Liu, Haixia; Lv, Zhiyong

2018-05-01

A transparent metamaterial absorber with simultaneously high optical transparency and broadband microwave absorption is presented in this paper. Consisting of a two-layer soda-lime glass substrate and three-layer patch-shaped indium tin oxide (ITO) films, the proposed absorber has advantages of broadband absorption with an absorptivity higher than 85% in the range from 6.1 to 22.1 GHz, good polarization insensitiveness, a high transparency, a low profile, and wide-incident-angle stability. A prototype of the proposed absorber is fabricated and experimentally measured to demonstrate its excellent performance. The measured results agree well with the theoretical design and numerical simulations.

Synthesis of optically transparent ceramic of CaF2 doped with Mn and Ce for thermoluminescent dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sen, Shashwati; Singh, S. G.; Patra, G. D.; Shinde, S.; Bhattacharya, S.; Gadkari, S. C.

2012-06-01

Nano-particles of CaF2: Mn were synthesized by a co-precipitation method. Optically transparent ceramics were obtained by vacuum hot-pressing at 1000°C under 20 MPa pressure for 2 h. The duration of pressure and dehydration of the initial powder was found important to achieve the transparency. 50% transparency was observed for a polished disc of 1 mm thickness. SEM micrographs revealed the absence of voids in hot pressed samples. These samples were found to be highly sensitive and linear for TLD and can measure doses from mGy to kGy.

Scalability study of solid xenon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yoo, J.; Cease, H.; Jaskierny, W. F.

2015-04-01

We report a demonstration of the scalability of optically transparent xenon in the solid phase for use as a particle detector above a kilogram scale. We employed a cryostat cooled by liquid nitrogen combined with a xenon purification and chiller system. A modified {\\it Bridgeman's technique} reproduces a large scale optically transparent solid xenon.

Effect of poly(ethylene oxide) homopolymer and two different poly(ethylene oxide-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers on morphological, optical, and mechanical properties of nanostructured unsaturated polyester.

PubMed

Builes, Daniel H; Hernández-Ortiz, Juan P; Corcuera, Ma Angeles; Mondragon, Iñaki; Tercjak, Agnieszka

2014-01-22

Novel nanostructured unsaturated polyester resin-based thermosets, modified with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(propylene oxide) (PPO), and two poly(ethylene oxide-b-propylene oxide-b-ethylene oxide) block copolymers (BCP), were developed and analyzed. The effects of molecular weights, blocks ratio, and curing temperatures on the final morphological, optical, and mechanical properties were reported. The block influence on the BCP miscibility was studied through uncured and cured mixtures of unsaturated polyester (UP) resins with PEO and PPO homopolymers having molecular weights similar to molecular weights of the blocks of BCP. The final morphology of the nanostructured thermosetting systems, containing BCP or homopolymers, was investigated, and multiple mechanisms of nanostructuration were listed and explained. By considering the miscibility of each block before and after curing, it was determined that the formation of the nanostructured matrices followed a self-assembly mechanism or a polymerization-induced phase separation mechanism. The miscibility between PEO or PPO blocks with one of two phases of UP matrix was highlighted due to its importance in the final thermoset properties. Relationships between the final morphology and thermoset optical and mechanical properties were examined. The mechanisms and physics behind the morphologies lead toward the design of highly transparent, nanostructured, and toughened thermosetting UP systems.

UV/Vis visible optical waveguides fabricated using organic-inorganic nanocomposite layers.

PubMed

Simone, Giuseppina; Perozziello, Gerardo

2011-03-01

Nanocomposite layers based on silica nanoparticles and a methacrylate matrix are synthesized by a solvent-free process and characterized in order to realize UV/Vis transparent optical waveguides. Chemical functionalization of the silica nanoparticles permits to interface the polymers and the silica. The refractive index, roughness and wettability and the machinability of the layers can be tuned changing the silica nanoparticle concentration and chemical modification of the surface of the nanoparticles. The optical transparency of the layers is affected by the nanoparticles organization between the organic chains, while it increased proportionally with respect to silica concentration. Nanocomposite layers with a concentration of 40 wt% in silica reached UV transparency for a wavelength of 250 nm. UV/Vis transparent waveguides were micromilled through nanocomposite layers and characterized. Propagation losses were measured to be around 1 dB cm(-1) at a wavelength of 350 nm.

Fine structure constant and quantized optical transparency of plasmonic nanoarrays.

PubMed

Kravets, V G; Schedin, F; Grigorenko, A N

2012-01-24

Optics is renowned for displaying quantum phenomena. Indeed, studies of emission and absorption lines, the photoelectric effect and blackbody radiation helped to build the foundations of quantum mechanics. Nevertheless, it came as a surprise that the visible transparency of suspended graphene is determined solely by the fine structure constant, as this kind of universality had been previously reserved only for quantized resistance and flux quanta in superconductors. Here we describe a plasmonic system in which relative optical transparency is determined solely by the fine structure constant. The system consists of a regular array of gold nanoparticles fabricated on a thin metallic sublayer. We show that its relative transparency can be quantized in the near-infrared, which we attribute to the quantized contact resistance between the nanoparticles and the metallic sublayer. Our results open new possibilities in the exploration of universal dynamic conductance in plasmonic nanooptics.

Applying Fused Silica and Other Transparent Window Materials in Aerospace Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salem, Jon

2017-01-01

A variety of transparent ceramics, such as AlONs and spinels, that were developed for military applications hold promise as spacecraft windows. Window materials in spacecraft such as the Space Shuttle must meet many requirements such as maintaining cabin pressure, sustaining thermal shock, and tolerating damage from hyper-velocity impact while providing superior optical characteristics. The workhorse transparent material for space missions from Apollo to the International Space Station has been fused silica due in part to its low density, low coefficient of expansion and optical quality. Despite its successful use, fused silica exhibits lower fracture toughness and impact resistance as compared to newer materials. Can these newer transparent ceramics lighten spacecraft window systems and might they be useful for applications such as phone screens? This presentation will compare recent optical ceramics to fused silica and demonstrate how weight can be saved.

Transparent graphene microstrip filters for wireless communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jinchen; Guan, Yifei; Yu, Hua; Li, Na; Wang, Shuopei; Shen, Cheng; Dai, Zhijiang; Gan, Decheng; Yang, Rong; He, Songbai; Zhang, Guangyu

2017-08-01

A microstrip is an indispensable component for wireless communication circuits. With the development of 5G technology, optically transparent microstrip filters urgently need to be developed. In this work, we have theoretically and experimentally demonstrated the immense potential of graphene microstrips for transparent wireless communication circuits in the 5G era. Both wideband and dual-band transparent graphene microstrip filters have shown more than 80% optical transmissivity in the region from 250 nm to 2000 nm with good frequency responses. S and C band microwave signals can transmit along the graphene microstrip lines effectively while coupling excitations produce relatively large insertion losses. Our results show that transparent microstrips designed with high-quality graphene will largely scale down the size of the wireless devices and thus play an irreplaceable role in the 5G era.

Mechanically robust and transparent N-halamine grafted PVA-co-PE films with renewable antimicrobial activity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Antimicrobial polymeric films that are both mechanically robust and function renewable would have broad technological implications for areas ranging from medical safety and bioengineering to foods industry; however, creating such materials has proven extremely challenging. Here, a novel strategy is ...

Design and evaluation of artificial cornea with core-skirt design using polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate and graphite.

PubMed

Sinha, Mukty; Gupte, Tanvi

2017-06-10

Artificial cornea is the effective treatment option for corneal blindness. One of the challenges with the artificial cornea is limited, or no tissue integration necessitates reimplantation due to necrosis or corneal melting. We propose here a new formulation approach for core-skirt incorporating graphite in the outer skirt region to improve cell adhesion. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate were procured from Sigma-Aldrich. Polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA) was synthesized by free radical polymerization of HEMA. PHEMA hydrogel core with graphite incorporated skirt was developed with the help of mould and spacer. Pores were introduced into the skirt by salt leaching technique using sodium chloride as porogen. The porous skirt was improved for its aesthetic appeal of black colour and mechanical strength to sustain intraocular pressure by incorporating graphite. The material properties of the newly developed design were evaluated in terms of wetting behaviour, mechanical strength, water vapour permeability, degradation profile and cell adhesion. The polymerization of HEMA was confirmed by thin layer chromatography and FTIR. Water content of the polymeric film was optimized at 50% where maximum transparency with required refractive index of 1.4 was obtained. The concentration of salt vital for the essential porosity was also optimized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Other properties, namely mechanical strength, water vapour transmission rate and degradation behaviour, showed that the developed design is suitable for ocular applications. Furthermore, cell adhesion study confirmed tissue adhesion in the skirt region but absent in the core. The core-skirt design may offer an efficient cornea replacement alternative with enhanced tissue integration in addition to desired mechanical behaviour with a clear and aesthetic vision.

Second-order nonlinearity induced transparency.

PubMed

Zhou, Y H; Zhang, S S; Shen, H Z; Yi, X X

2017-04-01

In analogy to electromagnetically induced transparency, optomechanically induced transparency was proposed recently in [Science330, 1520 (2010)SCIEAS0036-807510.1126/science.1195596]. In this Letter, we demonstrate another form of induced transparency enabled by second-order nonlinearity. A practical application of the second-order nonlinearity induced transparency is to measure the second-order nonlinear coefficient. Our scheme might find applications in quantum optics and quantum information processing.

Hierarchically structured transparent hybrid membranes by in situ growth of mesostructured organosilica in host polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vallé, Karine; Belleville, Philippe; Pereira, Franck; Sanchez, Clément

2006-02-01

The elaborate performances characterizing natural materials result from functional hierarchical constructions at scales ranging from nanometres to millimetres, each construction allowing the material to fit the physical or chemical demands occurring at these different levels. Hierarchically structured materials start to demonstrate a high input in numerous promising applied domains such as sensors, catalysis, optics, fuel cells, smart biologic and cosmetic vectors. In particular, hierarchical hybrid materials permit the accommodation of a maximum of elementary functions in a small volume, thereby optimizing complementary possibilities and properties between inorganic and organic components. The reported strategies combine sol-gel chemistry, self-assembly routes using templates that tune the material's architecture and texture with the use of larger inorganic, organic or biological templates such as latex, organogelator-derived fibres, nanolithographic techniques or controlled phase separation. We propose an approach to forming transparent hierarchical hybrid functionalized membranes using in situ generation of mesostructured hybrid phases inside a non-porogenic hydrophobic polymeric host matrix. We demonstrate that the control of the multiple affinities existing between organic and inorganic components allows us to design the length-scale partitioning of hybrid nanomaterials with tuned functionalities and desirable size organization from ångström to centimetre. After functionalization of the mesoporous hybrid silica component, the resulting membranes have good ionic conductivity offering interesting perspectives for the design of solid electrolytes, fuel cells and other ion-transport microdevices.

Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible Organic Light Emitting Diodes Based on Transparent Flexible Clay Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkatachalam, Shanmugam; Hayashi, Hiromichi; Ebina, Takeo; Nakamura, Takashi; Nanjo, Hiroshi

2013-03-01

In the present work, transparent flexible polymer-doped clay (P-clay) substrates were prepared for flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) applications. Nanocrystalline indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films were prepared on P-clay substrates by ion-beam sputter deposition method. The structural, optical, and electrical properties of as-prepared ITO/P-clay showed that the as-prepared ITO thin film was amorphous, and the average optical transparency and sheet resistance were around 84% and 56 Ω/square, respectively. The as-prepared ITO/P-clay samples were annealed at 200 and 270 °C for 1 h to improve the optical transparency and electrical conductivity. The average optical transparency was found to be maximum at an annealing temperature of 200 °C. Finally, N,N-bis[(1-naphthyl)-N,N '-diphenyl]-1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine (NPB), tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) thin films, and aluminum (Al) electrode were prepared on ITO/P-clay substrates by thermal evaporation method. The current density-voltage (J-V) characteristic of Al/NPB/ITO/P-clay showed linear Ohmic behaviour. In contrast, J-V characteristic of Al/Alq3/NPB/ITO/P-clay showed non-linear Schottky behaviour. Finally, a very flexible OLED was successfully fabricated on newly fabricated transparent flexible P-clay substrates. The electroluminescence study showed that the emission intensity of light from the flexible OLED device gradually increased with increasing applied voltage.

UV-cured polymer optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piñón, Victor; Santiago, Freddie; Vogelsberg, Ashten; Davenport, Amelia; Cramer, Neil

2017-10-01

Although many optical-quality glass materials are available for use in optical systems, the range of polymeric materials is limited. Polymeric materials have some advantages over glass when it comes to large-scale manufacturing and production. In smaller scale systems, they offer a reduction in weight when compared to glass counterparts. This is especially important when designing optical systems meant to be carried by hand. We aimed to expand the availability of polymeric materials by exploring both crown-like and flint-like polymers. In addition, rapid and facile production was also a goal. By using UV-cured thiolene-based polymers, we were able to produce optical materials within seconds. This enabled the rapid screening of a variety of polymers from which we down-selected to produce optical flats and lenses. We will discuss problems with production and mitigation strategies in using UV-cured polymers for optical components. Using UV-cured polymers present a different set of problems than traditional injection-molded polymers, and these issues are discussed in detail. Using these produced optics, we integrated them into a modified direct view optical system, with the end goal being the development of drop-in replacements for glass components. This optical production strategy shows promise for use in lab-scale systems, where low-cost methods and flexibility are of paramount importance.

Optical absorbances of Gd3Ga5O12 single crystals under shock compression to 211 GPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Q. C.; Zhou, X. M.; Luo, S. N.

2017-04-01

Shock-induced opacity in Gd3Ga5O12 (GGG) single crystals is investigated by transmission/emission measurements at 16 wavelengths (400-800 nm), as well as complementary particle velocity measurements at 1550 nm, in the pressure range of 47-211 GPa. Optical transmission spectra through the shocked samples are measured with a in-situ, shock-generated light source, and the resultant extinction coefficients of different wavelengths and shock pressures obtained. As shock strength increases, the optical opacity of the shocked GGG increases and peaks at 75 GPa (the transparent-opaque transition), drops at 75-100 GPa (the opaque-transparent transition), and then increases again. The transparency recovery coincides with a solid-solid phase transition. The microstructure changes associated with the solid-solid phase transition and plastic deformation most likely cause the loss and recovery of transparency. GGG can be useful as a high pressure window for laser velocimetry (1550 nm) or optical pyrometry (400-800 nm) in the ranges of 100-140 GPa and 80-120 GPa, respectively.

Ultrasmooth, extremely deformable and shape recoverable Ag nanowire embedded transparent electrode

PubMed Central

Nam, Sanggil; Song, Myungkwan; Kim, Dong-Ho; Cho, Byungjin; Lee, Hye Moon; Kwon, Jung-Dae; Park, Sung-Gyu; Nam, Kee-Seok; Jeong, Yongsoo; Kwon, Se-Hun; Park, Yun Chang; Jin, Sung-Ho; Kang, Jae-Wook; Jo, Sungjin; Kim, Chang Su

2014-01-01

Transparent electrodes have been widely used in electronic devices such as solar cells, displays, and touch screens. Highly flexible transparent electrodes are especially desired for the development of next generation flexible electronic devices. Although indium tin oxide (ITO) is the most commonly used material for the fabrication of transparent electrodes, its brittleness and growing cost limit its utility for flexible electronic devices. Therefore, the need for new transparent conductive materials with superior mechanical properties is clear and urgent. Ag nanowire (AgNW) has been attracting increasing attention because of its effective combination of electrical and optical properties. However, it still suffers from several drawbacks, including large surface roughness, instability against oxidation and moisture, and poor adhesion to substrates. These issues need to be addressed before wide spread use of metallic NW as transparent electrodes can be realized. In this study, we demonstrated the fabrication of a flexible transparent electrode with superior mechanical, electrical and optical properties by embedding a AgNW film into a transparent polymer matrix. This technique can produce electrodes with an ultrasmooth and extremely deformable transparent electrode that have sheet resistance and transmittance comparable to those of an ITO electrode. PMID:24763248

Ultrasmooth, extremely deformable and shape recoverable Ag nanowire embedded transparent electrode.

PubMed

Nam, Sanggil; Song, Myungkwan; Kim, Dong-Ho; Cho, Byungjin; Lee, Hye Moon; Kwon, Jung-Dae; Park, Sung-Gyu; Nam, Kee-Seok; Jeong, Yongsoo; Kwon, Se-Hun; Park, Yun Chang; Jin, Sung-Ho; Kang, Jae-Wook; Jo, Sungjin; Kim, Chang Su

2014-04-25

Transparent electrodes have been widely used in electronic devices such as solar cells, displays, and touch screens. Highly flexible transparent electrodes are especially desired for the development of next generation flexible electronic devices. Although indium tin oxide (ITO) is the most commonly used material for the fabrication of transparent electrodes, its brittleness and growing cost limit its utility for flexible electronic devices. Therefore, the need for new transparent conductive materials with superior mechanical properties is clear and urgent. Ag nanowire (AgNW) has been attracting increasing attention because of its effective combination of electrical and optical properties. However, it still suffers from several drawbacks, including large surface roughness, instability against oxidation and moisture, and poor adhesion to substrates. These issues need to be addressed before wide spread use of metallic NW as transparent electrodes can be realized. In this study, we demonstrated the fabrication of a flexible transparent electrode with superior mechanical, electrical and optical properties by embedding a AgNW film into a transparent polymer matrix. This technique can produce electrodes with an ultrasmooth and extremely deformable transparent electrode that have sheet resistance and transmittance comparable to those of an ITO electrode.

Influence of low temperature ageing on optical and mechanical properties of transparent yittria stabilized-zirconia cranial prosthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davoodzadeh, Nami; Uahengo, Gottlieb; Halaney, David; Garay, Javier E.; Aguilar, Guillermo

2018-02-01

Laser-based diagnostics and therapeutics show promise for many neurological disorders. However, the poor transparency of cranial bone limits the spatial resolution and interaction depth that can be achieved. We addressed this limitation previously, by introducing a novel cranial prosthesis made of a transparent nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia (nc-YSZ) which aims to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases by providing chronic optical access to the brain. By using optical coherence tomography, we have demonstrated the initial feasibility of ncYSZ implants for cortical imaging in an acute murine model. Although zirconia-based implants have been known for their excellent mechanical properties, the in vivo application was found to be affected by long-term failures, due to low temperature degradation. Accelerated aging simulations in humid environments at slightly elevated temperatures and over long periods typically transforms the ceramic surface into a monoclinic structure through a stress-corrosion-type mechanism. It was expected that the new nc-YSZ would show sufficient resistance to humid environments in comparison to the conventional zirconia implant. However, even a modest amount of transformation can change optical characteristics such as transparency. Herein we present the results of a simulated ageing study following the guidelines from the ISO 13356:2008 on aging of surgical zirconia ceramics. Comparison of %monoclinic transformation, optical transparency and mechanical hardness of nc-YSZ samples at baseline and following 25 and 100 h hydrothermal treatments shows our implant can withstand these extended ageing treatments.

Fabrication and comparison of selective, transparent optics for concentrating solar systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Robert A.; Hewakuruppu, Yasitha; DeJarnette, Drew; Otanicar, Todd P.

2015-09-01

Concentrating optics enable solar thermal energy to be harvested at high temperature (<100oC). As the temperature of the receiver increases, radiative losses can become dominant. In many concentrating systems, the receiver is coated with a selectively absorbing surface (TiNOx, Black Chrome, etc.) to obtain higher efficiency. Commercial absorber coatings are well-developed to be highly absorbing for short (solar) wavelengths, but highly reflective at long (thermal emission) wavelengths. If a solar system requires an analogous transparent, non-absorbing optic - i.e. a cover material which is highly transparent at short wavelengths, but highly reflective at long wavelengths - the technology is simply not available. Low-e glass technology represents a commercially viable option for this sector, but it has only been optimized for visible light transmission. Optically thin metal hole-arrays are another feasible solution, but are often difficult to fabricate. This study investigates combinations of thin film coatings of transparent conductive oxides and nanoparticles as a potential low cost solution for selective solar covers. This paper experimentally compares readily available materials deposited on various substrates and ranks them via an `efficiency factor for selectivity', which represents the efficiency of radiative exchange in a solar collector. Out of the materials studied, indium tin oxide and thin films of ZnS-Ag-ZnS represent the most feasible solutions for concentrated solar systems. Overall, this study provides an engineering design approach and guide for creating scalable, selective, transparent optics which could potentially be imbedded within conventional low-e glass production techniques.

Casimir switch: steering optical transparency with vacuum forces.

PubMed

Liu, Xi-Fang; Li, Yong; Jing, H

2016-06-03

The Casimir force, originating from vacuum zero-point energy, is one of the most intriguing purely quantum effects. It has attracted renewed interests in current field of nanomechanics, due to the rapid size decrease of on-chip devices. Here we study the optomechanically-induced transparency (OMIT) with a tunable Casimir force. We find that the optical output rate can be significantly altered by the vacuum force, even terminated and then restored, indicating a highly-controlled optical switch. Our result addresses the possibility of designing exotic optical nano-devices by harnessing the power of vacuum.

Preparation of Aluminum Nanomesh Thin Films from an Anodic Aluminum Oxide Template as Transparent Conductive Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yiwen; Chen, Yulong; Qiu, Mingxia; Yu, Hongyu; Zhang, Xinhai; Sun, Xiao Wei; Chen, Rui

2016-02-01

We have employed anodic aluminum oxide as a template to prepare ultrathin, transparent, and conducting Al films with a unique nanomesh structure for transparent conductive electrodes. The anodic aluminum oxide template is obtained through direct anodization of a sputtered Al layer on a glass substrate, and subsequent wet etching creates the nanomesh metallic film. The optical and conductive properties are greatly influenced by experimental conditions. By tuning the anodizing time, transparent electrodes with appropriate optical transmittance and sheet resistance have been obtained. The results demonstrate that our proposed strategy can serve as a potential method to fabricate low-cost TCEs to replace conventional indium tin oxide materials.

Preparation of Aluminum Nanomesh Thin Films from an Anodic Aluminum Oxide Template as Transparent Conductive Electrodes

PubMed Central

Li, Yiwen; Chen, Yulong; Qiu, Mingxia; Yu, Hongyu; Zhang, Xinhai; Sun, Xiao Wei; Chen, Rui

2016-01-01

We have employed anodic aluminum oxide as a template to prepare ultrathin, transparent, and conducting Al films with a unique nanomesh structure for transparent conductive electrodes. The anodic aluminum oxide template is obtained through direct anodization of a sputtered Al layer on a glass substrate, and subsequent wet etching creates the nanomesh metallic film. The optical and conductive properties are greatly influenced by experimental conditions. By tuning the anodizing time, transparent electrodes with appropriate optical transmittance and sheet resistance have been obtained. The results demonstrate that our proposed strategy can serve as a potential method to fabricate low-cost TCEs to replace conventional indium tin oxide materials. PMID:26831759

Preparation of Aluminum Nanomesh Thin Films from an Anodic Aluminum Oxide Template as Transparent Conductive Electrodes.

PubMed

Li, Yiwen; Chen, Yulong; Qiu, Mingxia; Yu, Hongyu; Zhang, Xinhai; Sun, Xiao Wei; Chen, Rui

2016-02-02

We have employed anodic aluminum oxide as a template to prepare ultrathin, transparent, and conducting Al films with a unique nanomesh structure for transparent conductive electrodes. The anodic aluminum oxide template is obtained through direct anodization of a sputtered Al layer on a glass substrate, and subsequent wet etching creates the nanomesh metallic film. The optical and conductive properties are greatly influenced by experimental conditions. By tuning the anodizing time, transparent electrodes with appropriate optical transmittance and sheet resistance have been obtained. The results demonstrate that our proposed strategy can serve as a potential method to fabricate low-cost TCEs to replace conventional indium tin oxide materials.

Dense Carbon Monoxide to 160 GPa: Stepwise Polymerization to Two-Dimensional Layered Solid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ryu, Young-Jay; Kim, Minseob; Lim, Jinhyuk

Carbon monoxide (CO) is the first molecular system found to transform into a nonmolecular “polymeric” solid above 5.5 GPa, yet been studied beyond 10 GPa. Here, we show a series of pressure-induced phase transformations in CO to 160 GPa: from a molecular solid to a highly colored, low-density polymeric phase I to translucent, high-density phase II to transparent, layered phase III. The properties of these phases are consistent with those expected from recently predicted 1D P2 1/m, 3D I2 12 12 1, and 2D Cmcm structures, respectively. Thus, the present results advocate a stepwise polymerization of CO triple bonds tomore » ultimately a 2D singly bonded layer structure with an enhanced ionic character.« less

Optical and electrical properties of Cu-based all oxide semi-transparent photodetector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Hong-Sik; Patel, Malkeshkumar; Yadav, Pankaj

2016-09-05

Zero-bias operating Cu oxide-based photodetector was achieved by using large-scale available sputtering method. Cu oxide (Cu{sub 2}O or CuO) was used as p-type transparent layer to form a heterojunction by contacting n-type ZnO layer. All metal-oxide materials were employed to realize transparent device at room temperature and showed a high transparency (>75% at 600 nm) with excellent photoresponses. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of Cu oxides of CuO and Cu{sub 2}O are evaluated in depth by UV-visible spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy, and Hall measurements. We may suggest a route ofmore » high-functional Cu oxide-based photoelectric devices for the applications in flexible and transparent electronics.« less

Two-dimensional metamaterial transparent metal electrodes for infrared optoelectronics.

PubMed

Clark, Samuel M; Han, Sang Eon

2014-06-15

We examine the optical properties of two-dimensionally nanostructured metals in the metamaterial regime for infrared applications. Compared with straight nanowires and nanogrids, serpentine structures exhibit much lower optical losses of less than 7% even at a large metal area fraction of 0.3. The low loss is primarily due to a small effective conductivity of the meandering structures, and self-inductance plays a modest role in reducing losses in these structures. The high transparency at a large metal area coverage would be useful for transparent electrodes in optoelectronic devices.

Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films.

PubMed

Jung, Hyun Young; Karimi, Majid B; Hahm, Myung Gwan; Ajayan, Pulickel M; Jung, Yung Joon

2012-01-01

Here we construct mechanically flexible and optically transparent thin film solid state supercapacitors by assembling nano-engineered carbon electrodes, prepared in porous templates, with morphology of interconnected arrays of complex shapes and porosity. The highly textured graphitic films act as electrode and current collector and integrated with solid polymer electrolyte, function as thin film supercapacitors. The nanostructured electrode morphology and the conformal electrolyte packaging provide enough energy and power density for the devices in addition to excellent mechanical flexibility and optical transparency, making it a unique design in various power delivery applications.

Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films

PubMed Central

Jung, Hyun Young; Karimi, Majid B.; Hahm, Myung Gwan; Ajayan, Pulickel M.; Jung, Yung Joon

2012-01-01

Here we construct mechanically flexible and optically transparent thin film solid state supercapacitors by assembling nano-engineered carbon electrodes, prepared in porous templates, with morphology of interconnected arrays of complex shapes and porosity. The highly textured graphitic films act as electrode and current collector and integrated with solid polymer electrolyte, function as thin film supercapacitors. The nanostructured electrode morphology and the conformal electrolyte packaging provide enough energy and power density for the devices in addition to excellent mechanical flexibility and optical transparency, making it a unique design in various power delivery applications. PMID:23105970

Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Hyun Young; Karimi, Majid B.; Hahm, Myung Gwan; Ajayan, Pulickel M.; Jung, Yung Joon

2012-10-01

Here we construct mechanically flexible and optically transparent thin film solid state supercapacitors by assembling nano-engineered carbon electrodes, prepared in porous templates, with morphology of interconnected arrays of complex shapes and porosity. The highly textured graphitic films act as electrode and current collector and integrated with solid polymer electrolyte, function as thin film supercapacitors. The nanostructured electrode morphology and the conformal electrolyte packaging provide enough energy and power density for the devices in addition to excellent mechanical flexibility and optical transparency, making it a unique design in various power delivery applications.

Fused Silica and Other Transparent Window Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salem, Jon

2016-01-01

Several transparent ceramics, such as spinel and AlONs are now being produced in sufficient large areas to be used in space craft window applications. The work horse transparent material for space missions from Apollo to the International Space Station has been fused silica due in part to its low coefficient of expansion and optical quality. Despite its successful use, fused silica exhibits anomalies in its crack growth behavior, depending on environmental preconditioning and surface damage. This presentation will compare recent optical ceramics to fused silica and discuss sources of variation in slow crack growth behavior.

Enhanced Performance in Al-Doped ZnO Based Transparent Flexible Transparent Thin-Film Transistors Due to Oxygen Vacancy in ZnO Film with Zn-Al-O Interfaces Fabricated by Atomic Layer Deposition.

PubMed

Li, Yang; Yao, Rui; Wang, Huanhuan; Wu, Xiaoming; Wu, Jinzhu; Wu, Xiaohong; Qin, Wei

2017-04-05

Highly conductive and optical transparent Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin film composed of ZnO with a Zn-Al-O interface was fabricated by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. The as-prepared AZO thin film exhibits excellent electrical and optical properties with high stability and compatibility with temperature-sensitive flexible photoelectronic devices; film resistivity is as low as 5.7 × 10 -4 Ω·cm, the carrier concentration is high up to 2.2 × 10 21 cm -3 . optical transparency is greater than 80% in a visible range, and the growth temperature is below 150 °C on the PEN substrate. Compared with the conventional AZO film containing by a ZnO-Al 2 O 3 interface, we propose that the underlying mechanism of the enhanced electrical conductivity for the current AZO thin film is attributed to the oxygen vacancies deficiency derived from the free competitive growth mode of Zn-O and Al-O bonds in the Zn-Al-O interface. The flexible transparent transistor based on this AZO electrode exhibits a favorable threshold voltage and I on /I off ratio, showing promising for use in high-resolution, fully transparent, and flexible display applications.

Nickel nanowires mesh fabricated by ion beam irradiation-induced nanoscale welding for transparent conducting electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honey, S.; Ahmad, I.; Madhuku, M.; Naseem, S.; Maaza, M.; Kennedy, J. V.

2017-07-01

In this report, random nickel nanowires (Ni-NWs) meshes are fabricated by ions beam irradiation-induced nanoscale welding of NWs on intersecting positions. Ni-NWs are exposed to beam of 50 KeV Argon (Ar+) ions at various fluencies in the range ~1015 ions cm-2 to 1016 ions cm-2 at room temperature. Ni-NWs are welded due to accumulation of Ar+ ions beam irradiation-induced sputtered atoms on crossing positions. Ar+ ions irradiated Ni-NWs meshes are optically transparent and optical transparency is enhanced with increase in beam fluence of Ar+ ions. Ar+ ions beam irradiation-induced welded and optically transparent mesh is then exposed to 2.75 MeV hydrogen (H+) ions at fluencies 1  ×  1015 ions cm-2, 3  ×  1015 ions cm-2 and 1  ×  1016 ions cm-2 at room temperature. MeV H+ ions irradiation-induced local heat cause melting and fusion of NWs on intersecting points and eventually lead to reduce contact resistance between Ni-NWs. Electrical conductivity is enhanced with increase in beam fluence of H+ ions. These welded highly transparent and electrically conductive Ni-NWs meshes can be employed as transparent conducting electrodes in optoelectronic devices.

Fabrication of three-focal diffractive lenses by two-photon polymerization technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osipov, Vladimir; Doskolovich, Leonid L.; Bezus, Evgeni A.; Cheng, Wei; Gaidukeviciute, Arune; Chichkov, Boris

2012-06-01

Fabrication of submicron-height relief of three-focal diffractive lenses using two-photon polymerization is studied. Optical properties of the designed lenses are investigated theoretically and experimentally. The proposed design of the combined diffractive-refractive lenses is promising for the realization of three-focal optical ophthalmological implants with predetermined light intensity distribution between the foci. The realized three-focal optical element has a diameter size of 2.7 mm with the focal distances in the range of 27-34 mm.

All-optical Integrated Switches Based on Azo-benzene Liquid Crystals on Silicon

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-01

Glass D263 SU8 Polymer Polymer NLC n̂ n̂ Refractive index @1.55 µm Materials n// = 1.689 n⊥= 1.502 n = 1.575 n = 1.516 E7 Glass D263 SU8 ...In the other case we have a nonlinear LCW based on glass substrates. It consists in a rectangular hollow realized in SU8 photoresist two glass...and discussion 5. All optical polymeric waveguide: methods, assumptions and procedure 6. All optical polymeric waveguide: results and discussion 7

Strategic design and fabrication of acrylic shape memory polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Ju Hyuk; Kim, Hansu; Ryoun Youn, Jae; Song, Young Seok

2017-08-01

Modulation of thermomechanics nature is a critical issue for an optimized use of shape memory polymers (SMPs). In this study, a strategic approach was proposed to control the transition temperature of SMPs. Free radical vinyl polymerization was employed for tailoring and preparing acrylic SMPs. Transition temperatures of the shape memory tri-copolymers were tuned by changing the composition of monomers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses were carried out to evaluate the chemical structures and compositions of the synthesized SMPs. The thermomechanical properties and shape memory performance of the SMPs were also examined by performing dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Numerical simulation based on a finite element method provided consistent results with experimental cyclic shape memory tests of the specimens. Transient shape recovery tests were conducted and optical transparence of the samples was identified. We envision that the materials proposed in this study can help develop a new type of shape-memory devices in biomedical and aerospace engineering applications.

Optical recording in functional polymer nanocomposites by multi-beam interference holography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuk, Dmitrij; Burunkova, Julia; Kalabin, Viacheslav; Csarnovics, Istvan; Kokenyesi, Sandor

2017-05-01

Our investigations relate to the development of new polymer nanocomposite materials and technologies for fabrication of photonic elements like gratings, integrated elements, photonic crystals. The goal of the present work was the development and application of the multi-beam interference method for one step, direct formation of 1-, 2- or even 3D photonic structures in functional acrylate nanocomposites, which contain SiO2 and Au nanoparticles and which are sensitized to blue and green laser illumination. The presence of gold nanoparticles and possibility to excite plasmonic effects can essentially influence the polymerization processes and the spatial redistribution of nanoparticles in the nanocomposite during the recording. This way surface and volume phase reliefs can be recorded. It is essential, that no additional treatments of the material after the recording are necessary and the elements possess high transparency, are stable after some relaxation time. New functionalities can be provided to the recorded structures if luminescent materials are added to such materials.

Composition and apparatus for detecting gamma radiation

DOEpatents

Hofstetter, Kenneth J.

1994-01-01

A gamma radiation detector and a radioluminiscent composition for use therein. The detector includes a radioluminscent composition that emits light in a characteristic wavelength region when exposed to gamma radiation, and means for detecting said radiation. The composition contains a scintillant such as anglesite (PbSO.sub.4) or cerussite (PbCO.sub.3) incorporated into an inert, porous glass matrix via a sol-gel process. Particles of radiation-sensitive scintillant are added to, a sol solution. The mixture is polymerized to form a gel, then dried under conditions that preserve the structural integrity and radiation sensitivity of the scintillant. The final product is a composition containing the uniformly-dispersed scintillant in an inert, optically transparent and highly porous matrix. The composition is chemically inert and substantially impervious to environmental conditions including changes in temperature, air pressure, and so forth. It can be fabricated in cylinders, blocks with holes therethrough for flow of fluid, sheets, surface coatings, pellets or other convenient shapes.

Composition and apparatus for detecting gamma radiation

DOEpatents

Hofstetter, K.J.

1994-08-09

A gamma radiation detector and a radioluminescent composition for use therein. The detector includes a radioluminescent composition that emits light in a characteristic wavelength region when exposed to gamma radiation, and means for detecting said radiation. The composition contains a scintillant such as anglesite (PbSO[sub 4]) or cerussite (PbCO[sub 3]) incorporated into an inert, porous glass matrix via a sol-gel process. Particles of radiation-sensitive scintillant are added to, a sol solution. The mixture is polymerized to form a gel, then dried under conditions that preserve the structural integrity and radiation sensitivity of the scintillant. The final product is a composition containing the uniformly-dispersed scintillant in an inert, optically transparent and highly porous matrix. The composition is chemically inert and substantially impervious to environmental conditions including changes in temperature, air pressure, and so forth. It can be fabricated in cylinders, blocks with holes therethrough for flow of fluid, sheets, surface coatings, pellets or other convenient shapes. 3 figs.

Nanotube Film Electrode and an Electroactive Device Fabricated with the Nanotube Film Electrode and Methods for Making Same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kang, Jin Ho (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor); Park, Cheol (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Disclosed is a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrode (FE), all-organic electroactive device systems fabricated with the SWNT-FE, and methods for making same. The SWCNT can be replaced by other types of nanotubes. The SWCNT film can be obtained by filtering SWCNT solution onto the surface of an anodized alumina membrane. A freestanding flexible SWCNT film can be collected by breaking up this brittle membrane. The conductivity of this SWCNT film can advantageously be higher than 280 S/cm. An electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator layered with the SWNT-FE shows a higher electric field-induced strain than an EAP layered with metal electrodes because the flexible SWNT-FE relieves the restraint of the displacement of the polymeric active layer as compared to the metal electrode. In addition, if thin enough, the SWNT-FE is transparent in the visible light range, thus making it suitable for use in actuators used in optical devices.

Next generation solar cells using flexible transparent electrodes based on silver nanowires and grapheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alomairy, Sultan

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have been developed extensively and optimised due to the use of nanomaterials in their construction. More recently, the demand for such devices to be flexible and mechanically robust has been a major area of research. Presently, Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is the material that is used almost exclusively for transparent electrode. However, it has several drawbacks such as brittleness, high refractive index and high processing temperature. Furthermore, the price of ITO has been highly volatile due to scarcity of indium resources and the increased consumption of the material. Therefore, cheap, flexible and solution-processed transparent conductors are required for emerging optoelectronic devices with flexible construction which can be promising for wearable or environmentally adaptable devices purposes such as flexible solar cells and displays. Therefore, over the past decade an alternative material has been sought intensively, particularly in the need for producing large area flexible transparent electrodes. Many materials have been investigated but most investigations have focused on carbon nanotube (CNT), graphene flakes and metallic nanowires. Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) networks have been proven to show a high electrical conductivity with high optical transmittance. This special characteristic is desirable in transparent conductive electrodes in optoelectronic applications such as solar cells, light emitting diodes, and touch screen. On the other hand, Polymeric substrates that act as a non-brittle scaffold as well as protective packaging of the OPV are an essential element for such an “All-plastic” device. However, for such applications where the coating should be relatively hard a bottleneck to fabricating large area homogeneous films is associated with the formation of cracks as a result of local mismatches in mechanical properties during film formation. In this work, the fabrication and characterization of flexible transparent electrodes of Ag NWs on flexible substrates by spray deposition technique have been described. Furthermore, a way to enhance the electrical and mechanical properties of the Ag NWs transparent electrodes by incorporating a low density ensemble of graphene on top of the metal electrode networks using the Langmuir-Schafer has been achieved. Interestingly, the electrical conductivity in these hybrid electrodes is stable over relatively large strains during mechanical agitation indicating that such electrodes may have important application in future applications. Finally, producing crack-free monolayer latex over large area has been fabricated and characterised. Therefore, the polymer latex thin film has promising applications as purposes of hard coatings.

Tuning optical properties of transparent conducting barium stannate by dimensional reduction

DOE PAGES

Li, Yuwei; Zhang, Lijun; Ma, Yanming; ...

2015-01-30

We report calculations of the electronic structure and optical properties of doped n-type perovskite BaSnO 3 and layered perovskites. While doped BaSnO 3 retains its transparency for energies below the valence to conduction band onset, the doped layered compounds exhibit below band edge optical conductivity due to transitions from the lowest conduction band. This gives absorption in the visible for Ba 2SnO 4. It is important to minimize this phase in transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films. Ba 3Sn 2O 7 and Ba 4Sn 3O 10 have strong transitions only in the red and infrared, respectively. Thus, there may be opportunitiesmore » for using these as wavelength filtering TCO.« less

Spatial characterization of acid rain stress in Canadian Shield Lakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanis, F. J.; Marshall, E. M.

1989-01-01

The lake acidification in Northern Ontario was investigated using LANDSAT TM to sense lake volume reflectance and also to provide important vegetation and terrain characteristics. The purpose of this project was to determine the ability of LANDSAT to assess water quality characteristics associated with lake acidification. Results demonstrate that a remote sensor can discriminate lake clarity based upon reflection. The basic hypothesis is that seasonal and multi-year changes in lake optical transparency are indicative of sensitivity to acidic deposition. In many acid-sensitive lakes optical transparency is controlled by the amount of dissolved organic carbon present. Seasonal changes in the optical transparency of lakes can potentially provide an indication of the stress due to acid deposition and loading.

All-optical dynamic correction of distorted communication signals using a photorefractive polymeric hologram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guoqiang; Eralp, Muhsin; Thomas, Jayan; Tay, Savaş; Schülzgen, Axel; Norwood, Robert A.; Peyghambarian, N.

2005-04-01

All-optical real-time dynamic correction of wave front aberrations for image transmission is demonstrated using a photorefractive polymeric hologram. The material shows video rate response time with a low power laser. High-fidelity, high-contrast images can be reconstructed when the oil-filled phase plate generating atmospheric-like wave front aberrations is moved at 0.3mm/s. The architecture based on four-wave mixing has potential application in free-space optical communication, remote sensing, and dynamic tracking. The system offers a cost-effective alternative to closed-loop adaptive optics systems.

Transparent, Weakly Conductive Films for Space Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffin, John; Morgan, Ashraf; Hambourger, Paul

2004-10-01

Electrically insulating spacecraft surfaces are vulnerable to nonuniform charge buildup due to particles emitted by the sun. On Mars, insulating surfaces of exploration vehicles and structures will be affected by dust coatings possibly held in place by triboelectric surface charge. Application of a conductive film may be a solution to the charging problem, but the coating must be highly transparent if used on solar panels, lenses, etc. Sheet resistivity requirements depend on the application and are in the range 10^2-10^8 ohms/square. Co-deposited indium tin oxide (ITO) and MgF2 is promising, with high transparency, tailorable electrical properties, and durability to atomic oxygen.(Joyce A. Dever et al., NASA TM 1998-208499 (August 1998).) Due to ITO's relatively narrow bandgap ( ˜3.5 eV), the film might absorb enough ultraviolet to protect polymeric substrates. Recent work on dual-magnetron-sputtered ITO-MgF2 showed that a variety of polymeric substrates can be coated at room temperature.(Thomas Cashman et al., Vacuum Technology & Coating, September 2003, p. 38.) However, the sheet resistivity is very sensitive to composition, suggestive of a percolation transition. This could be a serious problem for large-scale coating production. We will report on attempts to control film composition by plasma emission monitoring of the ITO and MgF2 guns. Supported by NASA Glenn Research Center, Cooperative Agreements NCC3-1033 and NCC3-1065.

SPECIAL ISSUE ON OPTICAL PROCESSING OF INFORMATION: Optoelectronic processors with scanning CCD photodetectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esepkina, N. A.; Lavrov, A. P.; Anan'ev, M. N.; Blagodarnyi, V. S.; Ivanov, S. I.; Mansyrev, M. I.; Molodyakov, S. A.

1995-10-01

Two new types of optoelectronic radio-signal processors were investigated. Charge-coupled device (CCD) photodetectors are used in these processors under continuous scanning conditions, i.e. in a time delay and storage mode. One of these processors is based on a CCD photodetector array with a reference-signal amplitude transparency and the other is an adaptive acousto-optical signal processor with linear frequency modulation. The processor with the transparency performs multichannel discrete—analogue convolution of an input signal with a corresponding kernel of the transformation determined by the transparency. If a light source is an array of light-emitting diodes of special (stripe) geometry, the optical stages of the processor can be made from optical fibre components and the whole processor then becomes a rigid 'sandwich' (a compact hybrid optoelectronic microcircuit). A report is given also of a study of a prototype processor with optical fibre components for the reception of signals from a system with antenna aperture synthesis, which forms a radio image of the Earth.

Double dark resonance in inverted Y system and its application in attenuating the optical switching action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Sabir; Ray, Ayan; Chakrabarti, Alok

2016-02-01

Electromagnetically Induced Transparency as a novel type optical memory has gained enough attention in the field of research related to optical communication. This kind of transparency is an artificially created spectral window used to slow and spatially compress light pulses. Hence controlling and manipulation of such transparency window in a multilevel atom-photon system will, in turn, help in opening newer avenues of applications. In the present work an inverted Y linkage (established in the 5S1/2 → 5P3/2 → 5D5/2 hyperfine levels of 87Rb atom) is used for this purpose. The formation of matched double dark resonance in the system has been studied in details. On the application front we have demonstrated using the system as an attenuator of optical switch. This type of necessity may arise for futuristic optical communication system. Overall the system response resembles the performance of a combination logic gate.

Optical switch based on tunable aperture.

PubMed

Li, Lei; Liu, Chao; Wang, Qiong-Hua

2012-08-15

We propose an optical switch based on the electrowetting effect. A transparent oil and a dye-doped water fill a cell. The two liquids are immiscible and form a curved interface. A transparent pillar-shaped platform with a round dome is fixed on the substrate. The dome of the platform is submerged in the water. As a result, light is highly absorbed by the covered water. When the shape of the water is changed, the oil can touch the dome of the platform due to the electrowetting effect. Then the transparent platform and the oil form a channel which can pass through the incident light. Our results show that the system can obtain a high optical attenuation (∼928:1) and reasonable response time (∼47  ms). The diameter of the aperture can be tuned from 0 to ∼3.0  mm. The proposed optical switch has potential application in light shutters, variable optical attenuators, and adaptive irises.

Plasmonic hole arrays for combined photon and electron management

DOE PAGES

Liapis, Andreas C.; Sfeir, Matthew Y.; Black, Charles T.

2016-11-14

Material architectures that balance optical transparency and electrical conductivity are highly sought after for thin-film device applications. However, these are competing properties, since the electronic structure that gives rise to conductivity typically also leads to optical opacity. Nanostructured metal films that exhibit extraordinary optical transmission, while at the same time being electrically continuous, offer considerable flexibility in the design of their transparency and resistivity. In this paper, we present design guidelines for metal films perforated with arrays of nanometer-scale holes, discussing the consequences of the choice of nanostructure dimensions, of the type of metal, and of the underlying substrate onmore » their electrical, optical, and interfacial properties. We experimentally demonstrate that such films can be designed to have broad-band optical transparency while being an order of magnitude more conductive than indium tin oxide. Finally, prototypical photovoltaic devices constructed with perforated metal contacts convert ~18% of the incident photons, compared to <1% for identical devices having contacts without the hole array.« less

Optically transparent super-hydrophobic thin film fabricated by reusable polyurethane-acrylate (PUA) mold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, J.-S.; Park, J.-H.; Lee, D.-W.

2018-02-01

In this paper, we describe a simple manufacturing method for producing an optically transparent super-hydrophobic polymer thin film using a reusable photo-curable polymer mold. Soluble photoresist (PR) molds were prepared with under-exposed and under-baked processes, which created unique hierarchical micro/nano structures. The reverse phase of the PR mold was replicated on the surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates. The unique patterns on the replicated PDMS molds were successfully transferred back to the UV curable polyurethane-acrylate (PUA) using a laboratory-made UV exposure system. Continuous production of the super-hydrophobic PDMS thin film was demonstrated using the reusable PUA mold. In addition, hydrophobic nano-silica powder was sprayed onto the micro/nano structured PDMS surfaces to further improve hydrophobicity. The fabricated PDMS thin films with hierarchical surface texturing showed a water contact angle  ⩾150°. Excellent optical transmittance within the range of visible light of wavelengths between 400-800 nm was experimentally confirmed using a spectrophotometer. High efficiency of the super-hydrophobic PDMS film in optical transparency was also confirmed using solar panels. The fabricated PUA molds are very suitable for use in roll-to-roll or roll-to-plate systems which allow continuous production of super-hydrophobic thin films with an excellent optical transparency.

Nonlinear optical parameters of nanocrystalline AZO thin film measured at different substrate temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jilani, Asim; Abdel-wahab, M. Sh; Al-ghamdi, Attieh A.; Dahlan, Ammar sadik; Yahia, I. S.

2016-01-01

The 2.2 wt% of aluminum (Al)-doped zinc oxide (AZO) transparent and preferential c-axis oriented thin films were prepared by using radio frequency (DC/RF) magnetron sputtering at different substrate temperature ranging from room temperature to 200 °C. For structural analysis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Atomic Force Electron Microscope (AFM) was used for morphological studies. The optical parameters such as, optical energy gap, refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric loss, tangent loss, first and third order nonlinear optical properties of transparent films were investigated. High transmittance above 90% and highly homogeneous surface were observed in all samples. The substrate temperature plays an important role to get the best transparent conductive oxide thin films. The substrate temperature at 150 °C showed the growth of highly transparent AZO thin film. Energy gap increased with the increased in substrate temperature of Al doped thin films. Dielectric constant and loss were found to be photon energy dependent with substrate temperature. The change in substrate temperature of Al doped thin films also affect the non-liner optical properties of thin films. The value of χ(3) was found to be changed with the grain size of the thin films that directly affected by the substrate temperature of the pure and Al doped ZnO thin films.

Integration of Optical Manipulation and Electrophysiological Tools to Modulate and Record Activity in Neural Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Difato, F.; Schibalsky, L.; Benfenati, F.; Blau, A.

2011-07-01

We present an optical system that combines IR (1064 nm) holographic optical tweezers with a sub-nanosecond-pulsed UV (355 nm) laser microdissector for the optical manipulation of single neurons and entire networks both on transparent and non-transparent substrates in vitro. The phase-modulated laser beam can illuminate the sample concurrently or independently from above or below assuring compatibility with different types of microelectrode array and patch-clamp electrophysiology. By combining electrophysiological and optical tools, neural activity in response to localized stimuli or injury can be studied and quantified at sub-cellular, cellular, and network level.

Electrical and optical performance of transparent conducting oxide films deposited by electrostatic spray assisted vapour deposition.

PubMed

Hou, Xianghui; Choy, Kwang-Leong; Liu, Jun-Peng

2011-09-01

Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films have the remarkable combination of high electrical conductivity and optical transparency. There is always a strong motivation to produce TCO films with good performance at low cost. Electrostatic Spray Assisted Vapor Deposition (ESAVD), as a variant of chemical vapour deposition (CVD), is a non-vacuum and low-cost deposition method. Several types of TCO films have been deposited using ESAVD process, including indium tin oxide (ITO), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO), and fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO). This paper reports the electrical and optical properties of TCO films produced by ESAVD methods, as well as the effects of post treatment by plasma hydrogenation on these TCO films. The possible mechanisms involved during plasma hydrogenation of TCO films are also discussed. Reduction and etching effect during plasma hydrogenation are the most important factors which determine the optical and electrical performance of TCO films.

Transparent selective illumination means suitable for use in optically activated electrical switches and optically activated electrical switches constructed using same

DOEpatents

Wilcox, R.B.

1991-09-10

A planar transparent light conducting means and an improved optically activated electrical switch made using the novel light conducting means are disclosed. The light conducting means further comprise light scattering means on one or more opposite planar surfaces thereof to transmit light from the light conducting means into adjacent media and reflective means on other surfaces of the light conducting means not containing the light scattering means. The optically activated electrical switch comprises at least two stacked photoconductive wafers, each having electrodes formed on both surfaces thereof, and separated by the planar transparent light conducting means. The light scattering means on the light conducting means face surfaces of the wafers not covered by the electrodes to transmit light from the light conducting means into the photoconductive wafers to uniformly illuminate and activate the switch. 11 figures.

Transparent selective illumination means suitable for use in optically activated electrical switches and optically activated electrical switches constructed using same

DOEpatents

Wilcox, Russell B.

1991-01-01

A planar transparent light conducting means and an improved optically activated electrical switch made using the novel light conducting means are disclosed. The light conducting means further comprise light scattering means on one or more opposite planar surfaces thereof to transmit light from the light conducting means into adjacent media and reflective means on other surfaces of the light conducting means not containing the light scattering means. The optically activated electrical switch comprises at least two stacked photoconductive wafers, each having electrodes formed on both surfaces thereof, and separated by the planar transparent light conducting means. The light scattering means on the light conducting means face surfaces of the wafers not covered by the electrodes to transmit light from the light conducting means into the photoconductive wafers to uniformly illuminate and activate the switch.

Lignin-Retaining Transparent Wood.

PubMed

Li, Yuanyuan; Fu, Qiliang; Rojas, Ramiro; Yan, Min; Lawoko, Martin; Berglund, Lars

2017-09-11

Optically transparent wood, combining optical and mechanical performance, is an emerging new material for light-transmitting structures in buildings with the aim of reducing energy consumption. One of the main obstacles for transparent wood fabrication is delignification, where around 30 wt % of wood tissue is removed to reduce light absorption and refractive index mismatch. This step is time consuming and not environmentally benign. Moreover, lignin removal weakens the wood structure, limiting the fabrication of large structures. A green and industrially feasible method has now been developed to prepare transparent wood. Up to 80 wt % of lignin is preserved, leading to a stronger wood template compared to the delignified alternative. After polymer infiltration, a high-lignin-content transparent wood with transmittance of 83 %, haze of 75 %, thermal conductivity of 0.23 W mK -1 , and work-tofracture of 1.2 MJ m -3 (a magnitude higher than glass) was obtained. This transparent wood preparation method is efficient and applicable to various wood species. The transparent wood obtained shows potential for application in energy-saving buildings. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Lignin‐Retaining Transparent Wood

PubMed Central

Fu, Qiliang; Rojas, Ramiro; Yan, Min; Lawoko, Martin

2017-01-01

Abstract Optically transparent wood, combining optical and mechanical performance, is an emerging new material for light‐transmitting structures in buildings with the aim of reducing energy consumption. One of the main obstacles for transparent wood fabrication is delignification, where around 30 wt % of wood tissue is removed to reduce light absorption and refractive index mismatch. This step is time consuming and not environmentally benign. Moreover, lignin removal weakens the wood structure, limiting the fabrication of large structures. A green and industrially feasible method has now been developed to prepare transparent wood. Up to 80 wt % of lignin is preserved, leading to a stronger wood template compared to the delignified alternative. After polymer infiltration, a high‐lignin‐content transparent wood with transmittance of 83 %, haze of 75 %, thermal conductivity of 0.23 W mK−1, and work‐tofracture of 1.2 MJ m−3 (a magnitude higher than glass) was obtained. This transparent wood preparation method is efficient and applicable to various wood species. The transparent wood obtained shows potential for application in energy‐saving buildings. PMID:28719095

Highly Conductive Transparent and Flexible Electrodes Including Double-Stacked Thin Metal Films for Transparent Flexible Electronics.

PubMed

Han, Jun Hee; Kim, Do-Hong; Jeong, Eun Gyo; Lee, Tae-Woo; Lee, Myung Keun; Park, Jeong Woo; Lee, Hoseung; Choi, Kyung Cheol

2017-05-17

To keep pace with the era of transparent and deformable electronics, electrode functions should be improved. In this paper, an innovative structure is suggested to overcome the trade-off between optical and electrical properties that commonly arises with transparent electrodes. The structure of double-stacked metal films showed high conductivity (<3 Ω/sq) and high transparency (∼90%) simultaneously. A proper space between two metal films led to high transmittance by an optical phenomenon. The principle of parallel connection allowed the electrode to have high conductivity. In situ fabrication was possible because the only materials composing the electrode were silver and WO 3 , which can be deposited by thermal evaporation. The electrode was flexible enough to withstand 10 000 bending cycles with a 1 mm bending radius. Furthermore, a few μm scale patterning of the electrode was easily implemented by using photolithography, which is widely employed industrially for patterning. Flexible organic light-emitting diodes and a transparent flexible thin-film transistor were successfully fabricated with the proposed electrode. Various practical applications of this electrode to new transparent flexible electronics are expected.

Influence of polymerization conditions on the refractive index of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhi Feng; Ma, Xinxian; Wang, Haibin; Ye, Fei

2018-04-01

This paper studies the influences of fabrication parameters on the optical properties of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate(PEGDA) hydrogels during polymerization, including the irradiation intensity, irradiation time, photoinitiator concentration, and water content. The refractive index of PEGDA hydrogels polymerized under various conditions is measured, with the results shown to be valuable for future research applying PEGDA hydrogels as optical materials. In addition, it is found that the photoinitiator concentration used can be as low as 1.0 wt%, which is severalfold lower than that previously reported, making PEGDA hydrogels more desirable for bioapplications.

Transparent, Flexible Silicon Nanostructured Wire Networks with Seamless Junctions for High-Performance Photodetector Applications.

PubMed

Hossain, Mozakkar; Kumar, Gundam Sandeep; Barimar Prabhava, S N; Sheerin, Emmet D; McCloskey, David; Acharya, Somobrata; Rao, K D M; Boland, John J

2018-05-22

Optically transparent photodetectors are crucial in next-generation optoelectronic applications including smart windows and transparent image sensors. Designing photodetectors with high transparency, photoresponsivity, and robust mechanical flexibility remains a significant challenge, as is managing the inevitable trade-off between high transparency and strong photoresponse. Here we report a scalable method to produce flexible crystalline Si nanostructured wire (NW) networks fabricated from silicon-on-insulator (SOI) with seamless junctions and highly responsive porous Si segments that combine to deliver exceptional performance. These networks show high transparency (∼92% at 550 nm), broadband photodetection (350 to 950 nm) with excellent responsivity (25 A/W), optical response time (0.58 ms), and mechanical flexibility (1000 cycles). Temperature-dependent photocurrent measurements indicate the presence of localized electronic states in the porous Si segments, which play a crucial role in light harvesting and photocarrier generation. The scalable low-cost approach based on SOI has the potential to deliver new classes of flexible optoelectronic devices, including next-generation photodetectors and solar cells.

Tapered fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometers for vibration and elasticity sensing applications.

PubMed

Chen, Nan-Kuang; Hsieh, Yu-Hsin; Lee, Yi-Kun

2013-05-06

We demonstrate the optical measurements of heart-beat pulse rate and also elasticity of a polymeric tube, using a tapered fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer. This device has two abrupt tapers in the Er/Yb codoped fiber and thus fractional amount of core mode is converted into cladding modes at the first abrupt taper. The core and cladding modes propagate through different optical paths and meet again at the second abrupt taper to produce interferences. The mechanical vibration signals generated by the blood vessels and by an inflated polymeric tube can perturb the optical paths of resonant modes to move around the resonant wavelengths. Thus, the cw laser signal is modulated to become pulses to reflect the heart-beat pulse rate and the elasticity of a polymeric tube, respectively.

Optical speedup at transparency of the gain recovery in semiconductor optical amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hessler, T. P.; Dupertuis, M.-A.; Deveaud, B.; Emery, J.-Y.; Dagens, B.

2002-10-01

Experimental demonstration of optical speedup at transparency (OSAT) has been performed on a 1 mm long semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA). OSAT is a recently proposed scheme that decreases the recovery time of an SOA while maintaining the available gain. It is achieved by externally injecting into the SOA the beam of a separate high power laser at energies around the transparency point. Even though the experimental conditions were not optimal, a beam of 100 mW decreases the recovery time by a third when it is injected in the vicinity of the material transparency point of the device. This acceleration of the device response without detrimental reduction of the gain is found to be effective over a broad wavelength window of about 20 nm around transparency. The injection of the accelerating beam into the gain region is a less efficient solution not only because the gain is then strongly diminished but also because speeding is reduced. This originates from the reduction of the amplified spontaneous emission power in the device, which counterbalances the speeding capabilities of the external laser beam. Another advantage of the OSAT scheme is realized in relatively long SOAs, which suffer from gain overshoot under strong current injection. Simulations show that OSAT decreases the gain overshoot, which should enable us to use OSAT to further speedup the response of long SOAs.

Transparent garnet ceramic scintillators for gamma-ray detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yimin; Baldoni, Gary; Rhodes, William H.; Brecher, Charles; Shah, Ananya; Shirwadkar, Urmila; Glodo, Jarek; Cherepy, Nerine; Payne, Stephen

2012-10-01

Lanthanide gallium/aluminum-based garnets have a great potential as host structures for scintillation materials for medical imaging. Particularly attractive features are their high density, chemical radiation stability and more importantly, their cubic structure and isotropic optical properties, which allow them to be fabricated into fully transparent, highperformance polycrystalline optical ceramics. Lutetium/gadolinium aluminum/gallium garnets (described by formulas ((Gd,Lu)3(Al,Ga)5O12:Ce, Gd3(Al,Ga)5O12:Ce and Lu3Al5O12:Pr)) feature high effective atomic number and good scintillation properties, which make them particularly attractive for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and other γ- ray detection applications. The ceramic processing route offers an attractive alternative to single crystal growth for obtaining scintillator materials at relatively low temperatures and at a reasonable cost, with flexibility in dimension control as well as activator concentration adjustment. In this study, optically transparent polycrystalline ceramics mentioned above were prepared by the sintering-HIP approach, employing nano-sized starting powders. The properties and microstructures of the ceramics were controlled by varying the processing parameters during consolidation. Single-phase, high-density, transparent specimens were obtained after sintering followed by a pressure-assisted densification process, i.e. hot-isostatic-pressing. The transparent ceramics displayed high contact and distance transparency as well as high light yield as high as 60,000-65,000 ph/MeV under gamma-ray excitation, which is about 2 times that of a LSO:Ce single crystal. The excellent scintillation and optical properties make these materials promising candidates for medical imaging and γ-ray detection applications.

Extreme Light Management in Mesoporous Wood Cellulose Paper for Optoelectronics.

PubMed

Zhu, Hongli; Fang, Zhiqiang; Wang, Zhu; Dai, Jiaqi; Yao, Yonggang; Shen, Fei; Preston, Colin; Wu, Wenxin; Peng, Peng; Jang, Nathaniel; Yu, Qingkai; Yu, Zongfu; Hu, Liangbing

2016-01-26

Wood fibers possess natural unique hierarchical and mesoporous structures that enable a variety of new applications beyond their traditional use. We dramatically modulate the propagation of light through random network of wood fibers. A highly transparent and clear paper with transmittance >90% and haze <1.0% applicable for high-definition displays is achieved. By altering the morphology of the same wood fibers that form the paper, highly transparent and hazy paper targeted for other applications such as solar cell and antiglare coating with transmittance >90% and haze >90% is also achieved. A thorough investigation of the relation between the mesoporous structure and the optical properties in transparent paper was conducted, including full-spectrum optical simulations. We demonstrate commercially competitive multitouch touch screen with clear paper as a replacement for plastic substrates, which shows excellent process compatibility and comparable device performance for commercial applications. Transparent cellulose paper with tunable optical properties is an emerging photonic material that will realize a range of much improved flexible electronics, photonics, and optoelectronics.

Study of light scattering and transparency in human edematous corneas and application to corneal grafts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marciano, Tal; Peyrot, Donald; Crotti, Caroline; Alahyane, Fatima; Kowalczuk, Laura; Plamann, Karsten

2011-07-01

The optical properties of the cornea have been a research subject of great interest for many years. Several early theories have been put forward to explain with more or less success the optical transparency of this tissue, but it was not until Maurice demonstrated in a very elegant way during the 50s that this optical transparency could be explained by the regular ultrastructure of the cornea. When becoming edematous, the cornea's ultrastructure is perturbed and the tissue becomes a strongly scattering medium. With the emergence of ophthalmologic surgery by ultrashort pulse lasers in recent years, a regain of interest in the subject of corneal transparency arose. However, relatively little and no recent data of transparency spectra measurements covering a large wavelength range is available in the literature. The purpose of this study is to provide quantitative values for light scattering and its relation to the degree of edema by measuring the spectrum of transmitted light through corneas presenting different degrees of edema. This paper focus on the comparison of laboratory measurements published earlier with a new simple method we propose We also for eye banks to quantitatively measure the degree of transparency of corneal grafts by measuring the modulation transfer function of a Siemens star viewed through a corneal graft. Indeed, there is no current method to determine the transparency of corneal graft but the subjectivity of the laboratory technician or the ophthalmic surgeon.

Highly transparent, low-haze, hybrid cellulose nanopaper as electrodes for flexible electronics.

PubMed

Xu, Xuezhu; Zhou, Jian; Jiang, Long; Lubineau, Gilles; Ng, Tienkhee; Ooi, Boon S; Liao, Hsien-Yu; Shen, Chao; Chen, Long; Zhu, J Y

2016-06-16

Paper is an excellent candidate to replace plastics as a substrate for flexible electronics due to its low cost, renewability and flexibility. Cellulose nanopaper (CNP), a new type of paper made of nanosized cellulose fibers, is a promising substrate material for transparent and flexible electrodes due to its potentially high transparency and high mechanical strength. Although CNP substrates can achieve high transparency, they are still characterized by high diffuse transmittance and small direct transmittance, resulting in high optical haze of the substrates. In this study, we proposed a simple methodology for large-scale production of high-transparency, low-haze CNP comprising both long cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and short cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). By varying the CNC/CNF ratio in the hybrid CNP, we could tailor its total transmittance, direct transmittance and diffuse transmittance. By increasing the CNC content, the optical haze of the hybrid CNP could be decreased and its transparency could be increased. The direct transmittance and optical haze of the CNP were 75.1% and 10.0%, respectively, greatly improved from the values of previously reported CNP (31.1% and 62.0%, respectively). Transparent, flexible electrodes were fabricated by coating the hybrid CNP with silver nanowires (AgNWs). The electrodes showed a low sheet resistance (minimum 1.2 Ω sq(-1)) and a high total transmittance (maximum of 82.5%). The electrodes were used to make a light emitting diode (LED) assembly to demonstrate their potential use in flexible displays.

Evaluation of metal-polymeric fixed partial prosthesis using optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinescu, C.; Negrutiu, M. L.; Duma, V. F.; Marcauteanu, C.; Topala, F. I.; Rominu, M.; Bradu, A.; Podoleanu, A. Gh.

2013-11-01

Metal-Polymeric fixed partial prosthesis is the usual prosthetic treatment for many dental patients. However, during the mastication the polymeric component of the prosthesis is fractured and will be lost. This fracture is caused by the material defects or by the fracture lines trapped inside the esthetic components of the prosthesis. This will finally lead to the failure of the prosthetic treatment. Nowadays, there is no method of identification and forecast for the materials defects of the polymeric materials. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the capability of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as a non-invasive clinical method that can be used for the evaluation of metal-polymeric fixed partial prostheses. Twenty metal-polymeric fixed partial prostheses were used for this study. The esthetic component of the prostheses has been Adoro (Ivoclar). Optical investigations of the metal prostheses have revealed no material defects or fracture lines. All the prostheses were temporary cemented in the oral cavities of the patients for six month. The non-invasive method used for the investigations was OCT working in Time Domain mode at 1300 nm. The evaluations of the prostheses were performed before and after their cementation in the patient mouths. All the imagistic results were performed in 2D and than in 3D, after the reconstruction. The results obtained after the OCT evaluation allowed for the identification of 4 metal-polymeric fixed partial prostheses with material defects immediately after finishing the technological procedures. After 6 month in the oral environment other 3 fixed partial prostheses revealed fracture lines. In conclusion, OCT proved to be a valuable tool for the noninvasive evaluation of the metal-polymeric fixed partial prostheses.

Hybrid sol-gel optical materials

DOEpatents

Zeigler, J.M.

1993-04-20

Hybrid sol-gel materials comprise silicate sols cross-linked with linear polysilane, polygermane, or poly(silane-germane). The sol-gel materials are useful as optical identifiers in tagging and verification applications and, in a different aspect, as stable, visible light transparent non-linear optical materials. Methyl or phenyl silicones, polyaryl sulfides, polyaryl ethers, and rubbery polysilanes may be used in addition to the linear polysilane. The linear polymers cross-link with the sol to form a matrix having high optical transparency, resistance to thermooxidative aging, adherence to a variety of substrates, brittleness, and a resistance to cracking during thermal cycling.

Hybrid sol-gel optical materials

DOEpatents

Zeigler, John M.

1993-01-01

Hybrid sol-gel materials comprise silicate sols cross-linked with linear polysilane, polygermane, or poly(silane-germane). The sol-gel materials are useful as optical identifiers in tagging and verification applications and, in a different aspect, as stable, visible light transparent non-linear optical materials. Methyl or phenyl silicones, polyaryl sulfides, polyaryl ethers, and rubbery polysilanes may be used in addition to the linear polysilane. The linear polymers cross-link with the sol to form a matrix having high optical transparency, resistance to thermooxidative aging, adherence to a variety of substrates, brittleness, and a resistance to cracking during thermal cycling.

Hybrid sol-gel optical materials

DOEpatents

Zeigler, John M.

1992-01-01

Hybrid sol-gel materials comprise silicate sols cross-linked with linear polysilane, polygermane, or poly(silane-germane). The sol-gel materials are useful as optical identifiers in tagging and verification applications and, in a different aspect, as stable, visible light transparent non-linear optical materials. Methyl or phenyl silicones, polyaryl sulfides, polyaryl ethers, and rubbery polysilanes may be used in addition to the linear polysilane. The linear polymers cross-link with the sol to form a matrix having high optical transparency, resistance to thermooxidative aging, adherence to a variety of substrates, brittleness, and a resistance to cracking during thermal cycling.

Transparent electrode for optical switch

DOEpatents

Goldhar, Julius; Henesian, Mark A.

1986-01-01

A low pressure gas electrode utilizing ionized gas in a glow discharge regime forms a transparent electrode for electro-optical switches. The transparent electrode comprises a low pressure gas region on both sides of the crystal. When the gas is ionized, e.g., by a glow discharge in the low pressure gas, the plasma formed is a good conductor. The gas electrode acts as a highly uniform conducting electrode. Since the plasma is transparent to a high energy laser beam passing through the crystal, the electrode is a transparent electrode. A crystal exposed from two sides to such a plasma can be charged up uniformly to any desired voltage. The plasma can be created either by the main high voltage pulser used to charge up the crystal or by auxiliary discharges or external sources of ionization. A typical configuration utilizes 10 torr argon in the discharge region adjacent to each crystal face.

Method and apparatus for nondestructive in vivo measurement of photosynthesis

DOEpatents

Greenbaum, E.

1988-02-22

A device for in situ, nondestructive measurement of photosynthesis in live plants and photosynthetic microorganisms is disclosed which comprises a Clark-type oxygen electrode having a substantially transparent cathode comprised of an optical fiber having a metallic grid microetched onto its front face and sides, an anode, a substantially transparent electrolyte film, and a substantially transparent oxygen permeable membrane. The device is designed to be placed in direct contact with a photosynthetic portion of a living plant, and nondestructive, noninvasive measurement of photosynthetic oxygen production from the plant can be taken by passing light through the fiber-optic cathode, transparent electrolyte and transparent membrane, and onto the plant so that photosynthesis occurs. The oxygen thus produced by the plant is measured polarographically by the electrode. The present invention allows for rapid, nondestructive measurements of photosynthesis in living plants in a manner heretofore impossible using prior art methods. 6 figs.

Transparent conductive coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ashok, S.

1983-01-01

Thin film transparent conductors are discussed. Materials with electrical conductivity and optical transparency are highly desirable in many optoelectronic applications including photovoltaics. Certain binary oxide semiconductors such as tin oxide (SnO2) and indium oxide (In2O3) offer much better performance tradeoff in optoelectronics as well as better mechanical and chemical stability than thin semitransparent films. These thin-film transparent conductors (TC) are essentially wide-bandgap degenerate semiconductors - invariably n-type - and hence are transparent to sub-bandgap (visible) radiation while affording high electrical conductivity due to the large free electron concentration. The principal performance characteristics of TC's are, of course, electrical conductivity and optical transmission. The TC's have a refractive index of around 2.0 and hence act as very efficient antireflection coatings. For using TC's in surface barrier solar cells, the photovoltaic barrier is of utmost importance and so the work function or electron affinity of the TC is also a very important material parameter. Fabrication processes are discussed.

Transparent conductive graphene textile fibers

PubMed Central

Neves, A. I. S.; Bointon, T. H.; Melo, L. V.; Russo, S.; de Schrijver, I.; Craciun, M. F.; Alves, H.

2015-01-01

Transparent and flexible electrodes are widely used on a variety of substrates such as plastics and glass. Yet, to date, transparent electrodes on a textile substrate have not been explored. The exceptional electrical, mechanical and optical properties of monolayer graphene make it highly attractive as a transparent electrode for applications in wearable electronics. Here, we report the transfer of monolayer graphene, grown by chemical vapor deposition on copper foil, to fibers commonly used by the textile industry. The graphene-coated fibers have a sheet resistance as low as ~1 kΩ per square, an equivalent value to the one obtained by the same transfer process onto a Si substrate, with a reduction of only 2.3 per cent in optical transparency while keeping high stability under mechanical stress. With this approach, we successfully achieved the first example of a textile electrode, flexible and truly embedded in a yarn. PMID:25952133

Method and apparatus for nondestructive in vivo measurement of photosynthesis

DOEpatents

Greenbaum, Elias

1988-01-01

A device for in situ, nondestructive measurement of photosynthesis in live plants and photosynthetic microorganisms is disclosed which comprises a Clark-type oxygen electrode having a substantially transparent cathode comprised of an optical fiber having a metallic grid microetched onto its front face and sides, an anode, a substantially transparent electrolyte film, and a substantially transparent oxygen permeable membrane. The device is designed to be placed in direct contact with a photosynthetic portion of a living plant, and nondestructive, noninvasive measurement of photosynthetic oxygen production from the plant can be taken by passing light through the fiber-optic cathode, transparent electroyte and transparent membrane, and onto the plant so that photosynthesis occurs. The oxygen thus produced by the plant is measured polargraphically by the electrode. The present invention allows for rapid, nondestructive measurements of photosynthesis in living plants in a manner heretofore impossible using prior art methods.

Nanocellulose reinforcement of Transparent Composites

Treesearch

Joshua Steele; Hong Dong; James F. Snyder; Josh A. Orlicki; Richard S. Reiner; Alan W. Rudie

2012-01-01

In this work, we evaluate the impact of nanocellulose reinforcement on transparent composite properties. Due to the small diameter, high modulus, and high strength of cellulose nanocrystals, transparent composites that utilize these materials should show improvement in bulk mechanical performances without a corresponding reduction in optical properties. In this study...

Optical coupling of bare optoelectronic components and flexographically printed polymer waveguides in planar optronic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yixiao; Wolfer, Tim; Lange, Alex; Overmeyer, Ludger

2016-05-01

Large scale, planar optronic systems allowing spatially distributed functionalities can be well used in diverse sensor networks, such as for monitoring the environment by measuring various physical quantities in medicine or aeronautics. In these systems, mechanically flexible and optically transparent polymeric foils, e.g. polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are employed as carrier materials. A benefit of using these materials is their low cost. The optical interconnections from light sources to light transmission structures in planar optronic systems occupy a pivotal position for the sensing functions. As light sources, we employ the optoelectronic components, such as edgeemitting laser diodes, in form of bare chips, since their extremely small structures facilitate a high integration compactness and ensure sufficient system flexibility. Flexographically printed polymer optical waveguides are deployed as light guiding structures for short-distance communication in planar optronic systems. Printing processes are utilized for this generation of waveguides to achieve a cost-efficient large scale and high-throughput production. In order to attain a high-functional optronic system for sensing applications, one of the most essential prerequisites is the high coupling efficiency between the light sources and the waveguides. Therefore, in this work, we focus on the multimode polymer waveguide with a parabolic cross-section and investigate its optical coupling with the bare laser diode. We establish the geometrical model of the alignment based on the previous works on the optodic bonding of bare laser diodes and the fabrication process of polymer waveguides with consideration of various parameters, such as the beam profile of the laser diode, the employed polymer properties of the waveguides as well as the carrier substrates etc. Accordingly, the optical coupling of the bare laser diodes and the polymer waveguides was simulated. Additionally, we demonstrate optical links by adopting the aforementioned processes used for defining the simulation. We verify the feasibility of the developed processes for planar optronic systems by using an active alignment and conduct discussions for further improvements of optical alignment.

Biomimetic hairy surfaces as superhydrophobic highly transmissive films for optical applications (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vuellers, Felix; Gomard, Guillaume; Preinfalk, Jan B.; Klampaftis, Efthymios; Worgull, Matthias; Richards, Bryce S.; Hölscher, Hendrik; Kavalenka, Maryna N.

2017-02-01

Combining high optical transmission, water-repellency and self-cleaning is of great interest for optoelectronic devices operating in outdoor conditions, such as photovoltaics where shading can significantly reduce the power output. The surface of water plant Pistia stratiotes combines these functionalities through a dense layer of transparent microhairs. It renders the surface superhydrophobic without affecting absorption of sunlight necessary for photosynthesis. Inspired by this surface, we fabricated a superhydrophobic flexible thin nanofur film made from optical grade polycarbonate using a scalable combination of hot embossing and hot pulling techniques. During fabrication, heated sandblasted steel plates locally elongate softened polymer, thus covering its surface in microcavities surrounded by high aspect ratio micro- and nanohairs. The superhydrophobic nanofur exhibits contact angles of (166+/-6°), low sliding angles (<6°) and is self-cleaning against various contaminants. The overall transmission of the self-standing nanofur film stands above 85% over the visible range, with 97% of the transmitted light scattered forward. Reflection drops below 4% when coated on a polymeric substrate, which can enhance light extraction in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). We report an increase of more than 10% in luminous efficacy for a nanofur coated OLED compared to a bare device. Finally, the nanofur film can be used for enhancing the incoupling of light to solar cells, while additionally providing self-cleaning properties. Optical coupling of the nanofur to a multi-crystalline silicon solar cell results in a 5.8% gain in photocurrent compared to a bare device under normal incidence.

Chitin Nanofibers Extracted from Crab Shells in Broadband Visible Antireflection Coatings with Controlling Layer-by-Layer Deposition and the Application for Durable Antifog Surfaces.

PubMed

Manabe, Kengo; Tanaka, Chie; Moriyama, Yukari; Tenjimbayashi, Mizuki; Nakamura, Chiaki; Tokura, Yuki; Matsubayashi, Takeshi; Kyung, Kyu-Hong; Shiratori, Seimei

2016-11-23

Reflection from various surfaces of many optical systems, such as photovoltaics and displays, is a critical issue for their performance, and antireflection coatings play a pivotal role in a wide variety of optical technologies, reducing light reflectance loss and hence maximizing light transmission. With the current movement toward optically transparent polymeric media and coatings for antireflection technology, the need for economical and environmentally friendly materials and methods without dependence on shape or size has clearly been apparent. Herein, we demonstrate novel antireflection coatings composed of chitin nanofibers (CHINFs), extracted from crab shell as a biomass material through an aqueous-based layer-by-layer self-assembly process to control the porosity. Increasing the number of air spaces inside the membrane led low refractive index, and precise control of refractive index derived from the stacking of the CHINFs achieved the highest transmittance with investigating the surface structure and the refractive index depending on the solution pH. At a wavelength of 550 nm, the transmittance of the coatings was 96.4%, which was 4.8% higher than that of a glass substrate, and their refractive index was 1.30. Further critical properties of the films were the durability and the antifogging performance derived from the mechanical stability and hydrophilicity of CHINFs, respectively. The present study may contribute to a development of systematically designed nanofibrous films which are suitable for optical applications operating at a broadband visible wavelength with durability and antifog surfaces.

A Flexible Optical pH Sensor Based on Polysulfone Membranes Coated with pH-Responsive Polyaniline Nanofibers.

PubMed

Abu-Thabit, Nedal; Umar, Yunusa; Ratemi, Elaref; Ahmad, Ayman; Ahmad Abuilaiwi, Faraj

2016-06-27

A new optical pH sensor based on polysulfone (PSU) and polyaniline (PANI) was developed. A transparent and flexible PSU membrane was employed as a support. The electrically conductive and pH-responsive PANI was deposited onto the membrane surface by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization (COP). The absorption spectra of the PANI-coated PSU membranes exhibited sensitivity to pH changes in the range of 4-12, which allowed for designing a dual wavelength pH optical sensor. The performance of the membranes was assessed by measuring their response starting from high pH and going down to low pH, and vice versa. It was found that it is necessary to precondition the sensor layers before each measurement due to the slight hysteresis observed during forward and backward pH titrations. PSU membranes with polyaniline coating thicknesses in the range of ≈100-200 nm exhibited fast response times of <4 s, which are attributed to the porous, rough and nanofibrillar morphology of the polyaniline coating. The fabricated pH sensor was characterized by a sigmoidal response (R² = 0.997) which allows for pH determination over a wide dynamic range. All membranes were stable for a period of more than six months when stored in 1 M HCl solution. The reproducibility of the fabricated optical pH sensors was found to be <0.02 absorption units after one month storage in 1 M HCl solution. The performance of the optical pH sensor was tested and the obtained pH values were compared with the results obtained using a pH meter device.

A Flexible Optical pH Sensor Based on Polysulfone Membranes Coated with pH-Responsive Polyaniline Nanofibers

PubMed Central

Abu-Thabit, Nedal; Umar, Yunusa; Ratemi, Elaref; Ahmad, Ayman; Ahmad Abuilaiwi, Faraj

2016-01-01

A new optical pH sensor based on polysulfone (PSU) and polyaniline (PANI) was developed. A transparent and flexible PSU membrane was employed as a support. The electrically conductive and pH-responsive PANI was deposited onto the membrane surface by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization (COP). The absorption spectra of the PANI-coated PSU membranes exhibited sensitivity to pH changes in the range of 4–12, which allowed for designing a dual wavelength pH optical sensor. The performance of the membranes was assessed by measuring their response starting from high pH and going down to low pH, and vice versa. It was found that it is necessary to precondition the sensor layers before each measurement due to the slight hysteresis observed during forward and backward pH titrations. PSU membranes with polyaniline coating thicknesses in the range of ≈100–200 nm exhibited fast response times of <4 s, which are attributed to the porous, rough and nanofibrillar morphology of the polyaniline coating. The fabricated pH sensor was characterized by a sigmoidal response (R2 = 0.997) which allows for pH determination over a wide dynamic range. All membranes were stable for a period of more than six months when stored in 1 M HCl solution. The reproducibility of the fabricated optical pH sensors was found to be <0.02 absorption units after one month storage in 1 M HCl solution. The performance of the optical pH sensor was tested and the obtained pH values were compared with the results obtained using a pH meter device. PMID:27355953

21 CFR 178.3740 - Plasticizers in polymeric substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

..., hydrogenated (minimum viscosity at 99 °F, 39 Saybolt Universal seconds, as determined by ASTM methods D445-82 (“Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and the Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)”) and D2161-82 (“Standard Method for Conversion of Kinematic Viscosity to Saybolt...

Cavitation Inside High-Pressure Optically Transparent Fuel Injector Nozzles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falgout, Z.; Linne, M.

2015-12-01

Nozzle-orifice flow and cavitation have an important effect on primary breakup of sprays. For this reason, a number of studies in recent years have used injectors with optically transparent nozzles so that orifice flow cavitation can be examined directly. Many of these studies use injection pressures scaled down from realistic injection pressures used in modern fuel injectors, and so the geometry must be scaled up so that the Reynolds number can be matched with the industrial applications of interest. A relatively small number of studies have shown results at or near the injection pressures used in real systems. Unfortunately, neither the specifics of the design of the optical nozzle nor the design methodology used is explained in detail in these papers. Here, a methodology demonstrating how to prevent failure of a finished design made from commonly used optically transparent materials will be explained in detail, and a description of a new design for transparent nozzles which minimizes size and cost will be shown. The design methodology combines Finite Element Analysis with relevant materials science to evaluate the potential for failure of the finished assembly. Finally, test results imaging a cavitating flow at elevated pressures are presented.

Polymer-Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Composites for Potential Spacecraft Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, C.; Ounaies, Z.; Watson, K. A.; Pawlowski, K.; Lowther, S. E.; Connell, J. W.; Siochi, E. J.; Harrison, J. S.; St.Clair, T. L.; Bushnell, Dennis M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Polymer-single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) composite films were prepared and characterized as part of an effort to develop polymeric materials with improved combinations of properties for potential use on future spacecraft. Next generation spacecraft will require ultra-lightweight materials that possess specific and unique combinations of properties such as radiation and atomic oxygen resistance, low solar absorptivity, high thermal emissitivity, electrical conductivity, tear resistance, ability to be folded and seamed, and good mechanical properties. The objective of this work is to incorporate sufficient electrical conductivity into space durable polyimides to mitigate static charge build-up. The challenge is to obtain this level of conductivity (10(exp -8) S/cm) without degrading other properties of importance, particularly optical transparency. Several different approaches were attempted to fully disperse the SWNTs into the polymer matrix. These included high shear mixing, sonication, and synthesizing the polymers in the presence of pre-dispersed SWNTs. Acceptable levels of conductivity were obtained at loading levels less than one tenth weight percent SWNT without significantly sacrificing optical properties. Characterization of the nanocomposite films and the effect of SWNT concentration and dispersion on the conductivity, solar absorptivity, thermal emissivity, mechanical and thermal properties were discussed. Fibers and non-woven porous mats of SWNT reinforced polymer nanocomposite were produced using electrospinning.

Simulation of 20-year deterioration of acrylic IOLs using severe accelerated deterioration tests.

PubMed

Kawai, Kenji; Hayakawa, Kenji; Suzuki, Takahiro

2012-09-20

To investigate IOL deterioration by conducting severe accelerated deterioration testing of acrylic IOLs. Department of Ophthalmology, Tokai University School of Medicine Methods: Severe accelerated deterioration tests performed on 7 types of acrylic IOLs simulated 20 years of deterioration. IOLs were placed in a screw tube bottle containing ultra-pure water and kept in an oven (100°C) for 115 days. Deterioration was determined based the outer appearance of the IOL in water and under air-dried conditions using an optical microscope. For accelerated deterioration of polymeric material, the elapse of 115 days was considered to be equivalent to 20 years based on the Arrhenius equation. All of the IOLs in the hydrophobic acrylic group except for AU6 showed glistening-like opacity. The entire optical sections of MA60BM and SA60AT became yellowish white in color. Hydrophilic acrylic IOL HP60M showed no opacity at any of the time points examined. Our data based on accelerated testing showed differences in water content to play a major role in transparency. There were differences in opacity among manufacturers. The method we have used for determining the relative time of IOL deterioration might not represent the exact clinical setting, but the appearance of the materials would presumably be very similar to that seen in patients.

Long-lived thermal control materials for high temperature and deep space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitt, Robin; O'Donnell, Tim

1988-01-01

Considerable effort has been put into developing thermal-control materials for the Galileo space-craft. This paper presents a summary of these findings to date with emphasis on requirements, testing and results for the post-Challenger Galileo mission. Polyimide film (Kapton), due to its inherent stability in vacuum, UV, and radiation environments, combined with good mechanical properties over a large temperature range, has been the preferred substrate for spacecraft thermal control materials. Composite outer layers, using Kapton substrates, can be fabricated to meet the requirements of severe space environments. Included in the processing of Kapton-based composite outer layers can be the deposition of metal oxide, metallic and/or polymeric thin-film coatings to provide desirable electrical, optical and thermo-optical properties. In addition, reinforcement of Kapton substrates with fabrics and films is done to improve mechanical properties. Also these substrates can be filled with varying amounts of carbon to achieve particular electrical properties. The investigation and material development reported on here has led to improved thermo-gravimetric stability, surface conductivity, RF transparency, radiation and UV stability, flammability and handle-ability of outer layer thermal control materials for deep space and near-sun spacecraft. Designing, testing, and qualifying composite thermal-control film materials to meet the requirements of the Galileo spacecraft is the scope of this paper.

Fabrication of a single sub-micron pore spanning a single crystal (100) diamond membrane and impact on particle translocation [Particle translocation through a single crystal diamond pore fabricated by electron beam induced chemical etching

DOE PAGES

Webb, Jennifer R.; Martin, Aiden A.; Johnson, Robert P.; ...

2017-06-21

The fabrication of sub-micron pores in single crystal diamond membranes, which span the entirety of the membrane, is described for the first time, and the translocation properties of polymeric particles through the pore investigated. The pores are produced using a combination of laser micromachining to form the membrane and electron beam induced etching to form the pore. Single crystal diamond as the membrane material, has the advantages of chemical stability and durability, does not hydrate and swell, has outstanding electrical properties that facilitate fast, low noise current-time measurements and is optically transparent for combined optical-conductance sensing. The resulting pores aremore » characterized individually using both conductance measurements, employing a microcapillary electrochemical setup, and electron microscopy. Proof-of-concept experiments to sense charged polystyrene particles as they are electrophoretically driven through a single diamond pore are performed, and the impact of this new pore material on particle translocation is explored. As a result, these findings reveal the potential of diamond as a platform for pore-based sensing technologies and pave the way for the fabrication of single nanopores which span the entirety of a diamond membrane.« less

Fabrication of a single sub-micron pore spanning a single crystal (100) diamond membrane and impact on particle translocation [Particle translocation through a single crystal diamond pore fabricated by electron beam induced chemical etching

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Webb, Jennifer R.; Martin, Aiden A.; Johnson, Robert P.

The fabrication of sub-micron pores in single crystal diamond membranes, which span the entirety of the membrane, is described for the first time, and the translocation properties of polymeric particles through the pore investigated. The pores are produced using a combination of laser micromachining to form the membrane and electron beam induced etching to form the pore. Single crystal diamond as the membrane material, has the advantages of chemical stability and durability, does not hydrate and swell, has outstanding electrical properties that facilitate fast, low noise current-time measurements and is optically transparent for combined optical-conductance sensing. The resulting pores aremore » characterized individually using both conductance measurements, employing a microcapillary electrochemical setup, and electron microscopy. Proof-of-concept experiments to sense charged polystyrene particles as they are electrophoretically driven through a single diamond pore are performed, and the impact of this new pore material on particle translocation is explored. As a result, these findings reveal the potential of diamond as a platform for pore-based sensing technologies and pave the way for the fabrication of single nanopores which span the entirety of a diamond membrane.« less

Epoxy and Silicone Optical Nanocomposites Filled with Grafted Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Peng

Polymer nanocomposites, as a technologically important class of materials, exhibit diverse functional properties, and are used for applications ranging from structural and biomedical to electronic and optical. The properties of polymer nanocomposites are determined, in part, by the chemical composition of the polymer matrix and the nanofillers. Their properties are also sensitive to the geometry and size of the nanofillers, and to spatial distribution of the fillers. Control of the nanoparticle size and dispersion within a given polymer provides opportunities to tailor and optimize the properties of nanocomposites for specific application. For optical applications such as encapsulation of light emitting diodes (LEDs), polymer nanocomposites filled with homogeneously dispersed nanoparticles would endow the polymer encapsulant with new functionality without sacrificing optical transparency. To this end, this thesis focuses on developing a simple and versatile approach towards the fabrication of epoxy and silicone transparent nanocomposites using matrix compatible chain-grafted nanoparticles as fillers, and studying the optical properties of the nanocomposites. The surface chemistry and grafted polymer chain design have been shown to play an important role in determining the dispersion state of the grafted nanoparticles and hence the final optical properties of the nanocomposites. To prepare transparent epoxy nanocomposites, poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) chains were grafted onto the optical nanoparticle surfaces via a combined phosphate ligand exchange process and azide-alkyne "click" chemistry. The dispersion behavior of PGMA-grafted nanoparticles within the epoxy matrix was investigated by systematically varying the grafting density and grafted chain length. It was found that within the small molecular weight epoxy resins, the dispersion states are more sensitive to the grafting density than the molecular weight of grafted chains. With high grafting densities, the grafted PGMA brushes effectively screen the van der Waals attraction between the particles, and homogenous nanoparticle dispersions of grafted nanoparticles were obtained. Transparent high refractive index TiO2/epoxy thin film and bulk nancomposites were obtained by dispersing PGMA brushes-grafted TiO2 nanoparticles into a commercial epoxy matrix. The refractive index of the nanocomposites showed a linear dependence on the volume fraction of TiO2 nanoparticles and the optical transparency could be generally described by the Rayleigh scattering model. This powerful dispersing technique was further employed to make visibly transparent, UV/IR blocking ITO/epoxy nanocomposites which can be easily applied onto glass and plastic substrates as energy saving optical coating materials. To produce transparent silicone nanocomposites, we directly coupled phosphate-terminated PDMS chains onto the optical nanoparticle surface. It was observed that the mono-modal PDMS-grafted particles usually formed agglomerates within silicone matrices, whereas the bimodal PDMS-grafted particles were able to be individually dispersed even within high molecular weight matrices. Transparent high refractive index bulk TiO2/silicone nanocomposites were successfully prepared by filling with bimodal PDMS-grafted TiO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, we used the PDMS-grafted TiO2/silicone nanocomposite as a model system to create a methodology to predict and control the dispersion behavior of grafted nanoparticles. The good agreement between experimental observation of dispersion of mono-modal and bimodal grafted particles and theoretical prediction would better guide future experiments and lead to predictability in polymer composite design. Finally, the bimodal grafted chain design was implemented in the preparation of transparent and luminescent CdSe/silicone nanocomposites with potential application as non-scattering light conversion materials for LEDs. The homogeneous dispersion of bimodal PDMS-grafted CdSe quantum dots not only minimizes the transparency loss due to scattering, but also benefits the uniformity and long-term stability of photoluminescence of the nanocomposites.

Polymeric endovascular strut and lumen detection algorithm for intracoronary optical coherence tomography images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amrute, Junedh M.; Athanasiou, Lambros S.; Rikhtegar, Farhad; de la Torre Hernández, José M.; Camarero, Tamara García; Edelman, Elazer R.

2018-03-01

Polymeric endovascular implants are the next step in minimally invasive vascular interventions. As an alternative to traditional metallic drug-eluting stents, these often-erodible scaffolds present opportunities and challenges for patients and clinicians. Theoretically, as they resorb and are absorbed over time, they obviate the long-term complications of permanent implants, but in the short-term visualization and therefore positioning is problematic. Polymeric scaffolds can only be fully imaged using optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging-they are relatively invisible via angiography-and segmentation of polymeric struts in OCT images is performed manually, a laborious and intractable procedure for large datasets. Traditional lumen detection methods using implant struts as boundary limits fail in images with polymeric implants. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an automated method to detect polymeric struts and luminal borders in OCT images; we present such a fully automated algorithm. Accuracy was validated using expert annotations on 1140 OCT images with a positive predictive value of 0.93 for strut detection and an R2 correlation coefficient of 0.94 between detected and expert-annotated lumen areas. The proposed algorithm allows for rapid, accurate, and automated detection of polymeric struts and the luminal border in OCT images.

Electrode with transparent series resistance for uniform switching of optical modulation devices

DOEpatents

Tench, D Morgan [Camarillo, CA; Cunningham, Michael A [Thousand Oaks, CA; Kobrin, Paul H [Newbury Park, CA

2008-01-08

Switching uniformity of an optical modulation device for controlling the propagation of electromagnetic radiation is improved by use of an electrode comprising an electrically resistive layer that is transparent to the radiation. The resistive layer is preferably an innerlayer of a wide-bandgap oxide sandwiched between layers of indium tin oxide or another transparent conductor, and may be of uniform thickness, or may be graded so as to provide further improvement in the switching uniformity. The electrode may be used with electrochromic and reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) smart window devices, as well as display devices based on various technologies.

Reverse saturable absorption studies in polymerized indole - Effect of polymerization in the phenomenal enhancement of third order optical nonlinearity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayakrishnan, K.; Joseph, Antony; Bhattathiripad, Jayakrishnan; Ramesan, M. T.; Chandrasekharan, K.; Siji Narendran, N. K.

2016-04-01

We report our results on the identification of large order enhancement in nonlinear optical coefficients of polymerized indole and its comparative study with reference to its monomer counterpart. Indole monomer shows virtually little third order effects whereas its polymerized version exhibits phenomenal increase in its third order nonlinear optical parameters such as nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption. Open aperture Z-scan trace of polyindole done with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser source (532 nm, 7 ns), shows β value as high as 89 cm/GW at a beam energy of 0.83 GW/cm2. Closed aperture Z-scan done at identical energies reveals nonlinear refractive index of the order of -3.55 × 10-17 m2/W. Band gap measurement of polyindole was done with UV-Vis absorption spectra and compared with that of Indole. FTIR spectra of the monomer and polymerized versions were recorded and relevant bond formations were confirmed from the characteristic peaks. Photo luminescent spectra were investigated to know the emission features of both molecules. Beam energy (I0) versus nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) plot indicates reverse saturable type of absorption behaviour in polyindole molecules. Degenerate Four Wave Mixing (DFWM) plot of polyindole reveals quite a cubic dependence between probe and phase conjugate signal and the resulting χ(3) is comparable with Z-scan results. Optical limiting efficiency of polyindole is comparable with certain derivatives of porphyrins, phthalocyanines and graphene oxides.

Self-catalyzed photo-initiated RAFT polymerization for fabrication of fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles with aggregation-induced emission feature.

PubMed

Zeng, Guangjian; Liu, Meiying; Jiang, Ruming; Huang, Qiang; Huang, Long; Wan, Qing; Dai, Yanfeng; Wen, Yuanqing; Zhang, Xiaoyong; Wei, Yen

2018-02-01

In recent years, the fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles (FPNs) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) feature have been extensively exploited in various biomedical fields owing to their advantages, such as low toxicity, biodegradation, excellent biocompatibility, good designability and optical properties. Therefore, development of a facile, efficient and well designable strategy should be of great importance for the biomedical applications of these AIE-active FPNs. In this work, a novel method for the fabrication of AIE-active FPNs has been developed through the self-catalyzed photo-initiated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using an AIE dye containing chain transfer agent (CTA), which could initiate the RAFT polymerization under light irradiation. The results suggested that the final AIE-active FPNs (named as TPE-poly(St-PEGMA)) showed great potential for biomedical applications owing to their optical and biological properties. More importantly, the method described in the work is rather simple and effective and can be further extended to prepare many other different AIE-active FPNs owing to the good monomer adoptability of RAFT polymerization. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optically transparent and environmentally durable superhydrophobic coating based on functionalized SiO 2 nanoparticles

DOE PAGES

Schaeffer, Daniel A.; Polizos, Georgios; Smith, D. Barton; ...

2015-01-09

Optical surfaces such as mirrors and windows that are exposed to outdoor environmental conditions are susceptible to dust buildup and water condensation. The application of transparent superhydrophobic coatings on optical surfaces can improve outdoor performance via a self-cleaning effect similar to the Lotus effect. The contact angle (CA) of water droplets on a typical hydrophobic flat surface varies from 100° to 120°. Adding roughness or microtexture to a hydrophobic surface leads to an enhancement of hydrophobicity and the CA can be increased to a value in the range of 16≥0° to 175°. This result is remarkable because such behavior cannotmore » be explained using surface chemistry alone. When surface features are on the order of 100 nm or smaller, surfaces exhibit superhydrophobic behavior and maintain their optical transparency. In this work we discuss our results on transparent superhydrophobic coatings that can be applied across large surface areas. We have used functionalized silica nanoparticles to coat various optical elements and have measured the contact angle and optical transmission between 190 to 1100 nm on these elements. The functionalized silica nanoparticles were dissolved in a solution of the solvents isopropyl alcohol and 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride (PCBTF) and a proprietary ceramic binder (Cerakote ). Finally, this solution was spin-coated onto a variety of test glass substrates, and following a curing period of about 30 minutes, these coatings exhibited superhydrophobic behavior with a static CA ≥160°.« less

Optical high acidity sensor

DOEpatents

Jorgensen, Betty S.; Nekimken, Howard L.; Carey, W. Patrick; O'Rourke, Patrick E.

1997-01-01

An apparatus and method for determining acid concentrations in solutions having acid concentrations of from about 0.1 Molar to about 16 Molar is disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber for interrogation of the sample solution, a fiber optic light source for passing light transversely through the chamber, a fiber optic collector for receiving the collimated light after transmission through the chamber, a coating of an acid resistant polymeric composition upon at least one fiber end or lens, the polymeric composition in contact with the sample solution within the chamber and having a detectable response to acid concentrations within the range of from about 0.1 Molar to about 16 Molar, a measurer for the response of the polymeric composition in contact with the sample solution, and, a comparer of the measured response to predetermined standards whereby the acid molarity of the sample solution within the chamber can be determined. Preferably, a first lens is attached to the end of the fiber optic light source, the first lens adapted to collimate light from the fiber optic light source, and a second lens is attached to the end of the fiber optic collector for focusing the collimated light after transmission through the chamber.

Optical high acidity sensor

DOEpatents

Jorgensen, B.S.; Nekimken, H.L.; Carey, W.P.; O`Rourke, P.E.

1997-07-22

An apparatus and method for determining acid concentrations in solutions having acid concentrations of from about 0.1 Molar to about 16 Molar is disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber for interrogation of the sample solution, a fiber optic light source for passing light transversely through the chamber, a fiber optic collector for receiving the collimated light after transmission through the chamber, a coating of an acid resistant polymeric composition upon at least one fiber end or lens, the polymeric composition in contact with the sample solution within the chamber and having a detectable response to acid concentrations within the range of from about 0.1 Molar to about 16 Molar, a measurer for the response of the polymeric composition in contact with the sample solution, and a comparer of the measured response to predetermined standards whereby the acid molarity of the sample solution within the chamber can be determined. Preferably, a first lens is attached to the end of the fiber optic light source, the first lens adapted to collimate light from the fiber optic light source, and a second lens is attached to the end of the fiber optic collector for focusing the collimated light after transmission through the chamber. 10 figs.

Seed-Surface Grafting Precipitation Polymerization for Preparing Microsized Optically Active Helical Polymer Core/Shell Particles and Their Application in Enantioselective Crystallization.

PubMed

Zhao, Biao; Lin, Jiangfeng; Deng, Jianping; Liu, Dong

2018-05-14

Core/shell particles constructed by polymer shell and silica core have constituted a significant category of advanced functional materials. However, constructing microsized optically active helical polymer core/shell particles still remains as a big academic challenge due to the lack of effective and universal preparation methods. In this study, a seed-surface grafting precipitation polymerization (SSGPP) strategy is developed for preparing microsized core/shell particles with SiO 2 as core on which helically substituted polyacetylene is covalently bonded as shell. The resulting core/shell particles exhibit fascinating optical activity and efficiently induce enantioselective crystallization of racemic threonine. Taking advantage of the preparation strategy, novel achiral polymeric and hybrid core/shell particles are also expected. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A spectroscopic study of the chromatic properties of GafChromicEBT3 films.

PubMed

Callens, M; Crijns, W; Simons, V; De Wolf, I; Depuydt, T; Maes, F; Haustermans, K; D'hooge, J; D'Agostino, E; Wevers, M; Pfeiffer, H; Van Den Abeele, K

2016-03-01

This work provides an interpretation of the chromatic properties of GafChromicEBT3 films based on the chemical nature of the polydiacetylene (PDA) molecules formed upon interaction with ionizing radiation. The EBT3 films become optically less transparent with increasing radiation dose as a result of the radiation-induced polymerization of diacetylene monomers. In contrast to empirical quantification of the chromatic properties, less attention has been given to the underlying molecular mechanism that induces the strong decrease in transparency. Unlaminated GafChromicEBT3 films were irradiated with a 6 MV photon beam to dose levels up to 20 Gy. The optical absorption properties of the films were investigated using visible (vis) spectroscopy. The presence of PDA molecules in the active layer of the EBT3 films was investigated using Raman spectroscopy, which probes the vibrational modes of the molecules in the layer. The vibrational modes assigned to PDA's were used in a theoretical vis-absorption model to fit our experimental vis-absorption spectra. From the fit parameters, one can assess the relative contribution of different PDA conformations and the length distribution of PDA's in the film. Vis-spectroscopy shows that the optical density increases with dose in the full region of the visible spectrum. The Raman spectrum is dominated by two vibrational modes, most notably by the ν(C≡C) and the ν(C=C) stretching modes of the PDA backbone. By fitting the vis-absorption model to experimental spectra, it is found that the active layer contains two distinct PDA conformations with different absorption properties and reaction kinetics. Furthermore, the mean PDA conjugation length is found to be 2-3 orders of magnitude smaller than the crystals PDA's are embedded in. Vis- and Raman spectroscopy provided more insight into the molecular nature of the radiochromic properties of EBT3 films through the identification of the excited states of PDA and the presence of two PDA conformations. The improved knowledge on the molecular composition of EBT3's active layer provides a framework for future fundamental modeling of the dose-response.

A Thermally Re-mendable Cross-Linked Polymeric Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiangxu; Dam, Matheus A.; Ono, Kanji; Mal, Ajit; Shen, Hongbin; Nutt, Steven R.; Sheran, Kevin; Wudl, Fred

2002-03-01

We have developed a transparent organic polymeric material that can repeatedly mend or ``re-mend'' itself under mild conditions. The material is a tough solid at room temperature and below with mechanical properties equaling those of commercial epoxy resins. At temperatures above 120°C, approximately 30% (as determined by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) of ``intermonomer'' linkages disconnect but then reconnect upon cooling, This process is fully reversible and can be used to restore a fractured part of the polymer multiple times, and it does not require additional ingredients such as a catalyst, additional monomer, or special surface treatment of the fractured interface.

Twisted nematic liquid crystal cells with rubbed poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) films for active polarization control of terahertz waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasaki, Tomoyuki; Okuyama, Hiroki; Sakamoto, Moritsugu; Noda, Kohei; Okamoto, Hiroyuki; Kawatsuki, Nobuhiro; Ono, Hiroshi

2017-04-01

We fabricated a terahertz (THz) polarization converter using a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal (LC) cell. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) films coated on quartz glass substrates were used as electrode layers in the TN LC cell. The PEDOT/PSS films were rubbed unidirectionally using a rayon cloth to align the nematic LC, thereby also serving as an alignment layer. The azimuthal surface anchoring strength of the PEDOT/PSS films was measured to be 5 × 10-4 J/m2 using the Néel wall method, which is similar to that of typical polymeric alignment layers. The optical constants of the PEDOT/PSS film in the THz range were also characterized using the Drude-Smith model, and the results indicated that the PEDOT/PSS films could be used both as transparent electrodes in the THz range and as alignment layers for the LC. The electro-optical properties of the fabricated TN LC cell were also investigated using a polarized visible laser and THz time-domain spectroscopic system. In particular, the transmission spectra and polarization conversion property of the TN LC cell in the THz range were theoretically analyzed based on a stratified model that considers optical anisotropy, absorption, and multiple interference. This work substantiates the advantages of TN LC cells with rubbed PEDOT/PSS films useful for THz polarization converters with electrical tunability.

Fabrication of Slippery Lubricant-Infused Porous Surface with High Underwater Transparency for the Control of Marine Biofouling.

PubMed

Wang, Peng; Zhang, Dun; Sun, Shimei; Li, Tianping; Sun, Yan

2017-01-11

Marine optical instruments are bearing serious biofouling problem, which affects the accuracy of data collected. To solve the biofouling problem of marine optical instruments, a novel instance of slippery lubricant-infused porous surface (SLIPS) with high underwater-transparency was designed over glass substrate via infusing lubricant into its porous microstructure fabricated with hydrothermal method. The advantage of SLIPS as antibiofouling strategy to marine optical instruments was proven by comparing its underwater optical and antibiofouling performances with three kinds of samples (hydrophilic glass sample, textured hydrophilic glass sample, and superhydrophobic glass sample). The modification of SLIPS enhances the underwater-transparency of glass sample within the wavelength of 500-800 nm, for the infusion of lubricant with lower refractive index than glass substrate. In contrast with hydrophilic surface, textured hydrophilic surface and superhydrophobic surface, SLIPS can significantly inhibit bacterial and algal settlements, thereby maintaining high underwater-transparency in both dynamic and static seawater. The inhibition of bacterial and algal settlements over SLIPS results from its liquid-like property. The contact angle hysteresis of water over SLIPS increases with immersion time in seawater under different conditions (static, dynamic, and vibration conditions). Both dynamic and vibration conditions accelerate the failure of SLIPS exposed in seawater. This research provides valuable information for solving biofouling problem of marine optical instruments with SLIPS.

Transparent photocatalytic coatings on the surface of the tips of medical fibre-optic bundles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evstropiev, S. K.; Volynkin, V. M.; Kiselev, V. M.; Dukelskii, K. V.; Evstropyev, K. S.; Demidov, V. V.; Gatchin, Yu. A.

2017-12-01

We report the results of the development of the sol - gel method for obtaining thin, transparent (in the visible part of the spectrum) TiO2/MgO coatings on the surfaces of the tips of medical fibre-optic bundles. Such coatings are capable of generating singlet oxygen under the action of UV radiation and are characterised by high antibacterial activity.

Stretchable Transparent Electrode Arrays for Simultaneous Electrical and Optical Interrogation of Neural Circuits in Vivo.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Liu, Xiaojun; Xu, Wenjing; Luo, Wenhan; Li, Ming; Chu, Fangbing; Xu, Lu; Cao, Anyuan; Guan, Jisong; Tang, Shiming; Duan, Xiaojie

2018-05-09

Recent developments of transparent electrode arrays provide a unique capability for simultaneous optical and electrical interrogation of neural circuits in the brain. However, none of these electrode arrays possess the stretchability highly desired for interfacing with mechanically active neural systems, such as the brain under injury, the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Here, we report a stretchable transparent electrode array from carbon nanotube (CNT) web-like thin films that retains excellent electrochemical performance and broad-band optical transparency under stretching and is highly durable under cyclic stretching deformation. We show that the CNT electrodes record well-defined neuronal response signals with negligible light-induced artifacts from cortical surfaces under optogenetic stimulation. Simultaneous two-photon calcium imaging through the transparent CNT electrodes from cortical surfaces of GCaMP-expressing mice with epilepsy shows individual activated neurons in brain regions from which the concurrent electrical recording is taken, thus providing complementary cellular information in addition to the high-temporal-resolution electrical recording. Notably, the studies on rats show that the CNT electrodes remain operational during and after brain contusion that involves the rapid deformation of both the electrode array and brain tissue. This enables real-time, continuous electrophysiological monitoring of cortical activity under traumatic brain injury. These results highlight the potential application of the stretchable transparent CNT electrode arrays in combining electrical and optical modalities to study neural circuits, especially under mechanically active conditions, which could potentially provide important new insights into the local circuit dynamics of the spinal cord and PNS as well as the mechanism underlying traumatic injuries of the nervous system.

Polymeric nanoparticles for optical sensing.

PubMed

Canfarotta, Francesco; Whitcombe, Michael J; Piletsky, Sergey A

2013-12-01

Nanotechnology is a powerful tool for use in diagnostic applications. For these purposes a variety of functional nanoparticles containing fluorescent labels, gold and quantum dots at their cores have been produced, with the aim of enhanced sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities. This work will review progress in the application of polymeric nanoparticles in optical diagnostics, both for in vitro and in vivo detection, together with a discussion of their biodistribution and biocompatibility. © 2013.

Fabrication and microstructure of cerium doped lutetium aluminum garnet (Ce:LuAG) transparent ceramics by solid-state reaction method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Junlang, E-mail: lijunlangx@163.com; Xu, Jian, E-mail: xu.jian.57z@st.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Division of Materials Function, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501

2014-07-01

Highlights: • We fabricate Ce doped lutetium aluminum garnet ceramics by solid-state method. • The raw materials include Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanopowders synthesized by co-precipitation method. • The density of the transparent ceramics reach 99.7% of the theoretical value. • The optical transmittance of the bulk ceramic at 550 nm was 57.48%. • Some scattering centers decrease the optical characteristic of the ceramic. - Abstract: Polycrystalline Ce{sup 3+} doped lutetium aluminum garnet (Ce:LuAG) transparent ceramics fabricated by one step solid-state reaction method using synthetic nano-sized Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}, commercial α-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and CeO{sub 2} powders were investigated in thismore » paper. The green compacts shaped by the mixed powders were successfully densified into Ce:LuAG transparent ceramics after vacuum sintering at 1750 °C for 10 h. The in-line optical transmittance of the Ce:LuAG ceramic made by home-made Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3} powders could reach 57.48% at 550 nm, which was higher than that of the ceramic made by commercial Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3} powders (22.96%). The microstructure observation showed that light scattering centers caused by micro-pores, aluminum segregation and refraction index inhomogeneities induced the decrease of optical transparency of the Ce:LuAG ceramics, which should be removed and optimized in the future work.« less

Fabrication and characterization of lithographically patterned and optically transparent anodic aluminum Oxide (AAO) nanostructure thin film.

PubMed

He, Yuan; Li, Xiang; Que, Long

2012-10-01

Optically transparent anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanostructure thin film has been successfully fabricated from lithographically patterned aluminum on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates for the first time, indicating the feasibility to integrate the AAO nanostructures with microdevices or microfluidics for a variety of applications. Both one-step and two-step anodization processes using sulfuric acid and oxalic acid have been utilized for fabricating the AAO nanostructure thin film. The optical properties of the fabricated AAO nanostructure thin film have been evaluated and analyzed.

Polymeric variable optical attenuators based on magnetic sensitive stimuli materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Pedro, S.; Cadarso, V. J.; Ackermann, T. N.; Muñoz-Berbel, X.; Plaza, J. A.; Brugger, J.; Büttgenbach, S.; Llobera, A.

2014-12-01

Magnetically-actuable, polymer-based variable optical attenuators (VOA) are presented in this paper. The design comprises a cantilever which also plays the role of a waveguide and the input/output alignment elements for simple alignment, yet still rendering an efficient coupling. Magnetic properties have been conferred to these micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS) by implementing two different strategies: in the first case, a magnetic sensitive stimuli material (M-SSM) is obtained by a combination of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and ferrofluid (FF) in ratios between 14.9 wt % and 29.9 wt %. An M-SSM strip under the waveguide-cantilever, defined with soft lithography (SLT), provides the required actuation capability. In the second case, specific volumes of FF are dispensed at the end of the cantilever tip (outside the waveguide) by means of inkjet printing (IJP), obtaining the required magnetic response while holding the optical transparency of the waveguide-cantilever. In the absence of a magnetic field, the waveguide-cantilever is aligned with the output fiber optics and thus the intrinsic optical losses can be obtained. Numerical simulations, validated experimentally, have shown that, for any cantilever length, the VOAs defined by IJP present lower intrinsic optical losses than their SLT counterparts. Under an applied magnetic field (Bapp), both VOA configurations experience a misalignment between the waveguide-cantilever and the output fiber optics. Thus, the proposed VOAs modulate the output power as a function of the cantilever displacement, which is proportional to Bapp. The experimental results for the three different waveguide-cantilever lengths and six different FF concentrations (three per technology) show maximum deflections of 220 µm at 29.9 wt % of FF for VOASLT and 250 µm at 22.3 wt % FF for VOAIJP, at 0.57 kG for both. These deflections provide maximum actuation losses of 16.1 dB and 18.9 dB for the VOASLT and VOAIJP, respectively.

Crystal Growth of New Functional Materials for Electro-Optical Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

Ga2O3 single crystals have been grown by the floating zone technique as promising transparent conductive oxides. 1. INTRODUCTION The important role of...through the addition of dopants while preserving the transparency of the pure B- Ga2O3 makes of this material a substitutive candidate for transparent

Transparent magnesium aluminate spinel: a prospective biomaterial for esthetic orthodontic brackets.

PubMed

Krishnan, Manu; Tiwari, Brijesh; Seema, Saraswathy; Kalra, Namitha; Biswas, Papiya; Rajeswari, Kotikalapudi; Suresh, Madireddy Buchi; Johnson, Roy; Gokhale, Nitin M; Iyer, Satish R; Londhe, Sanjay; Arora, Vimal; Tripathi, Rajendra P

2014-11-01

Adult orthodontics is recently gaining popularity due to its importance in esthetics, oral and general health. However, none of the currently available alumina or zirconia based ceramic orthodontic brackets meet the esthetic demands of adult patients. Inherent hexagonal lattice structure and associated birefringence limits the visible light transmission in polycrystalline alumina and make them appear white and non transparent. Hence focus of the present study was to assess the feasibility of using magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) spinel; a member of the transparent ceramic family for esthetic orthodontic brackets. Transparent spinel specimens were developed from commercially available white spinel powder through colloidal shaping followed by pressureless sintering and hot isostatic pressing at optimum conditions of temperature and pressure. Samples were characterized for chemical composition, phases, density, hardness, flexural strength, fracture toughness and optical transmission. Biocompatibility was evaluated with in-vitro cell line experiments for cytotoxicity, apoptosis and genotoxicity. Results showed that transparent spinel samples had requisite physico-chemical, mechanical, optical and excellent biocompatibility for fabricating orthodontic brackets. Transparent spinel developed through this method demonstrated its possibility as a prospective biomaterial for developing esthetic orthodontic brackets.

Performance analysis and comparison of ITO- and FTO-based optically transparent terahertz U-shaped patch antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thampy, Anand Sreekantan; Dhamodharan, Sriram Kumar

2015-02-01

An indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) and a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-based optically transparent U-shaped patch antennas are designed to resonate at 750 GHz and their performances are analyzed. Impedance bandwidth, radiation efficiency, directivity and gain of the proposed antennas are investigated. The proposed transparent antenna's characteristics are compared with the copper-based non-transparent U-shaped patch antenna, which is also designed to resonate at 750 GHz. Terahertz antennas are essential for inter-satellite communications systems to enable the adequate spatial resolution, broad bandwidth, higher data rates and highly directional beam with secured data transfer. The proposed ITO- and FTO-based transparent antennas have yielded impedance bandwidth of 9.54% and 11.49%, respectively, in the band 719-791 GHz and 714-801 GHz, respectively. The peak gain for ITO and FTO based transparent antennas is 3.35 dB and 2.26 dB at 732 GHz and 801 GHz, respectively. The proposed antennas are designed and simulated by using a finite element method based electromagnetic solver, Ansys - HFSS.

A visible light-curable yet visible wavelength-transparent resin for stereolithography 3D printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Hong Key; Shin, Mikyung; Kim, Bongkyun; Park, Jin Woo; Lee, Haeshin

2018-04-01

Herein, a new polymeric resin for stereolithography (SLA) three-dimensional printing (SLA-3DP) is reported. An ultraviolet (UV) or visible (VIS) light source is critical for SLA printing technology. UV light can be used to manufacture 3D objects in SLA-3DP, but there are significant occupational safety and health issues (particularly for eyes). These issues prevent the widespread use of SLA-3DP at home or in the office. Through the use of VIS light, the safety and health issues can largely be solved, but only non-transparent 3D objects can be manufactured, which prevents the application of 3DP to the production of various common transparent consumer products. For these reasons, we developed a VIS light-curable yet visibly transparent resin for SLA-3DP, which also retains UV curability. The key was to identify the photoinitiator diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (DPTBP). DPTBP was originally designed as a UV photoinitiator, but we found that VIS light irradiation is sufficient to split DPTBP and generate radicals due to its slight VIS light absorption up to 420 nm. The cured resin displays high transparency and beautiful transparent colors by incorporating various dyes; additionally, its mechanical properties are superior to those of commercial resins (Arario 410) and photoinitiators (Irgacure 2959).

Sol-gel chemistry by ring-opening polymerization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

RAHIMIAN,KAMYAR; LOY,DOUGLAS A.

2000-02-07

Sol-gel processing of materials is plagued by shrinkage during polymerization of the alkoxide monomers and processing (aging and drying) of the resulting gels. The authors have developed a new class of hybrid organic-inorganic materials based on the solventless ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of monomers bearing the 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-2,5-disilaoxacyclopentyl group, which permits them to drastically reduce shrinkage in sol-gel processed materials. Because the monomers are polymerized through a chain growth mechanism catalyzed by base rather than the step growth mechanism normally used in sol-gel systems, hydrolysis and condensation products are entirely eliminated. Furthermore, since water is not required for hydrolysis, an alcohol solventmore » is not necessary. Monomers with two disilaoxacyclopentyl groups, separated by a rigid phenylene group or a more flexible alkylene group, were prepared through disilylation of the corresponding diacetylenes, followed by ring closure and hydrogenation. Anionic polymerization of these materials, either neat or with 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-2,5-disila-1-oxacyclopentane as a copolymer, affords thermally stable transparent gels with no visible shrinkage. These materials provide an easy route to the introduction of sol-gel type materials in encapsulation of microelectronics, which they have successfully demonstrated.« less

Graphene-based carbon-layered electrode array technology for neural imaging and optogenetic applications

PubMed Central

Park, Dong-Wook; Schendel, Amelia A.; Mikael, Solomon; Brodnick, Sarah K.; Richner, Thomas J.; Ness, Jared P.; Hayat, Mohammed R.; Atry, Farid; Frye, Seth T.; Pashaie, Ramin; Thongpang, Sanitta; Ma, Zhenqiang; Williams, Justin C.

2014-01-01

Neural micro-electrode arrays that are transparent over a broad wavelength spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared could allow for simultaneous electrophysiology and optical imaging, as well as optogenetic modulation of the underlying brain tissue. The long-term biocompatibility and reliability of neural micro-electrodes also require their mechanical flexibility and compliance with soft tissues. Here we present a graphene-based, carbon-layered electrode array (CLEAR) device, which can be implanted on the brain surface in rodents for high-resolution neurophysiological recording. We characterize optical transparency of the device at >90% transmission over the ultraviolet to infrared spectrum and demonstrate its utility through optical interface experiments that use this broad spectrum transparency. These include optogenetic activation of focal cortical areas directly beneath electrodes, in vivo imaging of the cortical vasculature via fluorescence microscopy and 3D optical coherence tomography. This study demonstrates an array of interfacing abilities of the CLEAR device and its utility for neural applications. PMID:25327513

Particle image velocimetry measurements in an anatomical vascular model fabricated using inkjet 3D printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aycock, Kenneth I.; Hariharan, Prasanna; Craven, Brent A.

2017-11-01

For decades, the study of biomedical fluid dynamics using optical flow visualization and measurement techniques has been limited by the inability to fabricate transparent physical models that realistically replicate the complex morphology of biological lumens. In this study, we present an approach for producing optically transparent anatomical models that are suitable for particle image velocimetry (PIV) using a common 3D inkjet printing process (PolyJet) and stock resin (VeroClear). By matching the index of refraction of the VeroClear material using a room-temperature mixture of water, sodium iodide, and glycerol, and by printing the part in an orientation such that the flat, optical surfaces are at an approximately 45° angle to the build plane, we overcome the challenges associated with using this 3D printing technique for PIV. Here, we summarize our methodology and demonstrate the process and the resultant PIV measurements of flow in an optically transparent anatomical model of the human inferior vena cava.

X-ray laser microscope apparatus

DOEpatents

Suckewer, Szymon; DiCicco, Darrell S.; Hirschberg, Joseph G.; Meixler, Lewis D.; Sathre, Robert; Skinner, Charles H.

1990-01-01

A microscope consisting of an x-ray contact microscope and an optical microscope. The optical, phase contrast, microscope is used to align a target with respect to a source of soft x-rays. The source of soft x-rays preferably comprises an x-ray laser but could comprise a synchrotron or other pulse source of x-rays. Transparent resist material is used to support the target. The optical microscope is located on the opposite side of the transparent resist material from the target and is employed to align the target with respect to the anticipated soft x-ray laser beam. After alignment with the use of the optical microscope, the target is exposed to the soft x-ray laser beam. The x-ray sensitive transparent resist material whose chemical bonds are altered by the x-ray beam passing through the target mater GOVERNMENT LICENSE RIGHTS This invention was made with government support under Contract No. De-FG02-86ER13609 awarded by the Department of Energy. The Government has certain rights in this invention.

Electrically conductive, optically transparent polymer/carbon nanotube composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Jr., Joseph G. (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor); Ounaies, Zoubeida (Inventor); Park, Cheol (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor); Watson, Kent A. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (T.sub.g) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.

Optical Analog to Electromagnetically Induced Transparency in Cascaded Ring-Resonator Systems.

PubMed

Wang, Yonghua; Zheng, Hua; Xue, Chenyang; Zhang, Wendong

2016-07-25

The analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency in optical methods has shown great potential in slow light and sensing applications. Here, we experimentally demonstrated a coupled resonator induced transparency system with three cascaded ring coupled resonators in a silicon chip. The structure was modeled by using the transfer matrix method. Influences of various parameters including coupling ratio of couplers, waveguide loss and additional loss of couplers on transmission characteristic and group index have been investigated theoretically and numerically in detail. The transmission character of the system was measured by the vertical grating coupling method. The enhanced quality factor reached 1.22 × 10⁵. In addition, we further test the temperature performance of the device. The results provide a new method for the manipulation of light in highly integrated optical circuits and sensing applications.

Deployment of the National Transparent Optical Network around the San Francisco Bay Area

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McCammon, K.; Haigh, R.; Armstrong, G.

1996-06-01

We report on the deployment and initial operation of the National Transparent Optical Network, an experimental WDM network testbed around the San Francisco Bay Area, during the Optical Fiber Conference (OFC`96) held in San Jose, CA. The deployment aspects of the physical plant, optical and SONET layers are examined along with a discussion of broadband applications which utilized the network during the OFC`96 demonstration. The network features dense WDM technology, transparent optical routing technology using acousto- optic tunable filter based switches, and network modules with add/drop, multicast, and wavelength translation capabilities. The physical layer consisted of over 300 km ofmore » Sprint and Pacific Bell conventional single mode fiber which was amplified with I I optical amplifiers deployed in pre-amp, post-amp, and line amp configurations. An out-of-band control network provided datacom channels from remote equipment sites to the SONET network manager deployed at the San Jose Convention Center for the conference. Data transport over five wavelengths was achieved in the 1550 nm window using a variety of signal formats including analog and digital signal transmission on different wavelengths on the same fiber. The network operated throughout the week of OFC`96 and is still in operation today.« less

Passive fiber alignment to single-mode plastic waveguides fabricated by injection molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pompe, Guido; Lehmacher, Stefan; Rudolph, Stefan; Kalveram, Stefan; Joenck, Matthias; Neyer, Andreas

1998-04-01

Passive fibre-waveguide coupling is a promising alternative to expensive active coupling in single-mode fibre-optics. The idea to utilize replication techniques in transparent polymeric materials for waveguide and alignment structure fabrication has led to the SIGA-process (Silizium, Galvanik und Abformung) which allows a cost effective production of low loss polymer waveguides in the near IR. Major difficulties in passive fibre coupling are caused by the high lateral alignment accuracy (of about 1 micrometer) in fibre positioning. In the SIGA process, the exact position of the V- grooves relative to the waveguide trenches is defined by the etch mask for the silicon master wafer. The width of the V- grooves is determined by the KOH etching time. It is controlled precisely at various stages in the etching process by means of a microscope based piezo driven measurement system with a resolution better than 0.5 micrometer, thus allowing a final vertical precision of fibre positioning of 350 nm. In order to specify the capability of our technology we have measured the position of dozens of fibres glued into V- grooves. The result was that an amount of 55% of the fibre cores was closer than 1.5 micrometer to the waveguide centre. As the experience has shown, a two-step process for the fabrication of passively fibre coupled waveguides is necessary. First, the waveguides are produced by filling the waveguide trenches with an IR-transparent monomer and by polymerizing it using UV curing. The waveguides are inspected with visible and IR light by clamping a fibre ribbon mechanically into the integrated plastic V-grooves. In a second step the fibre ribbon is fixed irreversibly in the V- grooves. By that way we have reached an insertion loss of 3.5 dB at 1300nm and 1550nm for passively coupled 22mm single mode waveguides. Most of the losses are attributed to waveguide imperfections. More details concerning the coupling losses and the device performances will be reported at the conference.

Tunable plasmon-induced transparency based on graphene nanoring coupling with graphene nanostrips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Chang-Long; Fu, Guang-Lai; Xia, Sheng-Xuan; Li, Hong-Ju; Zhai, Xiang; Wang, Ling-Ling

2018-02-01

We numerically and theoretically demonstrate a plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) at the mid-infrared region with finite-difference time-domain method. The system consists of an optically bright dipole mode and a dark quadrupole mode, which are supported by the graphene nanoring and graphene nanostrips, respectively. The coupling between the two modes introduces transparency window and large group delays. The pronounced PIT resonance can be easily modified by adjusting the geometric parameters and the Fermi level of graphene nanostructure. Our results suggest that the demonstrated PIT effect may be applicated in the slow-light device, active plasmonic switching, and optical sensing.

Highly Efficient and Reliable Transparent Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Film.

PubMed

Jia, Li-Chuan; Yan, Ding-Xiang; Liu, Xiaofeng; Ma, Rujun; Wu, Hong-Yuan; Li, Zhong-Ming

2018-04-11

Electromagnetic protection in optoelectronic instruments such as optical windows and electronic displays is challenging because of the essential requirements of a high optical transmittance and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE). Herein, we demonstrate the creation of an efficient transparent EMI shielding film that is composed of calcium alginate (CA), silver nanowires (AgNWs), and polyurethane (PU), via a facile and low-cost Mayer-rod coating method. The CA/AgNW/PU film with a high optical transmittance of 92% achieves an EMI SE of 20.7 dB, which meets the requirements for commercial shielding applications. A superior EMI SE of 31.3 dB could be achieved, whereas the transparent film still maintains a transmittance of 81%. The integrated efficient EMI SE and high transmittance are superior to those of most previously reported transparent EMI shielding materials. Moreover, our transparent films exhibit a highly reliable shielding ability in a complex service environment, with 98 and 96% EMI SE retentions even after 30 min of ultrasound treatment and 5000 bending cycles (1.5 mm radius), respectively. The comprehensive performance that is associated with the facile fabrication strategy imparts the CA/AgNW/PU film with great potential as an optimized EMI shielding material in emerging optoelectronic devices, such as flexible solar cells, displays, and touch panels.

Physicochemically functional ultrathin films by interfacial polymerization

DOEpatents

Lonsdale, Harold K.; Babcock, Walter C.; Friensen, Dwayne T.; Smith, Kelly L.; Johnson, Bruce M.; Wamser, Carl C.

1990-01-01

Interfacially-polymerized ultrathin films containing physicochemically functional groups are disclosed, both with and without supports. Various applications are disclsoed, including membrane electrodes, selective membranes and sorbents, biocompatible materials, targeted drug delivery, and narrow band optical absorbers.

Preparation of Optically Transparent Films of Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and Montmorillonite

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-11-01

methacrylate] [PMMA] and Montmorillonite DISTRIBUTION: Approved for public release, distribution unlimited This paper is part of the following report...Society V6.4 Preparation of Optically Transparent Films of Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and Montmorillonite Elena Vasiliul, Chyi-Shan Wang"’ 2...exchanged with 1.40 meq/g of dimethyl dehydrogenated tallow ammonium from a sodium montmorillonite , Cloisite Na+ (CNa). Since the cation-exchange

Next generation smart window display using transparent organic display and light blocking screen.

PubMed

Kim, Gyeong Woo; Lampande, Raju; Choe, Dong Cheol; Ko, Ik Jang; Park, Jin Hwan; Pode, Ramchandra; Kwon, Jang Hyuk

2018-04-02

Transparent organic light emitting diodes (TOLED) have widespread applications in the next-generation display devices particularly in the large size transparent window and interactive displays. Herein, we report high performance and stable attractive smart window displays using facile process. Advanced smart window display is realized by integrating the high performance light blocking screen and highly transparent white OLED panel. The full smart window display reveals a maximum transmittance as high as 64.2% at the wavelength of 600 nm and extremely good along with tunable ambient contrast ratio (171.94:1) compared to that of normal TOLED (4.54:1). Furthermore, the performance decisive light blocking screen has demonstrated an excellent optical and electrical characteristics such as i) high transmittance (85.56% at 562nm) at light-penetrating state, ii) superior absorbance (2.30 at 562nm) in light interrupting mode, iii) high optical contrast (85.50 at 562 nm), iv) high optical stability for more than 25,000 cycle of driving, v) fast switching time of 1.9 sec, and vi) low driving voltage of 1.7 V. The experimental results of smart window display are also validated using optical simulation. The proposed smart window display technology allows us to adjust the intensity of daylight entering the system quickly and conveniently.

Temperature dependent electrical properties of polyaniline film grown on paper through aniline vapor polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deb, K.; Bhowmik, K. L.; Bera, A.; Chattopadhyay, K. K.; Saha, B.

2016-05-01

Polyaniline thin film has been prepared on paper by aniline vapor deposition technique. Ferric chloride has been used as polymerizing agent in this approach. The prepared films were studied through electrical resistivity and optical properties measurements. The electrical resistivity of the polyaniline film shows significant temperature dependence. The resistance sharply falls with the increase in temperature. The optical absorbance measurements shows characteristics absorbance peak indicating the formation of conducting emeraldine salt form of polyaniline. The optical energy band gap of the film was calculated from the transmittance spectra. The optical energy band gap and electrical conductivity of the polyaniline film is well suited for their applications in electronic devices.

Fluorophore-labeling of core-crosslinked polymeric micelles for multimodal in vivo and ex vivo optical imaging

PubMed Central

Shi, Yang; Kunjachan, Sijumon; Wu, Zhuojun; Gremse, Felix; Moeckel, Diana; van Zandvoort, Marc; Kiessling, Fabian; Storm, Gert; van Nostrum, Cornelus F.; Hennink, Wim E.; Lammers, Twan

2015-01-01

Aim To enable multimodal in vivo and ex vivo optical imaging of the biodistribution and tumor accumulation of core-crosslinked polymeric micelles (CCPM). Materials & Methods mPEG-b-p(HPMAm-Lac)-based polymeric micelles, core-crosslinked via cystamine and covalently labeled with two fluorophores (Dy-676/488) were synthesized. The CCPM were intravenously injected in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. Results Upon intravenous injection, the CCPM accumulated in CT26 tumors reasonably efficiently, with values reaching ~4 %ID at 24 hours. Ex vivo TPLSM confirmed efficient extravasation of the iCCPM out of tumor blood vessels and deep penetration into the tumor interstitium. Conclusions CCPM were labeled with multiple fluorophores, and they exemplify that combining different in vivo and ex vivo optical imaging techniques is highly useful for analyzing the biodistribution and tumor accumulation of nanomedicines. PMID:25929568

An antireflection transparent conductor with ultralow optical loss (<2 %) and electrical resistance (<6 Ω sq−1)

PubMed Central

Maniyara, Rinu Abraham; Mkhitaryan, Vahagn K.; Chen, Tong Lai; Ghosh, Dhriti Sundar; Pruneri, Valerio

2016-01-01

Transparent conductors are essential in many optoelectronic devices, such as displays, smart windows, light-emitting diodes and solar cells. Here we demonstrate a transparent conductor with optical loss of ∼1.6%, that is, even lower than that of single-layer graphene (2.3%), and transmission higher than 98% over the visible wavelength range. This was possible by an optimized antireflection design consisting in applying Al-doped ZnO and TiO2 layers with precise thicknesses to a highly conductive Ag ultrathin film. The proposed multilayer structure also possesses a low electrical resistance (5.75 Ω sq−1), a figure of merit four times larger than that of indium tin oxide, the most widely used transparent conductor today, and, contrary to it, is mechanically flexible and room temperature deposited. To assess the application potentials, transparent shielding of radiofrequency and microwave interference signals with ∼30 dB attenuation up to 18 GHz was achieved. PMID:27991517

Through-transmission laser welding of glass fibre composite: Experimental light scattering identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cosson, Benoit; Asséko, André Chateau Akué; Dauphin, Myriam

2018-05-01

The purpose of this paper is to develop a cost-effective, efficient and quick to implement experimental optical method in order to predict the optical properties (extinction coefficient) of semi-transparent polymer composites. The extinction coefficient takes into account the effects due to the absorption and the scattering phenomena in a semi-transparent component during the laser processes, i.e. TTLW (through-transmission laser welding). The present method used a laser as light source and a reflex camera equipped with a macro lens as a measurement device and is based on the light transmission measurement through different thickness samples. The interaction between the incident laser beam and the semi-transparent composite is exanimated. The results are presented for the case of a semi-transparent composite reinforced with the unidirectional glass fiber (UD). A numerical method, ray tracing, is used to validate the experimental results. The ray tracing method is appropriate to characterize the light-scattering phenomenon in semi-transparent materials.

An antireflection transparent conductor with ultralow optical loss (<2 %) and electrical resistance (<6 Ω sq-1).

PubMed

Maniyara, Rinu Abraham; Mkhitaryan, Vahagn K; Chen, Tong Lai; Ghosh, Dhriti Sundar; Pruneri, Valerio

2016-12-19

Transparent conductors are essential in many optoelectronic devices, such as displays, smart windows, light-emitting diodes and solar cells. Here we demonstrate a transparent conductor with optical loss of ∼1.6%, that is, even lower than that of single-layer graphene (2.3%), and transmission higher than 98% over the visible wavelength range. This was possible by an optimized antireflection design consisting in applying Al-doped ZnO and TiO 2 layers with precise thicknesses to a highly conductive Ag ultrathin film. The proposed multilayer structure also possesses a low electrical resistance (5.75 Ω sq -1 ), a figure of merit four times larger than that of indium tin oxide, the most widely used transparent conductor today, and, contrary to it, is mechanically flexible and room temperature deposited. To assess the application potentials, transparent shielding of radiofrequency and microwave interference signals with ∼30 dB attenuation up to 18 GHz was achieved.

Development of a statistical method to help evaluating the transparency/opacity of decorative thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva Oliveira, C. I.; Martinez-Martinez, D.; Al-Rjoub, A.; Rebouta, L.; Menezes, R.; Cunha, L.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we present a statistical method that allows evaluating the degree of a transparency of a thin film. To do so, the color coordinates are measured on different substrates, and the standard deviation is evaluated. In case of low values, the color depends on the film and not on the substrate, and intrinsic colors are obtained. In contrast, transparent films lead to high values of standard deviation, since the value of the color coordinates depends on the substrate. Between both extremes, colored films with a certain degree of transparency can be found. This method allows an objective and simple evaluation of the transparency of any film, improving the subjective visual inspection and avoiding the thickness problems related to optical spectroscopy evaluation. Zirconium oxynitride films deposited on three different substrates (Si, steel and glass) are used for testing the validity of this method, whose results have been validated with optical spectroscopy, and agree with the visual impression of the samples.

Surface Modifier-Free Organic-Inorganic Hybridization To Produce Optically Transparent and Highly Refractive Bulk Materials Composed of Epoxy Resins and ZrO2 Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Enomoto, Kazushi; Kikuchi, Moriya; Narumi, Atsushi; Kawaguchi, Seigou

2018-04-25

Surface modifier-free hybridization of ZrO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) with epoxy-based polymers is demonstrated for the first time to afford highly transparent and refractive bulk materials. This is achieved by a unique and versatile hybridization via the one-pot direct phase transfer of ZrO 2 NPs from water to epoxy monomers without any aggregation followed by curing with anhydride. Three types of representative epoxy monomers, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3',4'-epoxycyclohexane carboxylate (CEL), and 1,3,5-tris(3-(oxiran-2-yl)propyl)-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione (TEPIC), are used to produce transparent viscous dispersions. The resulting ZrO 2 NPs are thoroughly characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and solid-state 13 C CP/MAS NMR measurements. The results from DLS and TEM analyses indicate nanodispersion of ZrO 2 into epoxy monomers as a continuous medium. A surface modification mechanism and the binding fashion during phase transfer are proposed based on the FT-IR and solid-state 13 C CP/MAS NMR measurements. Epoxy-based hybrid materials with high transparency and refractive index are successfully fabricated by heat curing or polymerizing a mixture of monomers containing epoxy-functionalized ZrO 2 NPs and methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride in the presence of a phosphoric catalyst. The TEM and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements of the hybrids show a nanodispersion of ZrO 2 in the epoxy networks. The refractive index at 594 nm ( n 594 ) increases up to 1.765 for BADGE-based hybrids, 1.667 for CEL-based hybrids, and 1.693 for TEPIC-based hybrids. Their refractive indices and Abbe's numbers are quantitatively described by the Lorentz-Lorenz effective medium expansion theory. Their transmissivity is also reasonably explained using Fresnel refraction, Rayleigh scattering, and the Lambert-Beer theories. This surface modifier-free hybridization provides a versatile, fascinating, and promising method for synthesizing a variety of epoxy-based hybrid materials.

Induced Transparency and Absorption in Coupled Microresonators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, David D.; Chang, Hongrok

2004-01-01

We review the conditions for the occurrence of coherence phenomena in passive coupled optical microresonators. We derive the effective steady-state response and determine conditions for induced transparency and absorption in these systems.

Investigating the Defect Structures in Transparent Conducting Oxides Using X-ray and Neutron Scattering Techniques

PubMed Central

González, Gabriela B.

2012-01-01

Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) materials are implemented into a wide variety of commercial devices because they possess a unique combination of high optical transparency and high electrical conductivity. Created during the processing of the TCOs, defects within the atomic-scale structure are responsible for their desirable optical and electrical properties. Therefore, studying the defect structure is essential to a better understanding of the behavior of transparent conductors. X-ray and neutron scattering techniques are powerful tools to investigate the atomic lattice structural defects in these materials. This review paper presents some of the current developments in the study of structural defects in n-type TCOs using x-ray diffraction (XRD), neutron diffraction, extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), pair distribution functions (PDFs), and x-ray fluorescence (XRF). PMID:28817010

Gravitational Effects on the Morphology and Kinetics of Photodeposition of Polydiacetylene Thin Films From Monomer Solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paley, Mark S.; Antar, Basil; Witherow, William K.; Frazier, Donald O.

1999-01-01

The goal of this proposed work is to study gravitational effects on the photodeposition of polydiacetylene thin films from monomer solutions onto transparent substrates. Polydiacetylenes have been an extensively studied class of organic polymers because they exhibit many unusual and interesting properties, including electrical conductivity and optical nonlinearity. Their long polymeric chains render polydiacetylenes readily conducive to thin film formation, which is necessary for many applications. These applications require thin polydiacetylene films possessing uniform thicknesses, high purity, minimal inhomogeneities and defects (such as scattering centers), etc. Also, understanding and controlling the microstructure and morphology of the films is important for optimizing their electronic and optical properties. The lack of techniques for processing polydiacetylenes into such films has been the primary limitation to their commercial use. We have recently discovered a novel method for the formation of polydiacetylene thin films using photo-deposition from monomer solutions onto transparent substrates with UV light. This technique is very simple to carry out, and can yield films with superior quality to those produced by conventional methods. Furthermore, these films exhibit good third-order properties and are capable of waveguiding. We have been actively studying the chemistry of diacetylene polymerization in solution and the photo-deposition of polydiacetylene thin films from solution. It is well-known that gravitational factors such as buoyancy-driven convection and sedimentation can affect chemical and mass transport processes in solution. One important aspect of polydiacetylene thin film photodeposition in solution, relevant to microgravity science, is that heat generated by absorption of UV radiation induces thermal density gradients that under the influence of gravity, can cause fluid flows (buoyancy-driven convection). Additionally, changes in the chemical composition of the solution during polymerization may cause solutal convection. These fluid flows affect transport of material to and from the film surface and thereby affect the kinetics of the growth process. This manifests itself in the morphology of the resulting films; films grown under the influence of convection tend to have less uniform thicknesses, and can possess greater inhomogeneities and defects. Specifically, polydiacetylene films photodeposited from solution, when viewed under a microscope, exhibit very small particles of solid polymer which get transported by convection from the bulk solution to the surface of the growing film and become embedded. Even when carried out under conditions designed to minimize unstable density gradients (i.e., irradiating the solution from the top), some fluid flow still takes place (particles remain present in the films). It is also possible that defect nucleation may be occurring within the films or on the surface of the substrate; this, too, can be affected by convection (as is the case with crystal growth). Hence films grown in 1-g will, at best, still possess some defects. The objective of this proposal is to investigate, both in 1-g and in low-g, the effects of gravitational factors (primarily convection) on the dynamics of these processes, and on the quality, morphology, and properties of the films obtained.

Physicochemically functional ultrathin films by interfacial polymerization

DOEpatents

Lonsdale, H.K.; Babcock, W.C.; Friensen, D.T.; Smith, K.L.; Johnson, B.M.; Wamser, C.C.

1990-08-14

Interfacially-polymerized ultrathin films containing physicochemically functional groups are disclosed, both with and without supports. Various applications are disclosed, including membrane electrodes, selective membranes and sorbents, biocompatible materials, targeted drug delivery, and narrow band optical absorbers. 3 figs.

Investigations on magnetic field induced optical transparency in magnetic nanofluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohapatra, Dillip Kumar; Philip, John

2018-02-01

We study the magnetic field induced optical transparency and its origin in magnetic nanoemulsion of droplets of average size ∼200 nm containing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Beyond a certain volume fraction (Φ > 0.0021) of magnetic nanoemulsion and a critical magnetic field (Hc1), the transmitted light intensity increases drastically and reaches a maximum at another critical magnetic field (Hc2), beyond which the transmitted light intensity decreases and reaches a plateau. Interestingly, the transmitted light intensity at Hc2 is found to increase linearly with Φ and the critical magnetic fields Hc1 and Hc2 follow power law decay with Φ (i.e. Hc ∼ Φ-x), with exponents 0.48 and 0.27, respectively. The light intensity recovers to its initial value when the magnetic field is switched off, indicating the perfect reversibility of the field induced transparency process. The observed straight line scattered patterns above Hc2, on a screen placed perpendicular to the incident beam, confirms the formation of rod like anisotropic nanostructures perpendicular to the direction of light propagation. The magneto-optical measurements in the emulsion confirm that the observed field induced transparency in magnetic emulsions for Φ > 0.0021 is due to the optical birefringence caused by the rod like nanostructures. The reduced birefringence is found to be proportional to the square of the applied magnetic field. This finding offers several possibilities in using magnetic nanofluids in tunable optical devices.

Light propagation in phosphor-filled matrices for photovoltaic PL down-shifting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solodovnyk, Anastasiia; Lipovšek, Benjamin; Forberich, Karen; Stern, Edda; Batentschuk, Miroslaw; Topič, Marko; Brabec, Christoph J.

2014-09-01

Efficient transparent light converters have received lately a growing interest from optical device industries (LEDs, PV, etc.). While organic luminescent dyes were tested in PV light-converting application, such restrictions as small Stokes shifts, short lifetimes, and relatively high costs must yet be overcome. Alternatively, use of phosphors in transparent matrix materials would mean a major breakthrough for this technology, as phosphors exhibit long-term stability and are widely available. For the fabrication of phosphor-filled layers tailored specifically for the desired application, it is of great importance to gain deep understanding of light propagation through the layers, including the detailed optical interplay between the phosphor particles and the matrix material. Our measurements show that absorption and luminescent behavior of the phosphors and especially the scattering of light by the phosphor particles play an important role. In this contribution we have investigated refractive index difference between transparent binder and phosphors. Commercially available highly luminescent UV and near-UV absorbing μm-sized powder is chosen for the fabrication of phosphor-filled layers with varied refractive index of transparent polymer matrix, and well-defined particle size distributions. Solution-processed thick layers on glass substrates are optically analyzed and compared with simulation results acquired from CROWM, a combined wave optics/ray optics home-built software. The results demonstrate the inter-dependence of the layer parameters, prove the importance of careful optimization steps required for fabrication of efficient light converting layers, and, thus, show a path into the future of this promising approach.

Influence of sputtering power on the optical properties of ITO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

K, Aijo John; Kumar, Vineetha V.; M, Deepak; T, Manju

2014-10-01

Tin doped indium oxide films are widely used in transparent conducting coatings such as flat panel displays, crystal displays and in optical devices such as solar cells and organic light emitting diodes due to the high electrical resistivity and optical transparency in the visible region of solar spectrum. The deposition parameters have a commendable influence on the optical and electrical properties of the thin films. In this study, ITO thin films were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering. The properties of the films prepared under varying sputtering power were compared using UV- visible spectrophotometry. Effect of sputtering power on the energy band gap, absorption coefficient and refractive index are investigated.

Simulation and analysis of OOK-to-BPSK format conversion based on gain-transparent SOA used as optical phase-modulator.

PubMed

Hong, Wei; Huang, Dexiu; Zhang, Xinliang; Zhu, Guangxi

2007-12-24

All-optical on-off keying (OOK) to binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) modulation format conversion based on gain-transparent semiconductor optical amplifier (GT-SOA) is simulated and analyzed, where GT-SOA is used as an all-optical phase-modulator (PM). Numerical simulation of the phase modulation effect of GT-SOA is performed using a wideband dynamic model of GT-SOA and the quality of the BPSK signal is evaluated using the differential-phase-Q factor. Performance improvement by holding light injection is analyzed and non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and return-to-zero (RZ) modulation formats of the OOK signal are considered.

OLEDs for lighting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Elsbergen, V.; Boerner, H.; Löbl, H.-P.; Goldmann, C.; Grabowski, S. P.; Young, E.; Gaertner, G.; Greiner, H.

2008-08-01

Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) provide potential for power-efficient large area light sources that combine revolutionary properties. They are thin and flat and in addition they can be transparent, colour-tuneable, or flexible. We review the state of the art in white OLEDs and present performance data for three-colour hybrid white OLEDs on indexmatched substrates. With improved optical outcoupling 45 lm/W are achieved. Using a half-sphere to collect all the light that is in the substrate results in 80 lm/W. Optical modelling supports the experimental work. For decorative applications features like transparency and colour tuning are very appealing. We show results on transparent white OLEDs and two ways to come to a colour-variable OLED. These are lateral separation of different colours in a striped design and direct vertical stacking of the different emitting layers. For a striped colour tuneable OLED 36 lm/W are achieved in white with improved optical outcoupling.

Electrically conductive, optically transparent polymer/carbon nanotube composites and process for preparation thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Kent A. (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor); Park, Cheol (Inventor); Ounaies, Zoubeida (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400 800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (T.sub.g) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.

Electrically Conductive, Optically Transparent Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composites and Process for Preparation Thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Cheol (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G. (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor); Watson, Kent A. (Inventor); Ounaies, Zoubeida (Inventor)

2011-01-01

The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (T.sub.g) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.

Electrically Conductive, Optically Transparent Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composites and Process for Preparation Thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Cheol (Inventor); Watson, A. (Inventor); Ounales, Zoubeida (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G. (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (T(sub g)) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted hy selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.

Theoretical Analysis and Design of Ultrathin Broadband Optically Transparent Microwave Metamaterial Absorbers

PubMed Central

Deng, Ruixiang; Li, Meiling; Muneer, Badar; Zhu, Qi; Shi, Zaiying; Song, Lixin; Zhang, Tao

2018-01-01

Optically Transparent Microwave Metamaterial Absorber (OTMMA) is of significant use in both civil and military field. In this paper, equivalent circuit model is adopted as springboard to navigate the design of OTMMA. The physical model and absorption mechanisms of ideal lightweight ultrathin OTMMA are comprehensively researched. Both the theoretical value of equivalent resistance and the quantitative relation between the equivalent inductance and equivalent capacitance are derived for design. Frequency-dependent characteristics of theoretical equivalent resistance are also investigated. Based on these theoretical works, an effective and controllable design approach is proposed. To validate the approach, a wideband OTMMA is designed, fabricated, analyzed and tested. The results reveal that high absorption more than 90% can be achieved in the whole 6~18 GHz band. The fabricated OTMMA also has an optical transparency up to 78% at 600 nm and is much thinner and lighter than its counterparts. PMID:29324686

Transient dynamics in cavity electromagnetically induced transparency with ion Coulomb crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albert, Magnus; Dantan, Aurélien; Drewsen, Michael

2018-03-01

We experimentally investigate the transient dynamics of an optical cavity field interacting with large ion Coulomb crystals in a situation of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). EIT is achieved by injecting a probe field at the single photon level and a more intense control field with opposite circular polarization into the same mode of an optical cavity to couple Zeeman substates of a metastable level in ? ions. The EIT interaction dynamics are investigated both in the frequency-domain - by measuring the probe field steady state reflectivity spectrum - and in the time-domain - by measuring the progressive buildup of transparency. The experimental results are observed to be in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions taking into account the inhomogeneity of the control field in the interaction volume, and confirm the high degree of control on light-matter interaction that can be achieved with ion Coulomb crystals in optical cavities.

Matrix-mediated synthesis of nanocrystalline gamma-Fe2O3 - A new optically transparent magnetic material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziolo, Ronald F.; Giannelis, Emmanuel P.; Weinstein, Bernard A.; O'Horo, Michael P.; Ganguly, Bishwanath N.; Mehrotra, Vivek; Russell, Michael W.; Huffman, Donald R.

1992-07-01

A magnetic material with appreciable optical transmission in the visible region at room temperature is isolated as a gamma-Fe2O3/polymer nanocomposite. The synthesis is carried out in an ion-exchange resin at 60 C. Magnetization and susceptibility data demonstrate loading-dependent saturation moments as high as 46 electromagnetic units per gram and superparamagnetism for lower loadings where particle sizes are less than 100 angstroms. Optical absorption studies show that the small-particle form of gamma-Fe2O3 is considerably more transparent to visible light than the single-crystal form. The difference in absorption ranges from nearly an order of magnitude in the 'red' spectral region to a factor of 3 at 5400 angstroms. The magnetization of the nanocomposite is greater by more than an order of magnitude than those of the strongest room-temperature transparent magnets, FeBO3 and FeF3.

Fabrication of ATO/Graphene Multi-layered Transparent Conducting Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Na; Chen, Fei; Shen, Qiang; Wang, Chuanbin; Zhang, Lianmeng

2013-03-01

A novel transparent conducting oxide based on the ATO/graphene multi-layered thin films has been developed to satisfy the application of transparent conductive electrode in solar cells. The ATO thin films are prepared by pulsed laser deposition method with high quality, namely the sheet resistance of 49.5 Ω/sq and average transmittance of 81.9 %. The prepared graphene sheet is well reduced and shows atomically thin, spotty distributed appearance on the top of the ATO thin films. The XRD and optical micrographs are used to confirm the successfully preparation of the ATO/graphene multi-layered thin films. The Hall measurements and UV-Vis spectrophotometer are conducted to evaluate the sheet resistance and optical transmittance of the innovative structure. It is found that graphene can improve the electrical properties of the ATO thin films with little influence on the optical transmittance.

Theoretical Analysis and Design of Ultrathin Broadband Optically Transparent Microwave Metamaterial Absorbers.

PubMed

Deng, Ruixiang; Li, Meiling; Muneer, Badar; Zhu, Qi; Shi, Zaiying; Song, Lixin; Zhang, Tao

2018-01-11

Optically Transparent Microwave Metamaterial Absorber (OTMMA) is of significant use in both civil and military field. In this paper, equivalent circuit model is adopted as springboard to navigate the design of OTMMA. The physical model and absorption mechanisms of ideal lightweight ultrathin OTMMA are comprehensively researched. Both the theoretical value of equivalent resistance and the quantitative relation between the equivalent inductance and equivalent capacitance are derived for design. Frequency-dependent characteristics of theoretical equivalent resistance are also investigated. Based on these theoretical works, an effective and controllable design approach is proposed. To validate the approach, a wideband OTMMA is designed, fabricated, analyzed and tested. The results reveal that high absorption more than 90% can be achieved in the whole 6~18 GHz band. The fabricated OTMMA also has an optical transparency up to 78% at 600 nm and is much thinner and lighter than its counterparts.

Portable light transmission measuring system for preserved corneas.

PubMed

Ventura, Liliane; Jesus, Gabriel Torres de; Oliveira, Gunter Camilo Dablas de; Sousa, Sidney J F

2005-12-22

The authors have developed a small portable device for the objective measurement of the transparency of corneas stored in preservative medium, for use by eye banks in evaluation prior to transplantation. The optical system consists of a white light, lenses, and pinholes that collimate the white light beams and illuminate the cornea in its preservative medium, and an optical filter (400-700 nm) that selects the range of the wavelength of interest. A sensor detects the light that passes through the cornea, and the average corneal transparency is displayed. In order to obtain only the tissue transparency, an electronic circuit was built to detect a baseline input of the preservative medium prior to the measurement of corneal transparency. The operation of the system involves three steps: adjusting the "0 %" transmittance of the instrument, determining the "100 %" transmittance of the system, and finally measuring the transparency of the preserved cornea inside the storage medium. Fifty selected corneas were evaluated. Each cornea was submitted to three evaluation methods: subjective classification of transparency through a slit lamp, quantification of the transmittance of light using a corneal spectrophotometer previously developed, and measurement of transparency with the portable device. By comparing the three methods and using the expertise of eye bank trained personnel, a table for quantifying corneal transparency with the new device has been developed. The correlation factor between the corneal spectrophotometer and the new device is 0,99813, leading to a system that is able to standardize transparency measurements of preserved corneas, which is currently done subjectively.

Optical and sensing properties of sol-gel derived vanadium pentoxide thin films with porous and dense structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babeva, T.; Awala, H.; Grand, J.; Lazarova, K.; Vasileva, M.; Mintova, S.

2018-03-01

The sol-gel and spin-coating methods were used for deposition of thin transparent V2O5 films on optical glass substrates and silicon wafers. Different synthesis and deposition conditions, including synthesis temperatures and post-deposition annealing, were used aiming at obtaining transparent films with high refractive index and good optical quality. The surface morphology and structure of the films were studied by SEM and XRD. The optical properties (refractive index, extinction coefficient and optical band gap) and thickness of the V2O5 films were determined from their transmittance and reflectance spectra. The potential application of the films as building blocks of optical sensors was demonstrated by preparation of multilayered structures comprising both V2O5 and BEA-type zeolite films and testing their response towards acetone vapors.

Transition from an optical precursor in coupled-resonator-induced transparency to coherent energy exchange in Autler-Townes splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oishi, Tohru; Suzuki, Ryuta; Talukder, Aminul I.; Tomita, Makoto

2013-08-01

We investigated the transient responses of coupled optical resonators, after they were injected with square modulated temporal pulses. A sharp spike, attributed to the optical precursor in coupled-resonator-induced transparency, appeared when the coupling between the resonators was weak. As the coupling strength increased, the resonance spectrum developed clearly separated double dips of Autler-Townes splitting, and the precursor spike transformed into an oscillatory structure. These temporal oscillations were attributed to the coherent energy exchange between two resonators. Theoretical calculations were in good agreement with the experimental observations.

Impact of the lateral boundary conditions resolution on dynamical downscaling of precipitation in mediterranean spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amengual, A.; Romero, R.; Homar, V.; Ramis, C.; Alonso, S.

2007-08-01

Studies using transparent, polymeric witness plates consisting of polydimethlysiloxane (PDMS) have been conducted to measure the output of exploding bridge wire (EBW) detonators and exploding foil initiators (EFI). Polymeric witness plates are utilized to alleviate particle response issues that arise in gaseous flow fields containing shock waves and to allow measurements of shock-induced material velocities to be made using particle image velocimetry (PIV). Quantitative comparisons of velocity profiles across the shock waves in air and in PDMS demonstrate the improved response achieved by the dynamic witness plate method. Schlieren photographs complement the analysis through direct visualization of detonator-induced shock waves in the witness plates.

Particle response to shock waves in solids: dynamic witness plate/PIV method for detonations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, Michael J.; Adrian, Ronald J.

2007-08-01

Studies using transparent, polymeric witness plates consisting of polydimethlysiloxane (PDMS) have been conducted to measure the output of exploding bridge wire (EBW) detonators and exploding foil initiators (EFI). Polymeric witness plates are utilized to alleviate particle response issues that arise in gaseous flow fields containing shock waves and to allow measurements of shock-induced material velocities to be made using particle image velocimetry (PIV). Quantitative comparisons of velocity profiles across the shock waves in air and in PDMS demonstrate the improved response achieved by the dynamic witness plate method. Schlieren photographs complement the analysis through direct visualization of detonator-induced shock waves in the witness plates.

Antimicrobial bacterial cellulose nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization of 2-aminoethyl methacrylate.

PubMed

Figueiredo, Ana R P; Figueiredo, Andrea G P R; Silva, Nuno H C S; Barros-Timmons, Ana; Almeida, Adelaide; Silvestre, Armando J D; Freire, Carmen S R

2015-06-05

Antimicrobial bacterial cellulose/poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate) (BC/PAEM) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ radical polymerization of 2-aminoethyl methacrylate, using variable amounts of N,N-methylenebis(acrylamide) (MBA) as cross-linker. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized in terms of their structure, morphology, thermal stability, mechanical properties and antibacterial activity. The ensuing composite membranes were significantly more transparent than those of pure BC and showed improved thermal and mechanical properties. The antibacterial activity of the obtained nanocomposites was assessed towards a recombinant bioluminescent Escherichia coli and only the non-crosslinked nanocomposite (BC/PAEM) proved to have antibacterial activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Eye development and the appearance and maintenance of corneal transparency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conrad, G. W.; Funderburgh, J. L.; Spooner, B. S. (Principal Investigator)

1992-01-01

Embryonic development of the eye, including the cornea, depends on the appearance and steady maintenance of intraocular pressure. The eye is a gravity-sensitive organ, as evidence by changes in pupil diameter during parabolic flight. The cornea is largely a paracrystal of extracellular matrix. The extent to which it will polymerize normally in microgravity has yet to be determined.

Flexible transparent conducting films with embedded silver networks composed of bimodal-sized nanoparticles for heater application.

PubMed

Park, Ji Sun; Song, Yookyung; Park, Daseul; Kim, Yeon-Won; Kim, Yoon Jin

2018-06-22

A facile one-pot synthetic method for preparing the Ag nanoparticle inks with a bimodal size distribution was newly devised and they were successfully employed as a conducting filler to form the metal-mesh type transparent conducting electrodes on the flexible substrate. Bimodal-sized Ag nanoparticles were synthesized through the polyol process, and their size variation was occurred via finely tuned composition ratio between Ag + ions and polymeric capping agents. The prepared bimodal-sized Ag nanoparticles exhibited the form of well-dispersed Ag nanoparticle inks without adding any dispersants and dispersion process. By filling the patterned micro-channels engraved on the flexible polymer substrate using a bimodal-sized Ag nanoparticle ink, a metal-mesh type transparent electrode (transmittance: 90% at 550 nm, haze: 1.5, area: 8 × 8 cm 2 ) was fabricated. By applying DC voltage to the mesh type electrode, a flexible transparent joule heater was successfully achieved with a performance of 4.5 °C s -1 heat-up rate at a low input power density.

Flexible transparent conducting films with embedded silver networks composed of bimodal-sized nanoparticles for heater application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Ji Sun; Song, Yookyung; Park, Daseul; Kim, Yeon-Won; Kim, Yoon Jin

2018-06-01

A facile one-pot synthetic method for preparing the Ag nanoparticle inks with a bimodal size distribution was newly devised and they were successfully employed as a conducting filler to form the metal-mesh type transparent conducting electrodes on the flexible substrate. Bimodal-sized Ag nanoparticles were synthesized through the polyol process, and their size variation was occurred via finely tuned composition ratio between Ag+ ions and polymeric capping agents. The prepared bimodal-sized Ag nanoparticles exhibited the form of well-dispersed Ag nanoparticle inks without adding any dispersants and dispersion process. By filling the patterned micro-channels engraved on the flexible polymer substrate using a bimodal-sized Ag nanoparticle ink, a metal-mesh type transparent electrode (transmittance: 90% at 550 nm, haze: 1.5, area: 8 × 8 cm2) was fabricated. By applying DC voltage to the mesh type electrode, a flexible transparent joule heater was successfully achieved with a performance of 4.5 °C s‑1 heat-up rate at a low input power density.

Depth of cure of proximal composite resin restorations using a new perforated metal matrix.

PubMed

Nguyen, Duke P; Motyka, Nancy C; Meyers, Erik J; Vandewalle, Kraig S

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the depths of cure of a proximal box preparation filled in bulk with various approaches: filled with a bulk-fill or conventional composite; placed with a new perforated metal matrix, a traditional metal matrix, or a clear matrix; and polymerized with either occlusal-only or tri-sited light curing. After tri-sited curing, the use of the new perforated metal matrix band resulted in a depth of cure that was not significantly different from that achieved with the use of metal bands (removed during curing) or transparent matrix bands. Adequate polymerization was obtained at depths of more than 5.0 mm for the bulk-fill composite and more than 4.0 mm for the conventional composite when tri-sited light curing was used. Tri-sited light curing resulted in a significantly greater depth of cure than occlusal-only curing. The perforated metal band may be used as an alternative to the use of solid metal bands or transparent matrix bands to provide similar depths of cure for composite resins, with the possible benefits of malleability and the ability to leave the band in place during tri-sited light curing.

Transparent organic/inorganic hybrid sol-gel materials based on perfluorinated polymers and silica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wojcik, Anna B.; Klein, Lisa C.

1996-01-01

Two types of hybrid gels based on silica and perfluorinated polymers have been prepared. The first type involves a perfluorinated polymer containing acrylate groups. Perfluoropolyether diol diacrylate (PFDA) was functionalized by reacting it with (3-mercapto-propyl) trimethoxysilane by a Michael addition. The resulting silyl derivative (PFDAS) was able to copolymerize with a silica precursor, tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), resulting in perfluorinated polymer/silica hybrid gels. For the second type, perfluoroalkylsilane (FAS), vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES), and TEOS were polymerized in one step. In both cases, the gels were transparent, crack-free and water repellent. Since the inorganic and organic components are covalently bonded to each other, these materials can be classified as organic/inorganic copolymers.

Highly Efficient Coherent Optical Memory Based on Electromagnetically Induced Transparency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsiao, Ya-Fen; Tsai, Pin-Ju; Chen, Hung-Shiue; Lin, Sheng-Xiang; Hung, Chih-Chiao; Lee, Chih-Hsi; Chen, Yi-Hsin; Chen, Yong-Fan; Yu, Ite A.; Chen, Ying-Cheng

2018-05-01

Quantum memory is an important component in the long-distance quantum communication based on the quantum repeater protocol. To outperform the direct transmission of photons with quantum repeaters, it is crucial to develop quantum memories with high fidelity, high efficiency and a long storage time. Here, we achieve a storage efficiency of 92.0 (1.5)% for a coherent optical memory based on the electromagnetically induced transparency scheme in optically dense cold atomic media. We also obtain a useful time-bandwidth product of 1200, considering only storage where the retrieval efficiency remains above 50%. Both are the best record to date in all kinds of schemes for the realization of optical memory. Our work significantly advances the pursuit of a high-performance optical memory and should have important applications in quantum information science.

Optical Peregrine rogue waves of self-induced transparency in a resonant erbium-doped fiber.

PubMed

Chen, Shihua; Ye, Yanlin; Baronio, Fabio; Liu, Yi; Cai, Xian-Ming; Grelu, Philippe

2017-11-27

The resonant interaction of an optical field with two-level doping ions in a cryogenic optical fiber is investigated within the framework of nonlinear Schrödinger and Maxwell-Bloch equations. We present explicit fundamental rational rogue wave solutions in the context of self-induced transparency for the coupled optical and matter waves. It is exhibited that the optical wave component always features a typical Peregrine-like structure, while the matter waves involve more complicated yet spatiotemporally balanced amplitude distribution. The existence and stability of these rogue waves is then confirmed by numerical simulations, and they are shown to be excited amid the onset of modulation instability. These solutions can also be extended, using the same analytical framework, to include higher-order dispersive and nonlinear effects, highlighting their universality.

Highly Efficient Coherent Optical Memory Based on Electromagnetically Induced Transparency.

PubMed

Hsiao, Ya-Fen; Tsai, Pin-Ju; Chen, Hung-Shiue; Lin, Sheng-Xiang; Hung, Chih-Chiao; Lee, Chih-Hsi; Chen, Yi-Hsin; Chen, Yong-Fan; Yu, Ite A; Chen, Ying-Cheng

2018-05-04

Quantum memory is an important component in the long-distance quantum communication based on the quantum repeater protocol. To outperform the direct transmission of photons with quantum repeaters, it is crucial to develop quantum memories with high fidelity, high efficiency and a long storage time. Here, we achieve a storage efficiency of 92.0 (1.5)% for a coherent optical memory based on the electromagnetically induced transparency scheme in optically dense cold atomic media. We also obtain a useful time-bandwidth product of 1200, considering only storage where the retrieval efficiency remains above 50%. Both are the best record to date in all kinds of schemes for the realization of optical memory. Our work significantly advances the pursuit of a high-performance optical memory and should have important applications in quantum information science.

Influence of the ``second gap'' on the optical absorption of transparent conducting oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Viet-Anh; Waroquiers, David; Rignanese, Gian-Marco; Hautier, Geoffroy

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are critical to many technologies (e.g., thin-film solar cells, flat-panel displays or organic light-emitting diodes). TCOs are heavily doped (n or p-type) oxides that satisfy many design criteria such as high transparency to visible light (i.e., a band gap > 3 eV), high concentration and mobility of carriers (leading to high conductivity), ... In such (highly doped) systems, optical transitions from the conduction band minimum to higher energy bands in n-type or from lower energy bands to the valence band maximum in p-type are possible and can degrade transparency. In fact, it has been claimed that a high energy (> 3eV) for any of these transitions made possible by doping, commonly referred as a high ``second gap'', is a necessary design criterion for high performance TCOs. Here, we study the influence of this second gap on the transparency of doped TCOs by using ab initio calculations within the random phase approximation (RPA) for several well-known p-type and n-type TCOs. Our work highlights how the second gap affects the transparency of doped TCOs, shining light on more accurate design criteria for high performance TCOs.

Temperature dependent electrical properties of polyaniline film grown on paper through aniline vapor polymerization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deb, K.; Bera, A.; Saha, B., E-mail: biswajit.physics@gmail.com

2016-05-23

Polyaniline thin film has been prepared on paper by aniline vapor deposition technique. Ferric chloride has been used as polymerizing agent in this approach. The prepared films were studied through electrical resistivity and optical properties measurements. The electrical resistivity of the polyaniline film shows significant temperature dependence. The resistance sharply falls with the increase in temperature. The optical absorbance measurements shows characteristics absorbance peak indicating the formation of conducting emeraldine salt form of polyaniline. The optical energy band gap of the film was calculated from the transmittance spectra. The optical energy band gap and electrical conductivity of the polyaniline filmmore » is well suited for their applications in electronic devices.« less

Dynamically tunable electromagnetically-induced-transparency-like resonances in graphene nanoring and nanodisk hybrid metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, De-Chao; Li, Hong-Ju; Xia, Sheng-Xuan; Qin, Meng; Zhai, Xiang; Wang, Ling-Ling

2017-08-01

A tunable electromagnetically-induced-transparency-like (EIT-like) device is proposed numerically and theoretically in the mid-infrared region, which is composed of periodically patterned ring and disk graphene. Distinguished from the commonly used three-level system, the hybridization of the plasmon mode is applied to describing and explaining the EIT-like phenomenon in the proposed systems. What is more, further researches have revealed that the spectral position of the transparency window can be tuned not only by geometrically changing the couple distance in graphene nanostructures, but also by dynamically altering the radius of the graphene nanodisk and the chemical potential of the graphene. At the transparency window, there exist large optical delays, which can slow down the speed of light in vacuum. This work may pave the way to the development of applications including tunable sensors, slow-light devices, and optical switches.

On optimal designs of transparent WDM networks with 1 + 1 protection leveraged by all-optical XOR network coding schemes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dao, Thanh Hai

2018-01-01

Network coding techniques are seen as the new dimension to improve the network performances thanks to the capability of utilizing network resources more efficiently. Indeed, the application of network coding to the realm of failure recovery in optical networks has been marking a major departure from traditional protection schemes as it could potentially achieve both rapid recovery and capacity improvement, challenging the prevailing wisdom of trading capacity efficiency for speed recovery and vice versa. In this context, the maturing of all-optical XOR technologies appears as a good match to the necessity of a more efficient protection in transparent optical networks. In addressing this opportunity, we propose to use a practical all-optical XOR network coding to leverage the conventional 1 + 1 optical path protection in transparent WDM optical networks. The network coding-assisted protection solution combines protection flows of two demands sharing the same destination node in supportive conditions, paving the way for reducing the backup capacity. A novel mathematical model taking into account the operation of new protection scheme for optimal network designs is formulated as the integer linear programming. Numerical results based on extensive simulations on realistic topologies, COST239 and NSFNET networks, are presented to highlight the benefits of our proposal compared to the conventional approach in terms of wavelength resources efficiency and network throughput.

Multiple transparency windows and Fano interferences induced by dipole-dipole couplings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diniz, E. C.; Borges, H. S.; Villas-Boas, C. J.

2018-04-01

We investigate the optical properties of a two-level system (TLS) coupled to a one-dimensional array of N other TLSs with dipole-dipole coupling between the first neighbors. The first TLS is probed by a weak field, and we assume that it has a decay rate much greater than the decay rates of the other TLSs. For N =1 and in the limit of a Rabi frequency of a probe field much smaller than the dipole-dipole coupling, the optical response of the first TLS, i.e., its absorption and dispersion, is equivalent to that of a three-level atomic system in the configuration which allows one to observe the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) phenomenon. Thus, here we investigate an induced transparency phenomenon where the dipole-dipole coupling plays the same role as the control field in EIT in three-level atoms. We describe this physical phenomenon, named a dipole-induced transparency (DIT), and investigate how it scales with the number of coupled TLSs. In particular, we have shown that the number of TLSs coupled to the main TLS is exactly equal to the number of transparency windows. The ideas presented here are very general and can be implemented in different physical systems, such as an array of superconducting qubits, or an array of quantum dots, spin chains, optical lattices, etc.

SU-8 hollow cantilevers for AFM cell adhesion studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, Vincent; Behr, Pascal; Drechsler, Ute; Polesel-Maris, Jérôme; Potthoff, Eva; Vörös, Janos; Zambelli, Tomaso

2016-05-01

A novel fabrication method was established to produce flexible, transparent, and robust tipless hollow atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilevers made entirely from SU-8. Channels of 3 μm thickness and several millimeters length were integrated into 12 μm thick and 40 μm wide cantilevers. Connected to a pressure controller, the devices showed high sealing performance with no leakage up to 6 bars. Changing the cantilever lengths from 100 μm to 500 μm among the same wafer allowed the targeting of various spring constants ranging from 0.5 to 80 N m-1 within a single fabrication run. These hollow polymeric AFM cantilevers were operated in the optical beam deflection configuration. To demonstrate the performance of the device, single-cell force spectroscopy experiments were performed with a single probe detaching in a serial protocol more than 100 Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells from plain glass and glass coated with polydopamine while measuring adhesion forces in the sub-nanoNewton range. SU-8 now offers a new alternative to conventional silicon-based hollow cantilevers with more flexibility in terms of complex geometric design and surface chemistry modification.

An optimized nanoparticle separator enabled by electron beam induced deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fowlkes, J. D.; Doktycz, M. J.; Rack, P. D.

2010-04-01

Size-based separations technologies will inevitably benefit from advances in nanotechnology. Direct-write nanofabrication provides a useful mechanism for depositing/etching nanoscale elements in environments otherwise inaccessible to conventional nanofabrication techniques. Here, electron beam induced deposition was used to deposit an array of nanoscale features in a 3D environment with minimal material proximity effects outside the beam-interaction region. Specifically, the membrane component of a nanoparticle separator was fabricated by depositing a linear array of sharply tipped nanopillars, with a singular pitch, designed for sub-50 nm nanoparticle permeability. The nanopillar membrane was used in a dual capacity to control the flow of nanoparticles in the transaxial direction of the array while facilitating the sealing of the cellular-sized compartment in the paraxial direction. An optimized growth recipe resulted which (1) maximized the growth efficiency of the membrane (which minimizes proximity effects) and (2) preserved the fidelity of the spacing between nanopillars (which maximizes the size-based gating quality of the membrane) while (3) maintaining sharp nanopillar apexes for impaling an optically transparent polymeric lid critical for device sealing.

In situ UV-visible spectroelectrochemical evidences for conducting copolymer formation between diphenylamine and m-methoxyaniline.

PubMed

Thanneermalai, M; Jeyaraman, T; Sivakumar, C; Gopalan, A; Vasudevan, T; Wen, T C

2003-07-01

Electrochemical copolymerization of diphenylamine (DPA) with m-methoxy aniline (MA) was carried out in 4 M H(2)SO(4) by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of the copolymer films were recorded in monomer-free background electrolyte. In situ sepectroelectrochemical studies were carried out on an optically transparent electrode (Indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass) in 4 M H(2)SO(4) for different feed ratios of the comonomers. Constant potential and potential sweep methods were employed for performing polymerization. UV-visible absorption spectra were collected continuously and concurrently during the copolymerization in both the cases. The results from constant potential electropolymerisation indicated the formation of an intermediate with an absorption peak at 576 nm. Derivative cyclic voltabsorptogram (DCVA) was deduced from the results of cyclic spectrovoltammetry. The DCVA derived at 576 nm confirms the intermediates formed during the electrochemical copolymerization. The compositional changes of the two monomers in the copolymers with changes in feed composition of two monomers as predicted from in situ spectro electrochemical studies are evident from elemental analysis. A plausible copolymerization mechanism is suggested.

Multiwall carbon nanotube and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) composite films for transistor and inverter devices.

PubMed

Yun, Dong-Jin; Hong, KiPyo; Kim, Se hyun; Yun, Won-Min; Jang, Jae-young; Kwon, Woo-Sung; Park, Chan-Eon; Rhee, Shi-Woo

2011-01-01

Highly conductive multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT)/Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polymerized with poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films were prepared by spin coating a mixture solution. The solution was prepared by dispersing MWNT in the PEDOT:PSS solution in water using ultrasonication without any oxidation process. The effect of the MWNT loading in the solution on the film properties such as surface roughness, work function, surface energy, optical transparency, and conductivity was studied. The conductivity of MWNT/PEDOT:PSS composite film was increased with higher MWNT loading and the high conductivity of MWNT/PEDOT:PSS films enabled them to be used as a source/drain electrode in organic thin film transistor (OTFT). The pentacene TFT with MWNT/PEDOT:PSS S/D electrode showed much higher performance with mobility about 0.2 cm²/(V s) and on/off ratio about 5 × 10⁵ compared to that with PEDOT:PSS S/D electrode (∼0.05 cm²/(V s), 1 × 10⁵). The complementary inverters exhibited excellent characteristics, including high gain value of about 30.

Clear Castable Polyurethane Elastomer for Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices

PubMed Central

Domansky, Karel; Leslie, Daniel C.; McKinney, James; Fraser, Jacob P.; Sliz, Josiah D.; Hamkins-Indik, Tiama; Hamilton, Geraldine A.; Bahinski, Anthony; Ingber, Donald E.

2013-01-01

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has numerous desirable properties for fabricating microfluidic devices, including optical transparency, flexibility, biocompatibility, and fabrication by casting; however, partitioning of small hydrophobic molecules into the bulk of PDMS hinders industrial acceptance of PDMS microfluidic devices for chemical processing and drug development applications. Here we describe an attractive alternative material that is similar to PDMS in terms of optical transparency, flexibility and castability, but that is also resistant to absorption of small hydrophobic molecules. PMID:23954953

Transparent and stretchable high-performance supercapacitors based on wrinkled graphene electrodes.

PubMed

Chen, Tao; Xue, Yuhua; Roy, Ajit K; Dai, Liming

2014-01-28

Transparent and/or stretchable energy storage devices have attracted intense attention due to their unique optical and/or mechanical properties as well as their intrinsic energy storage function. However, it remains a great challenge to integrate transparent and stretchable properties into an energy storage device because the currently developed electrodes are either transparent or stretchable, but not both. Herein, we report a simple method to fabricate wrinkled graphene with high stretchability and transparency. The resultant wrinkled graphene sheets were used as both current collector and electrode materials to develop transparent and stretchable supercapacitors, which showed a high transparency (57% at 550 nm) and can be stretched up to 40% strain without obvious performance change over hundreds of stretching cycles.

Modelling and simulation of a thermally induced optical transparency in a dual micro-ring resonator

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

This paper introduces the simulation and modelling of a novel dual micro-ring resonator. The geometric configuration of the resonators, and the implementation of a simulated broadband excitation source, results in the realization of optical transparencies in the combined through port output spectrum. The 130 nm silicon on insulator rib fabrication process is adopted for the simulation of the dual-ring configuration. Two titanium nitride heaters are positioned over the coupling regions of the resonators, which can be operated independently, to control the spectral position of the optical transparency. A third heater, centrally located above the dual resonator rings, can be used to red shift the entire spectrum to a required reference resonant wavelength. The free spectral range with no heater currents applied is 4.29 nm. For a simulated heater current of 7 mA (55.7 mW heater power) applied to one of the through coupling heaters, the optical transparency exhibits a red shift of 1.79 nm from the reference resonant wavelength. The ring-to-ring separation of approximately 900 nm means that it can be assumed that there is a zero ring-to-ring coupling field in this model. This novel arrangement has potential applications as a gas mass airflow sensor or a gas species identification sensor. PMID:28791167

Modelling and simulation of a thermally induced optical transparency in a dual micro-ring resonator.

PubMed

Lydiate, Joseph

2017-07-01

This paper introduces the simulation and modelling of a novel dual micro-ring resonator. The geometric configuration of the resonators, and the implementation of a simulated broadband excitation source, results in the realization of optical transparencies in the combined through port output spectrum. The 130 nm silicon on insulator rib fabrication process is adopted for the simulation of the dual-ring configuration. Two titanium nitride heaters are positioned over the coupling regions of the resonators, which can be operated independently, to control the spectral position of the optical transparency. A third heater, centrally located above the dual resonator rings, can be used to red shift the entire spectrum to a required reference resonant wavelength. The free spectral range with no heater currents applied is 4.29 nm. For a simulated heater current of 7 mA (55.7 mW heater power) applied to one of the through coupling heaters, the optical transparency exhibits a red shift of 1.79 nm from the reference resonant wavelength. The ring-to-ring separation of approximately 900 nm means that it can be assumed that there is a zero ring-to-ring coupling field in this model. This novel arrangement has potential applications as a gas mass airflow sensor or a gas species identification sensor.

Optically transparent and durable Al2O3 coatings for harsh environments by ultra short pulsed laser deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korhonen, Hannu; Syväluoto, Aki; Leskinen, Jari T. T.; Lappalainen, Reijo

2018-01-01

Nowadays, an environmental protection is needed for a number of optical applications in conditions quickly impairing the clarity of optical surfaces. Abrasion resistant optical coatings applied onto plastics are usually based on alumina or polysiloxane technology. In many applications transparent glasses and ceramics need a combination of abrasive and chemically resistant shielding or other protective solutions like coatings. In this study, we intended to test our hypothesis that clear and pore free alumina coating can be uniformly distributed on glass prisms by ultra short pulsed laser deposition (USPLD) technique to protect the sensitive surfaces against abrasives. Abrasive wear tests were carried out by the use of SiC emery paper using specified standard procedures. After the wear tests the measured transparencies of coated prisms turned out to be close those of the prisms before coating. The coating on sensitive surfaces consistently displayed enhanced wear resistance exhibiting still high quality, even after severe wear testing. Furthermore, the coating modified the surface properties towards hydrophobic nature in contrast to untreated prisms, which became very hydrophilic especially due to wear.

Transparent thin films of indium tin oxide: Morphology-optical investigations, inter dependence analyzes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prepelita, P.; Filipescu, M.; Stavarache, I.; Garoi, F.; Craciun, D.

2017-12-01

Using a fast and eco-friendly deposition method, ITO thin films with different thicknesses (0.5 μm-0.7 μm) were deposited on glass substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique. A comparative analysis of these oxide films was then carried out. AFM investigations showed that the deposited films were smooth, uniform and having a surface roughness smaller than 10 nm. X-ray diffraction investigations showed that all samples were polycrystalline and the grain sizes of the films, corresponding to (222) cubic reflection, were found to increase with the increasing film thickness. The optical properties, evaluated by UV-VIS-NIR (190-3000 nm) spectrophotometer, evidenced that the obtained thin films were highly transparent, with a transmission coefficient between 90 and 96%, depending on the film thickness. Various methods (Swanepoel and Drude) were employed to appreciate the optimal behaviour of transparent oxide films, in determining the dielectric optical parameters and refractive index dispersion for ITO films exhibiting interference patterns in the optical transmission spectra. The electrical conductivity also increased as the film thickness increased.

Refractive Index Tuning of Hybrid Materials for Highly Transmissive Luminescent Lanthanide Particle-Polymer Composites.

PubMed

Kim, Paul; Li, Cheng; Riman, Richard E; Watkins, James

2018-03-14

High-refractive-index ZrO 2 nanoparticles were used to tailor the refractive index of a polymer matrix to match that of luminescent lanthanide-ion-doped (La 0.92 Yb 0.075 Er 0.005 F 3 ) light-emitting particles, thereby reducing scattering losses to yield highly transparent emissive composites. Photopolymerization of blends of an amine-modified poly(ether acrylate) oligomer and tailored quantities of ZrO 2 nanoparticles yielded optically transparent composites with tailored refractive indices between 1.49 and 1.69. By matching the refractive index of the matrix to that of La 0.92 Yb 0.075 Er 0.005 F 3 , composites with high transmittance (>85%) and low haze from the visible to infrared regions, bright 1530 nm optical emissions were achieved at solids loadings of La 0.92 Yb 0.075 Er 0.005 F 3 , ranging from 5 to 30 vol %. These optical results suggest that a hybrid matrix approach is a versatile strategy for the fabrication of functional luminescent optical composites of high transparency.

Effect of purity on the electro-optical properties of single wall nanotube-based transparent conductive electrodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garrett, Matthew P; Ivanov, Ilia N; Geohegan, David B

2013-01-01

We present a detailed assessment of centrifugation technique for purification of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) for application as transparent conductive electrodes. As- grown and highly-purified SWCNTs were dispersed in surfactants by ultrasonication, and then centrifuged to selectively remove carbonaceous and metal impurities. The centrifuged supernatant suspensions were made into thin films by transferring filtrated nanotube coat- ings onto glass slides. The absorbance and resistance of nanotube coatings were measured, and their optical purity level estimated from a comparison of the area of the near-infrared S22 SWCNT optical absorption band relative to the area of the background. The single-step centrifugationmore » process is shown to purify laser-vaporization grown SWCNTs from an initial optical purity of 0.10 to an averaged purity of 0.23, with an 8.8% yield, which is comparable to other purification techniques. The quality of transparent conductive electrodes esti- mated as a ratio of visible-spectrum absorbance to sheet conductivity is improved by a fac- tor of 12 upon purification.« less

Multifunctional Materials Held in Boston, Massachusetts on November 29- December 1 1989. Materials Research Proceedings. Volume 175

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-01

MULTIFUNCTIONAL MATERIALS *MULTIFUNCTIONAL MOLECULAR AND POLYMERIC MATERIALS FOR NONLINEAR OPTICS AND PHOTONICS 79 Paras N. Prasad ENHANCEMENT OF...in solution 121. Only the ortho photo-Fries product can be formed for the polymer as well as for 5 since the para positions in both cases are blocked...fhII11111 Itf 111111111ll1111111II 111 111 , 9 MULTIFUNCTIONAL MOLECULAR AND POLYMERIC MATERIALS FOR NONLINEAR OPTICS AND PHOTONICS PARAS N. PRASAD

Electrochromic material and electro-optical device using same

DOEpatents

Cogan, Stuart F.; Rauh, R. David

1992-01-01

An oxidatively coloring electrochromic layer of composition M.sub.y CrO.sub.2+x (0.33.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.2.0 and x.ltoreq.2) where M=Li, Na or K with improved transmittance modulation, improved thermal and environmental stability, and improved resistance to degradation in organic liquid and polymeric electrolytes. The M.sub.y CrO.sub.2+x provides complementary optical modulation to cathodically coloring materials in thin-film electrochromic glazings and electrochromic devices employing polymeric Li.sup.+ ion conductors.

Electrochromic material and electro-optical device using same

DOEpatents

Cogan, S.F.; Rauh, R.D.

1992-01-14

An oxidatively coloring electrochromic layer of composition M[sub y]CrO[sub 2+x] (0.33[le]y[le]2.0 and x[le]2) where M=Li, Na or K with improved transmittance modulation, improved thermal and environmental stability, and improved resistance to degradation in organic liquid and polymeric electrolytes. The M[sub y]CrO[sub 2+x] provides complementary optical modulation to cathodically coloring materials in thin-film electrochromic glazings and electrochromic devices employing polymeric Li[sup +] ion conductors. 12 figs.

Synthesis and studies of polypeptide materials: Enantioselective polymerization of gamma-benzyl glutamate-N-carboxyanhydride and synthesis of optically active poly(beta-peptides)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jianjun

A class of zero-valent transition metal complexes have been developed by Deming et al for the controlled polymerization of alpha-aminoacid-N-carboxyanhydrides (alpha-NCAs). This discovery provided a superior starting point for the development of enantioselective polymerizations of racemic alpha-NCAs. Bidentate chiral ligands were synthesized and tested for their abilities to induce enantioselective polymerization of gamma-benzyl-glutamate NCA (Glu NCA) when they were coordinated to zero-valent nickel complexes. When optically active 2-pyridinyl oxazoline ligands were mixed with bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)nickel in THF, chiral nickel complexes were formed that selectively polymerized one enantiomer of Glu NCA over the other. The highest selectivity was observed with the nickel complex of (S)-4-tert-butyl-2-pyridinyl oxazoline, which gave a ratio of enantiomeric polymerization rate constants (kD/kL) of 5.2. It was found that subtle modification of this ligand by incorporation of additional substituents had a substantial impact on initiator enantioselectivities. In separate efforts, methodology was developed for the general synthesis of optically active beta-aminoacid-N-carboxyanhydrides (beta-NCAs) via cyclization of Nbeta-Boc- or Nbeta-Cbz-beta-amino acids using phosphorus tribromide. The beta-NCA molecules could be polymerized in good yields using strong bases or transition metal complexes to give optically active poly(beta-peptides) bearing proteinogenic side chains. The resulting poly(beta-peptides), which have moderate molecular weights, adopt stable helical conformations in solution. Poly(beta-homoglutamate and poly(beta-homolysine), the side-chain deprotected polymers, were found to display pH dependent helix-coil conformation transitions in aqueous solution, similar to their alpha-analogs. A novel method for poly(beta-aspartate) synthesis was developed via the polymerization of L-aspartate alkyl ester beta lactams using metal-amido complexes. Poly(beta-aspartates) bearing short ethylene glycol side chains were obtained with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions when Sc(N(TMS)2)3 was used as initiator for the beta-lactam polymerizations. Polymer chain lengths could be controlled by both stoichiometry and monomer conversion, characteristic of a living polymerization system. Di- and tri-block copoly(beta-peptides) with desired chain lengths were also synthesized using this method. It was found that these techniques were generally applicable for the synthesis of poly(beta-peptides), bearing other proteinogetic side chains. Synthesis and studies of polypeptide materials were extended to unexplored areas by incorporation of both alpha- and beta-amino acid residues into single polymer chains. Two sequence specific polypeptides bearing alternating beta-alpha, or beta-alpha-alpha amino acid residues were synthesized. Both polymers were found to adopt unprecedented stable conformations in solution.

The electrodeposition of multilayers on a polymeric substrate in Flexible Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guedes, Andre F. S.; Guedes, Vilmar P.; Tartari, Simone; Cunha, Idaulo Jose

2016-09-01

The development of Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), using an optically transparent substrate material and organic semiconductor materials, has been widely utilized by the electronic industry when producing new technological products. The OLED are the base Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT, Poly(p-phenylenevinylene), PPV, and Polyaniline, PANI, were deposited in Indium Tin Oxide, ITO, and characterized by UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Optical Parameters (OP) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In addition, the thin film obtained by the deposition of PANI, prepared in perchloric acid solution, was identified through PANI-X1. The result obtained by UV-Vis has demonstrated that the PET/ITO/PEDOT/PPV/PANI-X1/Al layer does not have displacement of absorption for wavelengths greaters after spin-coating and electrodeposition. Thus, the spectral irradiance of the OLED informed the irradiance of 100 W/m2, and this result, compared with the standard Light Emitting Diode (LED), has indicated that the OLED has higher irradiance. After 1200 hours of electrical OLED tests, the appearance of nanoparticles visible for images by SEM, to the migration process of organic semiconductor materials, was present, then. Still, similar to the phenomenon of electromigration observed in connections and interconnections of microelectronic devices, the results have revealed a new mechanism of migration, which raises the passage of electric current in OLED.

Roll-to-Roll Nanoforming of Metals Using Laser-Induced Superplasticity.

PubMed

Goswami, Debkalpa; Munera, Juan C; Pal, Aniket; Sadri, Behnam; Scarpetti, Caio Lui P G; Martinez, Ramses V

2018-05-24

This Letter describes a low-cost, scalable nanomanufacturing process that enables the continuous forming of thin metallic layers with nanoscale accuracy using roll-to-roll, laser-induced superplasticity (R2RLIS). R2RLIS uses a laser shock to induce the ultrahigh-strain-rate deformation of metallic films at room temperature into low-cost polymeric nanomolds, independently of the original grain size of the metal. This simple and inexpensive nanoforming method does not require access to cleanrooms and associated facilities, and can be easily implemented on conventional CO 2 lasers, enabling laser systems commonly used for rapid prototyping or industrial cutting and engraving to fabricate uniform and three-dimensional crystalline metallic nanostructures over large areas. Tuning the laser power during the R2RLIS process enables the control of the aspect ratio and the mechanical and optical properties of the fabricated nanostructures. This roll-to-roll technique successfully fabricates mechanically strengthened gold plasmonic nanostructures with aspect ratios as high as 5 that exhibit high oxidation resistance and strong optical field enhancements. The CO 2 laser used in R2RLIS can also integrate the fabricated nanostructures on transparent flexible substrates with robust interfacial contact. The ability to fabricate ultrasmooth metallic nanostructures using roll-to-roll manufacturing enables the large scale production, at a relatively low-cost, of flexible plasmonic devices toward emerging applications.

Characterization of cinematographic films by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaspard, S.; Oujja, M.; Rebollar, E.; Abrusci, C.; Catalina, F.; Castillejo, M.

2007-12-01

The emulsion-coated transparent plastic-base film has been the main carrier for production and preservation of motion picture contents since the 19th century. The knowledge of the composition of black and white silver gelatine cinematographic films is of great importance for the characterization of the photographic process and for identifying the optimum conditions for conservation. A cinematographic film is a multi-component system that consists of a layer of photographic emulsion overcoating a polymeric support (plasticized cellulose triacetate) and a protective transparent cross-linked gelatine layer coating the emulsion. In the present work, Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is used to characterize the composition of the materials of cinematographic films. LIB spectra of film samples and of different individual film components, polymeric support and reference gelatines, were acquired in vacuum by excitation at 266 nm (Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, 6 ns, 10 Hz). In the cinematographic film, silver lines from the light-sensitive silver halide salts of the photographic emulsion are accompanied by iron, lead, chrome and phosphorus lines. Iron and lead are constituents of film developers, chrome is included in the composition of the hardening agents and phosphorus has its origin in the plasticizer used in the polymeric support. By applying successive pulses on the same spot of the film sample, it was possible to observe through stratigraphic analysis the different layers composition. Additionally, the results obtained reveal the analytical capacity of LIBS for the study and classification of the different gelatine types and qualities used for the protecting layer and the photographic emulsion.

Optical micro-cavities on silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Daoxin; Liu, Erhu; Tan, Ying

2018-01-01

Silicon-based optical microcavities are very popular for many applications because of the ultra-compact footprint, easy scalability, and functional versatility. In this paper we give a discussion about the challenges of the optical microcavities on silicon and also give a review of our recent work, including the following parts. First, a near-"perfect" high-order MRR optical filter with a box-like filtering response is realized by introducing bent directional couplers to have sufficient coupling between the access waveguide and the microrings. Second, an efficient thermally-tunable MRR-based optical filter with graphene transparent nano-heater is realized by introducing transparent graphene nanoheaters. Thirdly, a polarization-selective microring-based optical filter is realized to work with resonances for only one of TE and TM polarizations for the first time. Finally, a on-chip reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer for hybrid mode- /wavelength-division-multiplexing systems is realized for the first time by monolithically integrating a mode demultiplexer, four MRR optical switches, and a mode multiplexer.

Secured Optical Communications Using Quantum Entangled Two-Photon Transparency Modulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Quang-Viet (Inventor); Kojima, Jun (Inventor); Lekki, John (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A system and method is disclosed wherein optical signals are coded in a transmitter by tuning or modulating the interbeam delay time (which modulates the fourth-order coherence) between pairs of entangled photons. The photon pairs are either absorbed or not absorbed (transparent) by an atomic or molecular fluorescer in a receiver, depending on the inter-beam delay that is introduced in the entangled photon pairs. Upon the absorption, corresponding fluorescent optical emissions follow at a certain wavelength, which are then detected by a photon detector. The advantage of the disclosed system is that it eliminates a need of a coincidence counter to realize the entanglement-based secure optical communications because the absorber acts as a coincidence counter for entangled photon pairs.

Semi-transparent all-oxide ultraviolet light-emitting diodes based on ZnO/NiO-core/shell nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Zhi-Feng; Xu, Ting-Ting; Wu, Di; Zhang, Yuan-Tao; Zhang, Bao-Lin; Tian, Yong-Tao; Li, Xin-Jian; Du, Guo-Tong

2016-05-01

Semi-transparent all-oxide light-emitting diodes based on ZnO/NiO-core/shell nanowire structures were prepared on double-polished c-Al2O3 substrates. The entire heterojunction diode showed an average transparency of ~65% in the ultraviolet and visible regions. Under forward bias, the diode displayed an intense ultraviolet emission at ~382 nm, and its electroluminescence performance was remarkable in terms of a low emission onset, acceptable operating stability, and the ability to optically excite emissive semiconductor nanoparticle chromophores.Semi-transparent all-oxide light-emitting diodes based on ZnO/NiO-core/shell nanowire structures were prepared on double-polished c-Al2O3 substrates. The entire heterojunction diode showed an average transparency of ~65% in the ultraviolet and visible regions. Under forward bias, the diode displayed an intense ultraviolet emission at ~382 nm, and its electroluminescence performance was remarkable in terms of a low emission onset, acceptable operating stability, and the ability to optically excite emissive semiconductor nanoparticle chromophores. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07236k

Transparent, conformable, active multielectrode array using organic electrochemical transistors.

PubMed

Lee, Wonryung; Kim, Dongmin; Matsuhisa, Naoji; Nagase, Masae; Sekino, Masaki; Malliaras, George G; Yokota, Tomoyuki; Someya, Takao

2017-10-03

Mechanically flexible active multielectrode arrays (MEA) have been developed for local signal amplification and high spatial resolution. However, their opaqueness limited optical observation and light stimulation during use. Here, we show a transparent, ultraflexible, and active MEA, which consists of transparent organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) and transparent Au grid wirings. The transparent OECT is made of Au grid electrodes and has shown comparable performance with OECTs with nontransparent electrodes/wirings. The transparent active MEA realizes the spatial mapping of electrocorticogram electrical signals from an optogenetic rat with 1-mm spacing and shows lower light artifacts than noise level. Our active MEA would open up the possibility of precise investigation of a neural network system with direct light stimulation.

Bio-Organic Optoelectronic Devices Using DNA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Thokchom Birendra; Sariciftci, Niyazi Serdar; Grote, James G.

Biomolecular DNA, as a marine waste product from salmon processing, has been exploited as biodegradable polymeric material for photonics and electronics. For preparing high optical quality thin films of DNA, a method using DNA with cationic surfactants such as DNA-cetyltrimethylammonium, CTMA has been applied. This process enhances solubility and processing for thin film fabrication. These DNA-CTMA complexes resulted in the formation of self-assembled supramolecular films. Additionally, the molecular weight can be tailored to suit the application through sonication. It revealed that DNA-CTMA complexes were thermostable up to 230 ∘ C. UV-VIS absorption shows that these thin films have high transparency from 350 to about 1,700 nm. Due to its nature of large band gap and large dielectric constant, thin films of DNA-CTMA has been successfully used in multiple applications such as organic light emitting diodes (OLED), a cladding and host material in nonlinear optical devices, and organic field-effect transistors (OFET). Using this DNA based biopolymers as a gate dielectric layer, OFET devices were fabricated that exhibits current-voltage characteristics with low voltages as compared with using other polymer-based dielectrics. Using a thin film of DNA-CTMA based biopolymer as the gate insulator and pentacene as the organic semiconductor, we have demonstrated a bio-organic FET or BioFET in which the current was modulated over three orders of magnitude using gate voltages less than 10 V. Given the possibility to functionalise the DNA film customised for specific purposes viz. biosensing, DNA-CTMA with its unique structural, optical and electronic properties results in many applications that are extremely interesting.

The Effects of Zr Doping on the Optical, Electrical and Microstructural Properties of Thin ZnO Films Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition

PubMed Central

Herodotou, Stephania; Treharne, Robert E.; Durose, Ken; Tatlock, Gordon J.; Potter, Richard J.

2015-01-01

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs), with high optical transparency (≥85%) and low electrical resistivity (10−4 Ω·cm) are used in a wide variety of commercial devices. There is growing interest in replacing conventional TCOs such as indium tin oxide with lower cost, earth abundant materials. In the current study, we dope Zr into thin ZnO films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) to target properties of an efficient TCO. The effects of doping (0–10 at.% Zr) were investigated for ~100 nm thick films and the effect of thickness on the properties was investigated for 50–250 nm thick films. The addition of Zr4+ ions acting as electron donors showed reduced resistivity (1.44 × 10−3 Ω·cm), increased carrier density (3.81 × 1020 cm−3), and increased optical gap (3.5 eV) with 4.8 at.% doping. The increase of film thickness to 250 nm reduced the electron carrier/photon scattering leading to a further reduction of resistivity to 7.5 × 10−4 Ω·cm and an average optical transparency in the visible/near infrared (IR) range up to 91%. The improved n-type properties of ZnO: Zr films are promising for TCO applications after reaching the targets for high carrier density (>1020 cm−3), low resistivity in the order of 10−4 Ω·cm and high optical transparency (≥85%). PMID:28793633

Optical properties of graphene-based materials in transparent polymer matrices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bayrak, Osman; Demirci, Emrah, E-mail: E.Demirci@lboro.ac.uk; Silberschmidt, Vadim V.

2016-08-22

Different aspects of graphene-based materials (GBMs) and GBM-nanocomposites have been investigated due to their intriguing features; one of these features is their transparency. Transparency of GBMs has been of an interest to scientists and engineers mainly with regard to electronic devices. In this study, optical transmittance of structural, purpose-made nanocomposites reinforced with GBMs was analyzed to lay a foundation for optical microstructural characterization of nanocomposites in future studies. Two main types of GBM reinforcements were studied, graphene oxide (GO) and graphite nanoplates (GNPs). The nanocomposites investigated are GO/poly(vinyl alcohol), GO/sodium alginate, and GNP/epoxy with different volume fractions of GBMs. Togethermore » with UV-visible spectrophotometry, image-processing-assisted micro and macro photography were used to assess the transparency of GBMs embedded in the matrices. The micro and macro photography methods developed were proven to be an alternative way of measuring light transmittance of semi-transparent materials. It was found that there existed a linear relationship between light absorbance and a volume fraction of GBMs embedded in the same type of polymer matrices, provided that the nanocomposites of interest had the same thicknesses. This suggests that the GBM dispersion characteristics in the same type of polymer are similar and any possible change in crystal structure of polymer due to different volumetric contents of GBM does not have an effect on light transmittance of the matrices. The study also showed that the same types of GBMs could display different optical properties in different matrix materials. The results of this study will help to develop practical microstructural characterization techniques for GBM-based nanocomposites.« less

In-vitro corneal transparency measuring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ventura, Liliane; da Costa Vieira, Marcelo A.; Isaac, Flavio; Chiaradia, Caio; Faria de Sousa, Sidney J.

2001-06-01

A system for measuring the average corneal transparency of preserved corneas has been developed in order to provide a more accurate and standard report of the corneal tissue. The donated cornea transparency is one of the features to be analyzed previously to its indication for the transplant. The small portable system consists of two main parts: the optical and the electronic parts. The optical system consists of a white light, lenses and pin-holes that collimate white light beams that illuminates the cornea in its preservative medium. The light that passes through the cornea is detected by a resistive detector and the average corneal transparency is shown in a display. In order to obtain just the tissue transparency, the electronic circuit was built in a way that there is a baseline input of the preservative medium, previous to the measurement of the corneal transparency. Manipulating the system consists of three steps: (1) Adjusting the zero percentage in the absence of light (at this time the detectors in the dark); (2) Placing the preservative medium in the system and adjusting the 100% value (this is the baseline input); (3) Preserving the cornea and placing it in the system. The system provides the tissue transparency. The system is connected to an endothelium evaluation system for Slit Lamp, that we have developed, and statistics about the relationship of the corneal transparency and density of the endothelial cells will be provided in the next years. The system is being used in a public Eye Bank in Brasil.

Induced dual EIT and EIA resonances with optical trapping phenomenon in near/far fields in the N-type four-level system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osman, Kariman I.; Joshi, Amitabh

2017-01-01

The optical trapping phenomenon is investigated in the probe absorptive susceptibility spectra, during the interaction of four-level N-type atomic system with three transverse Gaussian fields, in a Doppler broadened medium. The system was studied under different temperature settings of 87Rb atomic vapor as well as different non-radiative decay rate. The system exhibits a combination of dual electromagnetically induced transparency with electromagnetically induced absorption (EIA) or transparency (EIT) resonances simultaneously in near/far field. Also, the optical trapping phenomenon is considerably affected by the non-radiative decay rate.

Development of optical laser balloon and drainage from radiation vulcanized natural rubber latex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimamura, Yoshiyuki

Rubber film made of radiation vulcanized natural rubber latex (RVNRL) has better transparency and lower toxicity compared with sulfur-vulcanized latex film. Optical laser balloon (optical endoscopical balloon) and drainage were developed by using RVNRL. An endoscope was equipped with a saline-filled latex rubber balloon at its tip to displace contaminating blood, bile, or gastric contents during operative portoscopy, biliary endoscopy, or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The transmission of Nd-Yag laser through the balloon is 98%, higher than the sulfur-vulcanized latex rubber (75%). High transparency of the drainage bag facilitated easy observation of discharged fluids without detaching the bag from the tube.

Hybrid plasmonic systems: from optical transparencies to strong coupling and entanglement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gray, Stephen K.

2018-02-01

Classical electrodynamics and quantum mechanical models of quantum dots and molecules interacting with plasmonic systems are discussed. Calculations show that just one quantum dot interacting with a plasmonic system can lead to interesting optical effects, including optical transparencies and more general Fano resonance features that can be tailored with ultrafast laser pulses. Such effects can occur in the limit of moderate coupling between quantum dot and plasmonic system. The approach to the strong coupling regime is also discussed. In cases with two or more quantum dots within a plasmonic system, the possibility of quantum entanglement mediated through the dissipative plasmonic structure arises.

A stable frequency comb directly referenced to rubidium electromagnetically induced transparency and two-photon transitions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hou, Dong; Wu, Jiutao; Zhang, Shuangyou

2014-03-17

We demonstrate an approach to create a stable erbium-fiber-based frequency comb at communication band by directly locking the combs to two rubidium atomic transitions resonances (electromagnetically induced transparency absorption and two-photon absorption), respectively. This approach directly transfers the precision and stability of the atomic transitions to the comb. With its distinguishing feature of compactness by removing the conventional octave-spanning spectrum and f-to-2f beating facilities and the ability to directly control the comb's frequency at the atomic transition frequency, this stable optical comb can be widely used in optical communication, frequency standard, and optical spectroscopy and microscopy.

Improved thermal oxidation stability of solution-processable silver nanowire transparent electrode by reduced graphene oxide.

PubMed

Ahn, Yumi; Jeong, Youngjun; Lee, Youngu

2012-12-01

Solution-processable silver nanowire-reduced graphene oxide (AgNW-rGO) hybrid transparent electrode was prepared in order to replace conventional ITO transparent electrode. AgNW-rGO hybrid transparent electrode exhibited high optical transmittance and low sheet resistance, which is comparable to ITO transparent electrode. In addition, it was found that AgNW-rGO hybrid transparent electrode exhibited highly enhanced thermal oxidation and chemical stabilities due to excellent gas-barrier property of rGO passivation layer onto AgNW film. Furthermore, the organic solar cells with AgNW-rGO hybrid transparent electrode showed good photovoltaic behavior as much as solar cells with AgNW transparent electrode. It is expected that AgNW-rGO hybrid transparent electrode can be used as a key component in various optoelectronic application such as display panels, touch screen panels, and solar cells.

Phase Conjugated and Transparent Wavelength Conversions of Nyquist 16-QAM Signals Employing a Single-Layer Graphene Coated Fiber Device

PubMed Central

Hu, Xiao; Zeng, Mengqi; Long, Yun; Liu, Jun; Zhu, Yixiao; Zou, Kaiheng; Zhang, Fan; Fu, Lei; Wang, Jian

2016-01-01

We fabricate a nonlinear optical device based on a fiber pigtail cross-section coated with a single-layer graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Using the fabricated graphene-assisted nonlinear optical device and employing Nyquist 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) signal, we experimentally demonstrate phase conjugated wavelength conversion by degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) and transparent wavelength conversion by non-degenerate FWM in graphene. We study the conversion efficiency as functions of the pump power and pump wavelength and evaluate the bit-error rate (BER) performance. We also compare the time-varying symbol sequence for graphene-assisted phase conjugated and transparent wavelength conversions of Nyquist 16-QAM signal. PMID:26932470

Image Contrast Immersion Method for Measuring Refractive Index Applied to Spider Silks

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-26

12.880665. 8. A. J. Werner, “Methods in high precision refractometry of optical glasses,” Appl. Opt. 7(5), 837–843 (1968). 9. Y. S. Liu, “Direct...transparent, low visibility orb web. Refractometry is the most widely used technique for accurately measuring n for transparent media. It has been...in use for more than a century. There are several standard refractometry methods [8]. Most require a bulk sample with surfaces polished to optical

Spectroelectrochemistry: The Combination of Optical and Electrochemical Techniques.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heineman, William R.

1983-01-01

Two different techniques, electrochemistry and spectroscopy, can be combined for studying the redox chemistry of inorganic, organic, and biological molecules. Several commonly used spectroelectrochemical methods and their applications are described. Includes discussions of optically transparent electrodes, optical absorption/fluorescence…

Ceramic and polymeric dental onlays evaluated by photo-elasticity, optical coherence tomography, and micro-computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinescu, Cosmin; Negrutiu, Meda; Topala, Florin; Ionita, Ciprian; Negru, Radu; Fabriky, Mihai; Marcauteanu, Corina; Bradu, Adrian; Dobre, George; Marsavina, Liviu; Rominu, Mihai; Podoleanu, Adrian

2011-10-01

Dental onlays are restorations used to repair rear teeth that have a mild to moderate amount of decay. They can also be used to restore teeth that are cracked or fractured if the damage is not severe enough to require a dental crown. The use of onlays requires less tooth reduction than does the use of metal fillings. This allows dentists to conserve more of a patient's natural tooth structure in the treatment process. The aims of this study are to evaluate the biomechanical comportment of the dental onlays, by using the 3D photo elasticity method and to investigate the integrity of the structures and their fitting to the dental support. For this optical coherence tomography and micro-computed tomography were employed. Both methods were used to investigate 37 dental onlays, 17 integral polymeric and 20 integral ceramic. The results permit to observe materials defects inside the ceramic or polymeric onlays situate in the biomechanically tensioned areas that could lead to fracture of the prosthetic structure. Marginal fitting problems of the onlays related to the teeth preparations were presented in order to observe the possibility of secondary cavities. The resulted images from the optical coherence tomography were verified by the micro-computed tomography. In conclusion, the optical coherence tomography can be used as a clinical method in order to evaluate the integrity of the dental ceramic and polymeric onlays and to investigate the quality of the marginal fitting to the teeth preparations.

Oxygen sensitive polymeric nanocapsules for optical dissolved oxygen sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Zhijuan; Cai, Chenxin; Guo, Fei; Ye, Changhuai; Luo, Yingwu; Ye, Shuming; Luo, Jianchao; Zhu, Fan; Jiang, Chunyue

2018-04-01

Immobilization of the oxygen-sensitive probes (OSPs) in the host matrix greatly impacts the performance and long-term usage of the optical dissolved oxygen (DO) sensors. In this work, fluorescent dyes, as the OSPs, were encapsulated with a crosslinked fluorinated polymer shell by interfacial confined reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer miniemulsion polymerization to fabricate oxygen sensitive polymeric nanocapsules (NCs). The location of fluorescent dyes and the fluorescent properties of the NCs were fully characterized by fourier transform infrared spectrometer, x-ray photoelectron spectrometer and fluorescent spectrum. Dye-encapsulated capacity can be precisely tuned from 0 to 1.3 wt% without self-quenching of the fluorescent dye. The crosslinked fluorinated polymer shell is not only extremely high gas permeability, but also prevents the fluorescent dyes from leakage in aqueous as well as in various organic solvents, such as ethanol, acetone and tetrahydrofuran (THF). An optical DO sensor based on the oxygen sensitive NCs was fabricated, showing high sensitivity, short response time, full reversibility, and long-term operational stability of online monitoring DO. The sensitivity of the optical DO sensor is 7.02 (the ratio of the response value in fully deoxygenated and saturated oxygenated water) in the range 0.96-14.16 mg l-1 and the response time is about 14.3 s. The sensor’s work curve was fit well using the modified Stern-Volmer equation by two-site model, and its response values are hardly affected by pH ranging from 2 to 12 and keep constant during continuous measurement for 3 months. It is believed that the oxygen sensitive polymeric NCs-based optical DO sensor could be particularly useful in long-term online DO monitoring in both aqueous and organic solvent systems.

Patterned surfaces in the drying of films composed of water, polymer, and alcohol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fichot, Julie; Heyd, Rodolphe; Josserand, Christophe; Chourpa, Igor; Gombart, Emilie; Tranchant, Jean-Francois; Saboungi, Marie-Louise

2012-12-01

A study of the complex drying dynamics of polymeric mixtures with optical microscopy and gravimetric measurement is presented. Droplet formation is observed, followed by a collapse that leads to the residual craters in the dried film. The process is followed in situ under well-defined temperature and hygrometric conditions to determine the origin and nature of these droplets and craters. The drying process is usually completed within 1 h. The observations are explained using a simple diffusion model based on experimental results collected from mass and optical measurements as well as Raman confocal microspectrometry. Although the specific polymeric mixtures used here are of interest to the cosmetic industry, the general conclusions reached can apply to other polymeric aqueous solutions with applications to commercial and artistic painting.

Switchable focus using a polymeric lenticular microlens array and a polarization rotator.

PubMed

Ren, Hongwen; Xu, Su; Liu, Yifan; Wu, Shin-Tson

2013-04-08

We demonstrate a flat polymeric lenticular microlens array using a mixture of rod-like diacrylate monomer and positive dielectric anisotropy nematic liquid crystal (LC). To create gradient refractive index profile in one microlens, we generate fringing fields from a planar top electrode and two striped bottom electrodes. After UV stabilization, the film is optically anisotropic and can stand alone. We then laminate this film on a 90° twisted-nematic LC cell, which works as a dynamic polarization rotator. The static polymeric lenticular lens exhibits focusing effect only to the extraordinary ray, but no optical effect to the ordinary ray. Such an integrated lens system offers several advantages, such as low voltage, fast response time, and temperature insensitivity, and can be used for switchable 2D/3D displays.

3D-Printed Transparent Glass

DOE PAGES

Nguyen, Du T.; Meyers, Cameron; Yee, Timothy D.; ...

2017-04-28

In this study, silica inks are developed, which may be 3D printed and thermally processed to produce optically transparent glass structures with sub-millimeter features in forms ranging from scaffolds to monoliths. The inks are composed of silica powder suspended in a liquid and are printed using direct ink writing. The printed structures are then dried and sintered at temperatures well below the silica melting point to form amorphous, solid, transparent glass structures. This technique enables the mold-free formation of transparent glass structures previously inaccessible using conventional glass fabrication processes.

3D-Printed Transparent Glass

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen, Du T.; Meyers, Cameron; Yee, Timothy D.

In this study, silica inks are developed, which may be 3D printed and thermally processed to produce optically transparent glass structures with sub-millimeter features in forms ranging from scaffolds to monoliths. The inks are composed of silica powder suspended in a liquid and are printed using direct ink writing. The printed structures are then dried and sintered at temperatures well below the silica melting point to form amorphous, solid, transparent glass structures. This technique enables the mold-free formation of transparent glass structures previously inaccessible using conventional glass fabrication processes.

Transparent conducting oxides and production thereof

DOEpatents

Gessert, Timothy A; Yoshida, Yuki; Coutts, Timothy J

2014-05-27

Transparent conducting oxides and production thereof are disclosed. An exemplary method of producing a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) material may comprise: providing a TCO target (110) doped with either a high-permittivity oxide or a low-permittivity oxide in a process chamber (100). The method may also comprise depositing a metal oxide on the target (110) to form a thin film having enhanced optical properties without substantially decreasing electrical quality.

Transparent conducting oxides and production thereof

DOEpatents

Gessert, Timothy A.; Yoshida, Yuki; Coutts, Timothy J.

2014-06-10

Transparent conducting oxides and production thereof are disclosed. An exemplary method of producing a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) material may comprise: providing a TCO target doped with either a high-permittivity oxide or a low-permittivity oxide in a process chamber. The method may also comprise depositing a metal oxide on the target in the process chamber to form a thin film having enhanced optical properties without substantially decreasing electrical quality.

Optical transparency of paper as a function of moisture content with applications to moisture measurement.

PubMed

Forughi, A F; Green, S I; Stoeber, B

2016-02-01

Accurate measurement of the moisture content of paper is essential in papermaking and is also important in some paper-based microfluidic devices. Traditional measurement techniques provide very limited spatiotemporal resolution and working range. This article presents a novel method for moisture content measurement whose operating principle is the strong correlation between the optical transparency of paper and its moisture content. Spectrographic and microscopic measurement techniques were employed to characterize the relation of moisture content and relative transparency of four types of paper: hardwood chemi-thermomechanical pulp paper, Northern bleached softwood kraft paper, unbleached softwood kraft paper, and General Electric(®) Whatman™ grade 1 chromatography paper. It was found that for all paper types, the paper transparency increased monotonically with the moisture content (as the ratio of the mass-of-water to the mass-of-dry-paper increased from 0% to 120%). This significant increase in relative transparency occurred due to the refractive index matching role of water in wet paper. It is further shown that mechanical loading of the paper has little impact on the relative transparency, for loadings that would be typical on a paper machine. The results of two transient water absorption experiments are presented that show the utility and accuracy of the technique.

Pulse laser-induced particle separation from polymethyl methacrylate: a mechanistic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arif, S.; Armbruster, O.; Kautek, W.

2013-04-01

The separation mechanism of opaque and transparent model micro-particles, graphite and polystyrene copolymer spheres, respectively, from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) substrates were investigated employing a ns-pulse laser radiating at 532 nm. The particles transparent in the visible wavelength range could be removed from PMMA efficiently in a very narrow fluence range between 1 and 2 J/cm2 according to a simple 1D thermal expansion model. Above this fluence region, with single pulses, the transparent microspheres caused local ablation of the PMMA substrate in the optical microlens nearfield. This process led to removal of the particles themselves due to the expansion of the ablation plasma. The irregularly shaped graphite particles shaded the underlying substrate from the incoming radiation so that no optical nearfield damage mechanism could be observed. Therefore, a substantial cleaning window between 0.5 and more than 16 J/cm2 was provided. The graphite data suggest an ablation mechanism of the particulates themselves due to a high optical absorption coefficient.

Polarized linewidth-controllable double-trapping electromagnetically induced transparency spectra in a resonant plasmon nanocavity

PubMed Central

Wang, Luojia; Gu, Ying; Chen, Hongyi; Zhang, Jia-Yu; Cui, Yiping; Gerardot, Brian D.; Gong, Qihuang

2013-01-01

Surface plasmons with ultrasmall optical mode volume and strong near field enhancement can be used to realize nanoscale light-matter interaction. Combining surface plasmons with the quantum system provides the possibility of nanoscale realization of important quantum optical phenomena, including the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), which has many applications in nonlinear quantum optics and quantum information processing. Here, using a custom-designed resonant plasmon nanocavity, we demonstrate polarized position-dependent linewidth-controllable EIT spectra at the nanoscale. We analytically obtain the double coherent population trapping conditions in a double-Λ quantum system with crossing damping, which give two transparent points in the EIT spectra. The linewidths of the three peaks are extremely sensitive to the level spacing of the excited states, the Rabi frequencies and detunings of pump fields, and the Purcell factors. In particular the linewidth of the central peak is exceptionally narrow. The hybrid system may have potential applications in ultra-compact plasmon-quantum devices. PMID:24096943

Carbon Nanotube Networks Reinforced by Silver Nanowires with Improved Optical Transparency and Conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martine, Patricia; Fakhimi, Azin; Lin, Ling; Jurewicz, Izabela; Dalton, Alan; Zakhidov, Anvar A.; Baughman, Ray H.

2015-03-01

We have fabricated highly transparent and conductive free-standing nanocomposite thin film electrodes by adding silver nanowires (AgNWs) to dry-spun Multiwall Carbon Nanotube (MWNT) aerogels. This nanocomposite exhibits desirable properties such as high optical transmittance, excellent flexibility and enhanced electrical conductivity. The incorporation of the AgNWs to the MWNT aerogels was accomplished by using a spray coating method. The optical transparency and sheet resistance of the nanocomposite was tuned by adjusting the concentration of AgNWs, back pressure and nozzle distance of the spray gun to the MWNT aerogel during deposition. As the solvent evaporated, the aerogel MWNT bundles densified via surface tension which caused the MWNT bundles to collapse. This adjustable process was responsible in forming well defined apertures that increased the nanocomposite's transmittance up to 90 percent. Via AgNWs percolation and random interconnections between separate MWNT bundles in the aerogel matrix, the sheet resistance decreased from 1 K ohm/sq to less than 100 ohm/sq. Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute

Can nature's design be improved upon? High strength, transparent nacre-like nanocomposites with double network of sacrificial cross links.

PubMed

Podsiadlo, Paul; Kaushik, Amit K; Shim, Bong Sup; Agarwal, Ashish; Tang, Zhiyong; Waas, Anthony M; Arruda, Ellen M; Kotov, Nicholas A

2008-11-20

The preparation of a high-strength and highly transparent nacre-like nanocomposite via layer-by-layer assembly technique from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Na+-montmorillonite clay nanosheets is reported in this article. We show that a high density of weak bonding interactions between the polymer and the clay particles: hydrogen, dipole-induced dipole, and van der Waals undergoing break-reform deformations, can lead to high strength nanocomposites: sigmaUTS approximately 150 MPa and E' approximately 13 GPa. Further introduction of ionic bonds into the polymeric matrix creates a double network of sacrificial bonds which dramatically increases the mechanical properties: sigmaUTS approximately 320 MPa and E' approximately 60 GPa.

Optical properties of mouse brain tissue after optical clearing with FocusClear™

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moy, Austin J.; Capulong, Bernard V.; Saager, Rolf B.; Wiersma, Matthew P.; Lo, Patrick C.; Durkin, Anthony J.; Choi, Bernard

2015-09-01

Fluorescence microscopy is commonly used to investigate disease progression in biological tissues. Biological tissues, however, are strongly scattering in the visible wavelengths, limiting the application of fluorescence microscopy to superficial (<200 μm) regions. Optical clearing, which involves incubation of the tissue in a chemical bath, reduces the optical scattering in tissue, resulting in increased tissue transparency and optical imaging depth. The goal of this study was to determine the time- and wavelength-resolved dynamics of the optical scattering properties of rodent brain after optical clearing with FocusClear™. Light transmittance and reflectance of 1-mm mouse brain sections were measured using an integrating sphere before and after optical clearing and the inverse adding doubling algorithm used to determine tissue optical scattering. The degree of optical clearing was quantified by calculating the optical clearing potential (OCP), and the effects of differing OCP were demonstrated using the optical histology method, which combines tissue optical clearing with optical imaging to visualize the microvasculature. We observed increased tissue transparency with longer optical clearing time and an analogous increase in OCP. Furthermore, OCP did not vary substantially between 400 and 1000 nm for increasing optical clearing durations, suggesting that optical histology can improve ex vivo visualization of several fluorescent probes.

Effect of radiation light characteristics on surface hardness of paint-on resin for shade modification.

PubMed

Arikawa, Hiroyuki; Kanie, Takahito; Fujii, Koichi; Ban, Seiji

2005-12-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of radiation light characteristics--of different types of clinical light-curing unit--on polymerization efficiency, as determined by the surface hardness of light-cured paint-on resins. Four shades of paint-on resin for shade modification of restorative resins were used. Materials were cured using one laboratory and three clinical light-curing units with different light sources, namely tungsten-halogen, LED, plasma arc, and xenon flash lamps. Knoop hardness measurements were taken at both the top and bottom surfaces of the specimens to assess the mechanical properties and degree of polymerization. Both LED and plasma arc light units caused significantly poorer surface hardness than the halogen and laboratory xenon lights. In addition, the transparent shade was more sensitive to surface hardness than other chromatic shades. Our results indicated that the polymerization efficiency of paint-on resin was significantly influenced by the radiation light characteristics of clinical light-curing units.

Transparent, conformable, active multielectrode array using organic electrochemical transistors

PubMed Central

Lee, Wonryung; Kim, Dongmin; Matsuhisa, Naoji; Nagase, Masae; Sekino, Masaki; Malliaras, George G.; Yokota, Tomoyuki; Someya, Takao

2017-01-01

Mechanically flexible active multielectrode arrays (MEA) have been developed for local signal amplification and high spatial resolution. However, their opaqueness limited optical observation and light stimulation during use. Here, we show a transparent, ultraflexible, and active MEA, which consists of transparent organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) and transparent Au grid wirings. The transparent OECT is made of Au grid electrodes and has shown comparable performance with OECTs with nontransparent electrodes/wirings. The transparent active MEA realizes the spatial mapping of electrocorticogram electrical signals from an optogenetic rat with 1-mm spacing and shows lower light artifacts than noise level. Our active MEA would open up the possibility of precise investigation of a neural network system with direct light stimulation. PMID:28923928

Fabrication of submicron-scale rectangular bar of transparent In-Ga-Zn-O: A study of the possible application of transparent In-Ga-Zn-O optical waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimizu, Takashi; Kuwahara, Masashi

2014-05-01

We studied the optical properties of In-Ga-Zn-O (IGZO) films and found a very low extinction coefficient of the films. For the potential application of the films, we propose an optical waveguide device made of IGZO. We have succeeded in producing a submicron-scale rectangular-bar structure of IGZO using our newly developed dry etching process. Simulation results showed an ˜5 dB/cm propagation loss of a 400 × 400 nm2 square optical waveguide device of amorphous IGZO at a wavelength of 1.55 µm, when a standard deviation of ˜4 nm and a correlation length of ˜100 nm of sidewall roughness were achieved.

Generation and control of optical frequency combs using cavity electromagnetically induced transparency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiahua; Qu, Ye; Yu, Rong; Wu, Ying

2018-02-01

We explore theoretically the generation and all-optical control of optical frequency combs (OFCs) in photon transmission based on a combination of single-atom-cavity quantum electrodynamics (CQED) and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). Here an external control field is used to form the cavity dark mode of the CQED system. When the strengths of the applied EIT control field are appropriately tuned, enhanced comb generation can be achieved. We discuss the properties of the dark mode and clearly show that the formation of the dark mode enables the efficient generation of OFCs. In our approach, the comb spacing is determined by the beating frequency between the driving pump and seed lasers. Our demonstrated theory may pave the way towards all-optical coherent control of OFCs using a CQED architecture.

Polyurethane-Based Ionogels Exhibiting Durable Thermoresponsive Optical Behavior Under High-Temperature Conditions.

PubMed

Sato, Tomoya; England, Matt W; Wang, Liming; Urata, Chihiro; Kakiuchida, Hiroshi; Hozumi, Atsushi

2018-01-01

Polyurethane (PU)-based transparent and flexible ionogels, showing unusual thermo-responsive optical properties, were successfully prepared by mixing PU-precursor and a hydrophobic ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (EMIM-TFSI). Although the initial ionogels were transparent at room temperature, significant increases in opacity were observed with increasing temperature up to 120°C, because of macroscopic phase separation of the PU-matrix and hydrophobic EMIM-TFSI. In addition, the optical transition temperature could be arbitrarily controlled simply by varying the mixing ratio of EMIM-TFSI within the PU-matrix. As confirmed by UV-Vis spectra acquired at different temperatures, this thermo-responsive optical behavior was found to be reversible, repeatable and durable even after 30 cycles of a thermal-stress testing between 30 and 100°C.

Detection of biological molecules using chemical amplification and optical sensors

DOEpatents

Van Antwerp, William Peter; Mastrototaro, John Joseph

2001-01-01

Methods are provided for the determination of the concentration of biological levels of polyhydroxylated compounds, particularly glucose. The methods utilize an amplification system that is an analyte transducer immobilized in a polymeric matrix, where the system is implantable and biocompatible. Upon interrogation by an optical system, the amplification system produces a signal capable of detection external to the skin of the patient. Quantitation of the analyte of interest is achieved by measurement of the emitted signal. Specifically, the analyte transducer immobilized in a polymeric matrix can be a boronic acid moiety.

Process for producing a well-adhered durable optical coating on an optical plastic substrate. [abrasion resistant polymethyl methacrylate lenses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kubacki, R. M. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

A low temperature plasma polymerization process is described for applying an optical plastic substrate, such as a polymethyl methacrylate lens, with a single layer abrasive resistant coating to improve the durability of the plastic.

Noncovalent assembly. A rational strategy for the realization of chain-growth supramolecular polymerization.

PubMed

Kang, Jiheong; Miyajima, Daigo; Mori, Tadashi; Inoue, Yoshihisa; Itoh, Yoshimitsu; Aida, Takuzo

2015-02-06

Over the past decade, major progress in supramolecular polymerization has had a substantial effect on the design of functional soft materials. However, despite recent advances, most studies are still based on a preconceived notion that supramolecular polymerization follows a step-growth mechanism, which precludes control over chain length, sequence, and stereochemical structure. Here we report the realization of chain-growth polymerization by designing metastable monomers with a shape-promoted intramolecular hydrogen-bonding network. The monomers are conformationally restricted from spontaneous polymerization at ambient temperatures but begin to polymerize with characteristics typical of a living mechanism upon mixing with tailored initiators. The chain growth occurs stereoselectively and therefore enables optical resolution of a racemic monomer. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Organic solvent-free sugar-based transparency nanopatterning material derived from biomass for eco-friendly optical biochips using green lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takei, Satoshi; Oshima, Akihiro; Oyama, Tomoko G.; Ito, Kenta; Sugahara, Kigenn; Kashiwakura, Miki; Kozawa, Takahiro; Tagawa, Seiichi

2014-05-01

An organic solvent-free sugar-based transparency nanopatterning material which had specific desired properties such as nanostructures of subwavelength grating and moth-eye antireflection, acceptable thermal stability of 160 °C, and low imaginary refractive index of less than 0.005 at 350-800 nm was proposed using electron beam lithography. The organic solvent-free sugar-based transparency nanopatterning material is expected for non-petroleum resources, environmental affair, safety, easiness of handling, and health of the working people, instead of the common developable process of tetramethylammonium hydroxide. 120 nm moth-eye antireflection nanopatterns images with exposure dose of 10 μC/cm2 were provided by specific process conditions of electron beam lithography. The developed sugar derivatives with hydroxyl groups and EB sensitive groups in the organic solvent-free sugar-based transparency nanopatterning material were applicable to future development of optical interface films of biology and electronics as a novel chemical design.

Design Parameters for Subwavelength Transparent Conductive Nanolattices

DOE PAGES

Diaz Leon, Juan J.; Feigenbaum, Eyal; Kobayashi, Nobuhiko P.; ...

2017-09-29

Recent advancements with the directed assembly of block copolymers have enabled the fabrication over cm 2 areas of highly ordered metal nanowire meshes, or nanolattices, which are of significant interest as transparent electrodes. Compared to randomly dispersed metal nanowire networks that have long been considered the most promising next-generation transparent electrode material, such ordered nanolattices represent a new design paradigm that is yet to be optimized. Here in this paper, through optical and electrical simulations, we explore the potential design parameters for such nanolattices as transparent conductive electrodes, elucidating relationships between the nanowire dimensions, defects, and the nanolattices’ conductivity andmore » transmissivity. We find that having an ordered nanowire network significantly decreases the length of nanowires required to attain both high transmissivity and high conductivity, and we quantify the network’s tolerance to defects in relation to other design constraints. Furthermore, we explore how both optical and electrical anisotropy can be introduced to such nanolattices, opening an even broader materials design space and possible set of applications.« less

Crackle template based metallic mesh with highly homogeneous light transmission for high-performance transparent EMI shielding

PubMed Central

Han, Yu; Lin, Jie; Liu, Yuxuan; Fu, Hao; Ma, Yuan; Jin, Peng; Tan, Jiubin

2016-01-01

Our daily electromagnetic environment is becoming increasingly complex with the rapid development of consumer electronics and wireless communication technologies, which in turn necessitates the development of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, especially for transparent components. We engineered a transparent EMI shielding film with crack-template based metallic mesh (CT-MM) that shows highly homogeneous light transmission and strong microwave shielding efficacy. The CT-MM film is fabricated using a cost-effective lift-off method based on a crackle template. It achieves a shielding effectiveness of ~26 dB, optical transmittance of ~91% and negligible impact on optical imaging performance. Moreover, high–quality CT-MM film is demonstrated on a large–calibre spherical surface. These excellent properties of CT-MM film, together with its advantages of facile large-area fabrication and scalability in processing on multi-shaped substrates, make CT-MM a powerful technology for transparent EMI shielding in practical applications. PMID:27151578

Transparent conducting oxides: A δ-doped superlattice approach

PubMed Central

Cooper, Valentino R.; Seo, Sung S. Ambrose; Lee, Suyoun; Kim, Jun Sung; Choi, Woo Seok; Okamoto, Satoshi; Lee, Ho Nyung

2014-01-01

Metallic states appearing at interfaces between dissimilar insulating oxides exhibit intriguing phenomena such as superconductivity and magnetism. Despite tremendous progress in understanding their origins, very little is known about how to control the conduction pathways and the distribution of charge carriers. Using optical spectroscopic measurements and density-functional theory (DFT) simulations, we examine the effect of SrTiO3 (STO) spacer layer thickness on the optical transparency and carrier distribution in La δ-doped STO superlattices. We experimentally observe that these metallic superlattices remain highly transparent to visible light; a direct consequence of the appropriately large gap between the O 2p and Ti 3d states. In superlattices with relatively thin STO layers, we predict that three-dimensional conduction would occur due to appreciable overlap of quantum mechanical wavefunctions between neighboring δ-doped layers. These results highlight the potential for using oxide heterostructures in optoelectronic devices by providing a unique route for creating novel transparent conducting oxides. PMID:25109668

Design Parameters for Subwavelength Transparent Conductive Nanolattices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Diaz Leon, Juan J.; Feigenbaum, Eyal; Kobayashi, Nobuhiko P.

Recent advancements with the directed assembly of block copolymers have enabled the fabrication over cm 2 areas of highly ordered metal nanowire meshes, or nanolattices, which are of significant interest as transparent electrodes. Compared to randomly dispersed metal nanowire networks that have long been considered the most promising next-generation transparent electrode material, such ordered nanolattices represent a new design paradigm that is yet to be optimized. Here in this paper, through optical and electrical simulations, we explore the potential design parameters for such nanolattices as transparent conductive electrodes, elucidating relationships between the nanowire dimensions, defects, and the nanolattices’ conductivity andmore » transmissivity. We find that having an ordered nanowire network significantly decreases the length of nanowires required to attain both high transmissivity and high conductivity, and we quantify the network’s tolerance to defects in relation to other design constraints. Furthermore, we explore how both optical and electrical anisotropy can be introduced to such nanolattices, opening an even broader materials design space and possible set of applications.« less

Transparent anti-stain coatings with good thermal and mechanical properties based on polyimide-silica nanohybrids.

PubMed

Choi, Myeon-Cheon; Sung, Giju; Nagappan, Saravanan; Han, Mi-Jeong; Ha, Chang-Sik

2012-07-01

In this work, we synthesized polyimide/silica hybrid materials via sol-gel method using a fluorinated poly(amic acid) silane precursor and a variety of perfluorosilane contents. We studied the influence of a hybrid coating film with the following characteristics; hydrophobicity, oleophobicity, optical transparency, and surface hardness of the coating films. The hybrid coatings with the fluorosilane contents up to 10 wt% are optically transparent and present good thermal stability with a degradation temperature of > 500 degrees C as well as a glass transition of > 300 degrees C. Both water contact angle and oil contact angle increase rapidly with introducing small amount of the fluorosilane in the hybrids and reaches the maximum of 115 degrees and 61 degrees, respectively. The hardness of the hybrid coatings increases up to 5H with an increase of the FTES content in the hybrids. These colorless, transparent, and thermally stable hybrid materials could be suitable for applications as anti-stain coatings.

Highly ultraviolet transparent textured indium tin oxide thin films and the application in light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zimin; Zhuo, Yi; Tu, Wenbin; Ma, Xuejin; Pei, Yanli; Wang, Chengxin; Wang, Gang

2017-06-01

Various kinds of materials have been developed as transparent conductors for applications in semiconductor optoelectronic devices. However, there is a bottleneck that transparent conductive materials lose their transparency at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths and could not meet the demands for commercial UV device applications. In this work, textured indium tin oxide (ITO) is grown and its potential to be used at UV wavelengths is explored. It is observed that the pronounced Burstein-Moss effect could widen the optical bandgap of the textured ITO to 4.7 eV. The average transmittance in UVA (315 nm-400 nm) and UVB (280 nm-315 nm) ranges is as high as 94% and 74%, respectively. The excellent optical property of textured ITO is attributed to its unique structural property. The compatibility of textured ITO thin films to the device fabrication is demonstrated on 368-nm nitride-based light emitting diodes, and the enhancement of light output power by 14.8% is observed compared to sputtered ITO.

A coherent light scanner for optical processing of large format transparencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callen, W. R.; Weaver, J. E.; Shackelford, R. G.; Walsh, J. R.

1975-01-01

A laser scanner is discussed in which the scanning beam is random-access addressable and perpendicular to the image input plane and the irradiance of the scanned beam is controlled so that a constant average irradiance is maintained after passage through the image plane. The scanner's optical system and design are described, and its performance is evaluated. It is noted that with this scanner, data in the form of large-format transparencies can be processed without the expense, space, maintenance, and precautions attendant to the operation of a high-power laser with large-aperture collimating optics. It is shown that the scanned format as well as the diameter of the scanning beam may be increased by simple design modifications and that higher scan rates can be achieved at the expense of resolution by employing acousto-optic deflectors with different relay optics.

Biopatterning of Silk Proteins for Soft Micro-optics.

PubMed

Pal, Ramendra K; Kurland, Nicholas E; Wang, Congzhou; Kundu, Subhas C; Yadavalli, Vamsi K

2015-04-29

Silk proteins from spiders and silkworms have been proposed as outstanding candidates for soft micro-optic and photonic applications because of their optical transparency, unique biological properties, and mechanical robustness. Here, we present a method to form microstructures of the two constituent silk proteins, fibroin and sericin for use as an optical biomaterial. Using photolithography, chemically modified silk protein photoresists are patterned in 2D arrays of periodic patterns and Fresnel zone plates. Angle-dependent iridescent colors are produced in these periodic micropatterns because of the Bragg diffraction. Silk protein photolithography can used to form patterns on different substrates including flexible sheets with features of any shape with high fidelity and resolution over large areas. Finally, we show that these mechanically stable and transparent iridescent architectures are also completely biodegradable. This versatile and scalable technique can therefore be used to develop biocompatible, soft micro-optic devices that can be degraded in a controlled manner.

Optical characterization of pure and Al-doped ZnO prepared by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belka, Radosław; Keczkowska, Justyna; Kasińska, Justyna

2016-09-01

In this paper the preparation process and optical characterization of pure and Al3+ doped zinc oxide (Al:ZnO) coatings will be presented. ZnO based materials have been studied extensively due to their potential applications in optoelectronic devices as conductive gas sensors, transparent conductive, electrodes, solar cell windows, varistors, UVfilters or photovoltaic cells. It is II-VI semiconductor with wide-band gap of 3.37 eV and large exciton binding energy of 60meV. It is possible to improve the conductivity of ZnO coating by intentionally doping ZnO with aluminium ions during preparation process. Such transparent and conducting thin films, known as AZO (Aluminium Zinc Oxide) films, are very good candidate for application as transparent conducting materials in many optoelectronic devices. The well-known sol-gel method is used for preparation of solution, coated on glass substrates by dip coating process. Prepared samples were investigated by Raman and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Transmittance as well as specular and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy methods were used for studies of optical parameters. We found that Al admixture influences on optical bandgap of ZnO.

Broadband Absorbing Exciton-Plasmon Metafluids with Narrow Transparency Windows.

PubMed

Yang, Jihua; Kramer, Nicolaas J; Schramke, Katelyn S; Wheeler, Lance M; Besteiro, Lucas V; Hogan, Christopher J; Govorov, Alexander O; Kortshagen, Uwe R

2016-02-10

Optical metafluids that consist of colloidal solutions of plasmonic and/or excitonic nanomaterials may play important roles as functional working fluids or as means for producing solid metamaterial coatings. The concept of a metafluid employed here is based on the picture that a single ballistic photon, propagating through the metafluid, interacts with a large collection of specifically designed optically active nanocrystals. We demonstrate water-based metafluids that act as broadband electromagnetic absorbers in a spectral range of 200-3300 nm and feature a tunable narrow (∼100 nm) transparency window in the visible-to-near-infrared region. To define this transparency window, we employ plasmonic gold nanorods. We utilize excitonic boron-doped silicon nanocrystals as opaque optical absorbers ("optical wall") in the UV and blue-green range of the spectrum. Water itself acts as an opaque "wall" in the near-infrared to infrared. We explore the limits of the concept of a "simple" metafluid by computationally testing and validating the effective medium approach based on the Beer-Lambert law. According to our simulations and experiments, particle aggregation and the associated decay of the window effect are one example of the failure of the simple metafluid concept due to strong interparticle interactions.

Rapid Thermal Annealing for Solution Synthesis of Transparent Conducting Aluminum Zinc Oxide Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullah, Sana; De Matteis, Fabio; Davoli, Ivan

2017-11-01

Transparent conducting oxide films with optimized dopant molar ratio have been prepared with limited pre- and postdeposition annealing duration of 10 min. Multiple aluminum zinc oxide (AZO) layers were spin-coated on ordinary glass substrates. The predeposition consolidation temperature and dopant molar ratio were optimized for electrical conductivity and optical transparency. Next, a group of films were deposited on Corning glass substrates from precursor solutions with the optimized dopant ratio, followed by postdeposition rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at different temperatures and in controlled environments. The lowest resistivity of 10.1 × 10-3 Ω cm was obtained for films receiving RTA at 600°C for 10 min each in vacuum then in N2-5%H2 environment, while resistivity of 20.3 × 10-3 Ω cm was obtained for films subjected to RTA directly in N2-5%H2. Optical measurements revealed average total transmittance of about 85% in the visible region. A direct allowed transition bandgap was determined based on the absorption edge with a value slightly above 3.0 eV, within the typical range for semiconductors. RTA resulted in desorption of oxygen with enhanced carrier concentration and crystallinity, which increased the carrier mobility with decreased bulk resistivity while maintaining the required optical transparency.

Transparent, Superflexible Doubly Cross-Linked Polyvinylpolymethylsiloxane Aerogel Superinsulators via Ambient Pressure Drying.

PubMed

Zu, Guoqing; Shimizu, Taiyo; Kanamori, Kazuyoshi; Zhu, Yang; Maeno, Ayaka; Kaji, Hironori; Shen, Jun; Nakanishi, Kazuki

2018-01-23

Aerogels have many attractive properties but are usually costly and mechanically brittle, which always limit their practical applications. While many efforts have been made to reinforce the aerogels, most of the reinforcement efforts sacrifice the transparency or superinsulating properties. Here we report superflexible polyvinylpolymethylsiloxane, (CH 2 CH(Si(CH 3 )O 2/2 )) n , aerogels that are facilely prepared from a single precursor vinylmethyldimethoxysilane or vinylmethyldiethoxysilane without organic cross-linkers. The method is based on consecutive processes involving radical polymerization and hydrolytic polycondensation, followed by ultralow-cost, highly scalable, ambient-pressure drying directly from alcohol as a drying medium without any modification or additional solvent exchange. The resulting aerogels and xerogels show a homogeneous, tunable, highly porous, doubly cross-linked nanostructure with the elastic polymethylsiloxane network cross-linked with flexible hydrocarbon chains. An outstanding combination of ultralow cost, high scalability, uniform pore size, high surface area, high transparency, high hydrophobicity, excellent machinability, superflexibility in compression, superflexibility in bending, and superinsulating properties has been achieved in a single aerogel or xerogel. This study represents a significant progress of porous materials and makes the practical applications of transparent flexible aerogel-based superinsulators realistic.

Structure, Electronic Properties, and Electrochemical Behavior of a Boron-Doped Diamond/Quartz Optically Transparent Electrode.

PubMed

Wächter, Naihara; Munson, Catherine; Jarošová, Romana; Berkun, Isil; Hogan, Timothy; Rocha-Filho, Romeu C; Swain, Greg M

2016-10-26

The morphology, microstructure, chemistry, electronic properties, and electrochemical behavior of a boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond (BDD) thin film grown on quartz were evaluated. Diamond optically transparent electrodes (OTEs) are useful for transmission spectroelectrochemical measurements, offering excellent stability during anodic and cathodic polarization and exposure to a variety of chemical environments. We report on the characterization of a BDD OTE by atomic force microscopy, optical spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopic mapping, alternating-current Hall effect measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods. The results reported herein provide the first comprehensive study of the relationship between the physical and chemical structure and electronic properties of a diamond OTE and the electrode's electrochemical activity.

New hyperbranched polytriazoles containing isolation chromophore moieties derived from AB4 monomers through click chemistry under copper(I) catalysis: improved optical transparency and enhanced NLO effects.

PubMed

Wu, Wenbo; Ye, Cheng; Yu, Gui; Liu, Yunqi; Qin, Jingui; Li, Zhen

2012-04-02

By modifying a synthetic procedure, two new hyperbranched polytriazoles (HP1 and HP2) containing isolation chromophores were synthesized successfully through click chemistry reactions under copper(I) catalysis. For the first time, these two polymers were derived from an AB(4)-type monomer, although they contain different end-capping chromophores. They are soluble in normal polar organic solvents and are well characterized. Thanks to the presence of the isolation chromophore, the two polymers demonstrate good nonlinear optical (NLO) properties and optical transparency, making them promising candidates for practical applications. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Electromagnetically induced transparency in a multilayered spherical quantum dot with hydrogenic impurity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavlović, Vladan; Šušnjar, Marko; Petrović, Katarina; Stevanović, Ljiljana

2018-04-01

In this paper the effects of size, hydrostatic pressure and temperature on electromagnetically induced transparency, as well as on absorption and the dispersion properties of multilayered spherical quantum dot with hydrogenic impurity are theoretically investigated. Energy eigenvalues and wavefunctions of quantum systems in three-level and four-level configurations are calculated using the shooting method, while optical properties are obtained using the density matrix formalism and master equations. It is shown that peaks of the optical properties experience a blue-shift with increasing hydrostatic pressure and red-shift with increasing temperature. The changes of optical properties as a consequence of changes in barrier wells widths are non-monotonic, and these changes are discussed in detail.

Optically transparent microwave screens based on engineered graphene layers.

PubMed

Grande, M; Bianco, G V; Vincenti, M A; de Ceglia, D; Capezzuto, P; Petruzzelli, V; Scalora, M; Bruno, G; D'Orazio, A

2016-10-03

We propose an innovative approach for the realization of a microwave absorber fully transparent in the optical regime. This device is based on the Salisbury screen configuration, which consists of a lossless spacer, sandwiched between two graphene sheets whose sheet resistances are different and properly engineered. Experimental results show that it is possible to achieve near-perfect electromagnetic absorption in the microwave X-band. These findings are fully supported by an analytical approach based on an equivalent circuital model. Engineering and integration of graphene sheets could facilitate the realization of innovative microwave absorbers with additional electromagnetic and optical functionalities that could circumvent some of the major limitations of opaque microwave absorbers.

Mass production of holographic transparent components for augmented and virtual reality applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russo, Juan Manuel; Dimov, Fedor; Padiyar, Joy; Coe-Sullivan, Seth

2017-06-01

Diffractive optics such as holographic optical elements (HOEs) can provide transparent and narrow band components with arbitrary incident and diffracted angles for near-to-eye commercial electronic products for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and smart glass applications. In this paper, we will summarize the operational parameters and general optical geometries relevant for near-to-eye displays, the holographic substrates available for these applications, and their performance characteristics and ease of manufacture. We will compare the holographic substrates available in terms of fabrication, manufacturability, and end-user performance characteristics. Luminit is currently emplacing the manufacturing capacity to serve this market, and this paper will discuss the capabilities and limitations of this unique facility.

Enhancement of graphene visibility on transparent substrates by refractive index optimization.

PubMed

Gonçalves, Hugo; Alves, Luís; Moura, Cacilda; Belsley, Michael; Stauber, Tobias; Schellenberg, Peter

2013-05-20

Optical reflection microscopy is one of the main imaging tools to visualize graphene microstructures. Here is reported a novel method that employs refractive index optimization in an optical reflection microscope, which greatly improves the visibility of graphene flakes. To this end, an immersion liquid with a refractive index that is close to that of the glass support is used in-between the microscope lens and the support improving the contrast and resolution of the sample image. Results show that the contrast of single and few layer graphene crystals and structures can be enhanced by a factor of 4 compared to values commonly achieved with transparent substrates using optical reflection microscopy lacking refractive index optimization.

Microcavity-Free Broadband Light Outcoupling Enhancement in Flexible Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with Nanostructured Transparent Metal-Dielectric Composite Electrodes.

PubMed

Xu, Lu-Hai; Ou, Qing-Dong; Li, Yan-Qing; Zhang, Yi-Bo; Zhao, Xin-Dong; Xiang, Heng-Yang; Chen, Jing-De; Zhou, Lei; Lee, Shuit-Tong; Tang, Jian-Xin

2016-01-26

Flexible organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) hold great promise for future bendable display and curved lighting applications. One key challenge of high-performance flexible OLEDs is to develop new flexible transparent conductive electrodes with superior mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. Herein, an effective nanostructured metal/dielectric composite electrode on a plastic substrate is reported by combining a quasi-random outcoupling structure for broadband and angle-independent light outcoupling of white emission with an ultrathin metal alloy film for optimum optical transparency, electrical conduction, and mechanical flexibility. The microcavity effect and surface plasmonic loss can be remarkably reduced in white flexible OLEDs, resulting in a substantial increase in the external quantum efficiency and power efficiency to 47.2% and 112.4 lm W(-1).

Silver nanowires network encapsulated by low temperature sol-gel ZnO for transparent flexible electrodes with ambient stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Wonjung; Cho, Wonki; Baik, Seung Jae

2018-01-01

As a geometrically engineered realization of transparent electrode, Ag nanowires network is promising for its superior characteristics both on electrical conductivity and optical transmittance. However, for a potential commercialization of Ag nanowires network, further investigations on encapsulation materials are necessary to prevent degradation caused by ambient aging. In addition, the temperature range of the coating process for the encapsulation material needs to be low enough to prevent degradation of polymer substrates during the film coating processes, when considering emerging flexible device application of transparent electrodes. We present experimental results showing that low temperature sol-gel ZnO processed under 130 °C is an effective encapsulation material preventing ambient oxidation of Ag nanowires network without degrading electrical, optical, and mechanical properties.

Evaluation of optically transparent polyetherimide films for applications in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

St. Clair, Anne K.; Slemp, Wayne S.

1991-01-01

Several series of aromatic polyetherimide films have been synthesized and characterized with the objective of obtaining maximum optical transparency for applications in space. Incorporation of phenoxy groups into aromatic polyimides has resulted in a reduction in the color intensity of these films compared to commercial polyimide film by reducing electronic interactions between polymer chains. The resulting lightly colored to colorless polyetherimide films have been characterized by UV-visible and infrared spectroscopy before and after exposure to varying doses of UV and electron irradiation designed to simulate use as second-surface mirror thermal control coatings. After exposure to 300 equivalent solar hours UV irradiation and 1 MeV electron irradiation, the polyetherimides were 2.2 to 2.6 times more transparent than commercial polyimide film of the same thickness.

Atomic Oxygen Effects on POSS Polyimides

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-07-25

resistance to UV damage, and excellent thermal properties.1 Despite the desirable properties of Kapton, this polyimide and all organic polymeric materials...stability, insulation properties, IR transparency, low solar absorptance, resistance to UV damage, and excellent thermal properties.1 Despite the...8 × 1021 atoms cm-2. Free standing films of MC-POSS polyimide were sewn to a Kapton blanket and exposed to a sweeping ram in LEO on MISSE-5

DNA Based Electrochromic and Photovoltaic Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

electrolyte/CeO2- TiO2 /ITO/glass configuration [29]. 2. Experimental 2.1 Gel polymeric electrolytes The electrolytes were prepared according to the...transparent membranes. Blend samples were also prepared by the addition of other macromolecules (gelatin), synthetic polymers, such as poly(ethylene...Electrochromic devices Electrochromic devices with the glass/ITO/WO3/DNA-based electrolyte/CeO2- TiO2 /ITO/glass configuration were obtained by assembling

Nanoscale Polymeric Photocells by Advanced Electrospinning

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-20

Is desirable for efficient utilization of both infrared and ultraviolet regions of the solar spectrum. We have demonstrated that MWCNT sheet can be...recently described. 27These structures are based on very thin free-standing sheets of multiwall carbon nanotubes starting from a forest of MWCNTs home...significantly higher than earlier reported 0.081% efficiency of MEH-PPV based SCs with non-transparent and thick MWCNT hole collectors. 29 Not only were the

Deformation sensor based on polymer-supported discontinuous graphene multi-layer coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carotenuto, G.; Schiavo, L.; Romeo, V.; Nicolais, L.

2014-05-01

Graphene can be conveniently used in the modification of polymer surfaces. Graphene macromolecules are perfectly transparent to the visible light and electrically conductive, consequently these two properties can be simultaneously provided to polymeric substrates by surface coating with thin graphene layers. In addition, such coating process provides the substrates of: water-repellence, higher surface hardness, low-friction, self-lubrication, gas-barrier properties, and many other functionalities. Polyolefins have a non-polar nature and therefore graphene strongly sticks on their surface. Nano-crystalline graphite can be used as graphene precursor in some chemical processes (e.g., graphite oxide synthesis by the Hummer method), in addition it can be directly applied to the surface of a polyolefin substrate (e.g., polyethylene) to cover it by a thin graphene multilayer. In particular, the nano-crystalline graphite perfectly exfoliate under the application of a combination of shear and friction forces and the produced graphene single-layers perfectly spread and adhere on the polyethylene substrate surface. Such polymeric materials can be used as ITO (indium-tin oxide) substitute and in the fabrication of different electronic devices. Here the fabrication of transparent resistive deformation sensors based on low-density polyethylene films coated by graphene multilayers is described. Such devices are very sensible and show a high reversible and reproducible behavior.

Signal amplification strategies for DNA and protein detection based on polymeric nanocomposites and polymerization: A review.

PubMed

Zhou, Shaohong; Yuan, Liang; Hua, Xin; Xu, Lingling; Liu, Songqin

2015-06-02

Demand is increasing for ultrasensitive bioassays for disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring and other research areas. This requires novel signal amplification strategies to maximize the signal output. In this review, we focus on a series of significant signal amplification strategies based on polymeric nanocomposites and polymerization. Some common polymers are used as carriers to increase the local concentration of signal probes and/or biomolecules on their surfaces or in their interiors. Some polymers with special fluorescence and optical properties can efficiently transfer the excitation energy from a single site to the whole polymer backbone. This results in superior fluorescence signal amplification due to the resulting collective effort (integration of signal). Recent polymerization-based signal amplification strategies that employ atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and photo-initiated polymerization are also summarized. Several distinctive applications of polymers in ultrasensitive bioanalysis are highlighted. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Isometric multimodal photoacoustic microscopy based on optically transparent micro-ring ultrasonic detection.

PubMed

Dong, Biqin; Li, Hao; Zhang, Zhen; Zhang, Kevin; Chen, Siyu; Sun, Cheng; Zhang, Hao F

2015-01-01

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is an attractive imaging tool complementary to established optical microscopic modalities by providing additional molecular specificities through imaging optical absorption contrast. While the development of optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy (ORPAM) offers high lateral resolution, the acoustically-determined axial resolution is limited due to the constraint in ultrasonic detection bandwidth. ORPAM with isometric spatial resolution along both axial and lateral direction is yet to be developed. Although recently developed sophisticated optical illumination and reconstruction methods offer improved axial resolution in ORPAM, the image acquisition procedures are rather complicated, limiting their capabilities for high-speed imaging and being easily integrated with established optical microscopic modalities. Here we report an isometric ORPAM based on an optically transparent micro-ring resonator ultrasonic detector and a commercial inverted microscope platform. Owing to the superior spatial resolution and the ease of integrating our ORPAM with established microscopic modalities, single cell imaging with extrinsic fluorescence staining, intrinsic autofluorescence, and optical absorption can be achieved simultaneously. This technique holds promise to greatly improve the accessibility of PAM to the broader biomedical researchers.

Rapid ILs-polishing Processes Toward Flexible Nanostructured Paper with Dually High Transparency and Haze.

PubMed

Ou, Yanghao; Chen, Jinbo; Lu, Pengbo; Cheng, Fan; Lin, Meiyan; Su, Lingfeng; Li, Jun; Liu, Detao

2017-07-31

Biodegradable highly nanostructured paper has received great interest in past years due to its excellent optical properties which facilitate its wide applications in green flexible electronics and devices. However, energy and/or time-consuming procedure during the process of fabricating most nanostructured transparent paper are presently the main obstacle to their scalable production. In this work, we demonstrated a novel nanostructured paper with dually high transparency (∼91%) and high haze (∼89%) that was directly fabricated from original paper with rapid ILs-polishing processes. The whole fabricating time only requires 10 min. Compared to the previously reported nanopaper made of the isolated cellulose nanofibers by pure mechanical and/or chemical approaches, this work presented herein is devoted to use green ILs to polish directly the micrometer-sized fibrous paper into the nanostructured paper. This new method brings a rapid fabrication of transparent nanostructured paper while also retaining dual intriguing properties both in optical transmittance and haze. This work is capable of fabricating next-generation flexible and highly transparent and haze paper by a high-speed roll-to-roll manufacturing process with a much lower cost.

High-performance single-crystalline arsenic-doped indium oxide nanowires for transparent thin-film transistors and active matrix organic light-emitting diode displays.

PubMed

Chen, Po-Chiang; Shen, Guozhen; Chen, Haitian; Ha, Young-geun; Wu, Chao; Sukcharoenchoke, Saowalak; Fu, Yue; Liu, Jun; Facchetti, Antonio; Marks, Tobin J; Thompson, Mark E; Zhou, Chongwu

2009-11-24

We report high-performance arsenic (As)-doped indium oxide (In(2)O(3)) nanowires for transparent electronics, including their implementation in transparent thin-film transistors (TTFTs) and transparent active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. The As-doped In(2)O(3) nanowires were synthesized using a laser ablation process and then fabricated into TTFTs with indium-tin oxide (ITO) as the source, drain, and gate electrodes. The nanowire TTFTs on glass substrates exhibit very high device mobilities (approximately 1490 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1)), current on/off ratios (5.7 x 10(6)), steep subthreshold slopes (88 mV/dec), and a saturation current of 60 microA for a single nanowire. By using a self-assembled nanodielectric (SAND) as the gate dielectric, the device mobilities and saturation current can be further improved up to 2560 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) and 160 microA, respectively. All devices exhibit good optical transparency (approximately 81% on average) in the visible spectral range. In addition, the nanowire TTFTs were utilized to control green OLEDs with varied intensities. Furthermore, a fully integrated seven-segment AMOLED display was fabricated with a good transparency of 40% and with each pixel controlled by two nanowire transistors. This work demonstrates that the performance enhancement possible by combining nanowire doping and self-assembled nanodielectrics enables silicon-free electronic circuitry for low power consumption, optically transparent, high-frequency devices assembled near room temperature.

Characterization of transparent dentin in attrited teeth using optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Mandurah, Mona M; Sadr, Alireza; Bakhsh, Turki A; Shimada, Yasushi; Sumi, Yasunori; Tagami, Junji

2015-05-01

Attrition and wear of tooth surface occur with aging and result in loss of enamel, with exposure and histological changes in dentin. Dealing with attrited teeth and restoration of the lost tissue are clinically challenging. The main objective of this study is to characterize the exposed transparent dentin in the occlusal surface of attrited teeth by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Naturally attrited, extracted human teeth with occlusal-transparent dentin were investigated in comparison to sound and carious teeth. The teeth were subjected to OCT imaging and then cross-sectioned and polished. OCT B-scans were compared to light microscopy images of the same cross section. In OCT images, some changes were evident at the transparent dentin in attrited teeth. An OCT attenuation coefficient parameter (μ t) was derived based on the Beer-Lambert law as a function of backscatter signal slope. The mean values of μ t were 1.05 ± 0.3, 2.23 ± 0.4, and 0.61 ± 0.27 mm(-1) for sound, carious, and transparent dentins, respectively. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc showed a significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). Physiological changes in transparent dentin that involve deposition of mineral casts in the dentinal tubules lead to lower attenuation of OCT signal. OCT has a potential role to detect transparent dentin on the surface of attrited teeth and can be used in the future as a clinical adjunct tool.

Transparent and conductive polyethylene oxide film by the introduction of individualized single-walled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Jung, Yong Chae; Muramatsu, Hiroyuki; Park, Ki Chul; Shimamoto, Daisuke; Kim, Jin Hee; Hayashi, Takuya; Song, Sung Moo; Kim, Yoong Ahm; Endo, Morinobu; Dresselhaus, Mildred S

2009-12-16

It is demonstrated that an optically transparent and electrically conductive polyethylene oxide (PEO) film is fabricated by the introduction of individualized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The incorporated SWNTs in the PEO film sustain their intrinsic electronic and optical properties and, in addition, the intrinsic properties of the polymer matrix are retained. The individualized SWNTs with smaller diameter provide high transmittance as well as good electrical conductivity in PEO films. Copyright © 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ferroelectric optical image comparator

DOEpatents

Butler, M.A.; Land, C.E.; Martin, S.J.; Pfeifer, K.B.

1993-11-30

A ferroelectric optical image comparator has a lead lanthanum zirconate titanate thin-film device which is constructed with a semi-transparent or transparent conductive first electrode on one side of the thin film, a conductive metal second electrode on the other side of the thin film, and the second electrode is in contact with a nonconducting substrate. A photoinduced current in the device represents the dot product between a stored image and an image projected onto the first electrode. One-dimensional autocorrelations are performed by measuring this current while displacing the projected image. 7 figures.

Ferroelectric optical image comparator

DOEpatents

Butler, Michael A.; Land, Cecil E.; Martin, Stephen J.; Pfeifer, Kent B.

1993-01-01

A ferroelectric optical image comparator has a lead lanthanum zirconate titanate thin-film device which is constructed with a semi-transparent or transparent conductive first electrode on one side of the thin film, a conductive metal second electrode on the other side of the thin film, and the second electrode is in contact with a nonconducting substrate. A photoinduced current in the device represents the dot product between a stored image and an image projected onto the first electrode. One-dimensional autocorrelations are performed by measuring this current while displacing the projected image.

Optical storage with electromagnetically induced transparency in cold atoms at a high optical depth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shanchao; Zhou, Shuyu; Liu, Chang; Chen, J. F.; Wen, Jianming; Loy, M. M. T.; Wong, G. K. L.; Du, Shengwang

2012-06-01

We report experimental demonstration of efficient optical storage with electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in a dense cold ^85Rb atomic ensemble trapped in a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap. By varying the optical depth (OD) from 0 to 140, we observe that the optimal storage efficiency for coherent optical pulses has a saturation value of 50% as OD > 50. Our result is consistent with that obtained from hot vapor cell experiments which suggest that a four-wave mixing nonlinear process degrades the EIT storage coherence and efficiency. We apply this EIT quantum memory for narrow-band single photons with controllable waveforms, and obtain an optimal storage efficiency of 49±3% for single-photon wave packets. This is the highest single-photon storage efficiency reported up to today and brings the EIT atomic quantum memory close to practical application because an efficiency of above 50% is necessary to operate the memory within non-cloning regime and beat the classical limit.

Fast, Dense Low Cost Scintillator for Nuclear Physics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Woody, Craig

2009-07-31

We have studied the morphology, transparency, and optical properties of SrHfO{sub 3}:Ce ceramics. Ceramics can be made transparent by carefully controlling the stoichiometry of the precursor powders. When fully dense, transparent samples can be obtained. Ceramics with a composition close to stoichiometry (Sr:Hf ~ 1) appear to show good transparency and a reasonable light yield several times that of BGO. The contact and distance transparency of ceramics hot-pressed at about 1450ºC is very good, but deteriorates at increasingly higher hot-press temperatures. If these ceramics can be produced in large quantities and sizes, at low cost, they may be of considerablemore » interest for PET and CT.« less

Polymerization shrinkage of a dental resin composite determined by a fiber optic Fizeau interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arenas, Gustavo; Noriega, Sergio; Vallo, Claudia; Duchowicz, Ricardo

2007-03-01

A fiber optic sensing method based on a Fizeau-type interferometric scheme was employed for monitoring linear polymerization shrinkage in dental restoratives. This technique offers several advantages over the conventional methods of measuring polymerization contraction. This simple, compact, non-invasive and self-calibrating system competes with both conventional and other high-resolution bulk interferometric techniques. In this work, an analysis of the quality of interference signal and fringes visibility was performed in order to characterize their resolution and application range. The measurements of percent linear contraction as a function of the sample thickness were carried out in this study on two dental composites: Filtek P60 (3M ESPE) Posterior Restorer and Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE) Universal Restorer. The results were discussed with respect to others obtained employing alternative techniques.

Nonlinear optical polymers for electro-optic signal processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindsay, Geoffrey A.

1991-01-01

Photonics is an emerging technology, slated for rapid growth in communications systems, sensors, imagers, and computers. Its growth is driven by the need for speed, reliability, and low cost. New nonlinear polymeric materials will be a key technology in the new wave of photonics devices. Electron-conjubated polymeric materials offer large electro-optic figures of merit, ease of processing into films and fibers, ruggedness, low cost, and a plethora of design options. Several new broad classes of second-order nonlinear optical polymers were developed at the Navy's Michelson Laboratory at China Lake, California. Polar alignment in thin film waveguides was achieved by electric-field poling and Langmuir-Blodgett processing. Our polymers have high softening temperatures and good aging properties. While most of the films can be photobleached with ultraviolet (UV) light, some have excellent stability in the 500-1600 nm range, and UV stability in the 290-310 nm range. The optical nonlinear response of these polymers is subpicosecond. Electro-optic switches, frequency doublers, light modulators, and optical data storage media are some of the device applications anticipated for these polymers.

Alternative methods for determining shrinkage in restorative resin composites.

PubMed

de Melo Monteiro, Gabriela Queiroz; Montes, Marcos Antonio Japiassú Resende; Rolim, Tiago Vieira; de Oliveira Mota, Cláudia Cristina Brainer; de Barros Correia Kyotoku, Bernardo; Gomes, Anderson Stevens Leônidas; de Freitas, Anderson Zanardi

2011-08-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate polymerization shrinkage of resin composites using a coordinate measuring machine, optical coherence tomography and a more widely known method, such as Archimedes Principle. Two null hypothesis were tested: (1) there are no differences between the materials tested; (2) there are no differences between the methods used for polymerization shrinkage measurements. Polymerization shrinkage of seven resin-based dental composites (Filtek Z250™, Filtek Z350™, Filtek P90™/3M ESPE, Esthet-X™, TPH Spectrum™/Dentsply 4 Seasons™, Tetric Ceram™/Ivoclar-Vivadent) was measured. For coordinate measuring machine measurements, composites were applied to a cylindrical Teflon mold (7 mm × 2 mm), polymerized and removed from the mold. The difference between the volume of the mold and the volume of the specimen was calculated as a percentage. Optical coherence tomography was also used for linear shrinkage evaluations. The thickness of the specimens was measured before and after photoactivation. Polymerization shrinkage was also measured using Archimedes Principle of buoyancy (n=5). Statistical analysis of the data was performed with ANOVA and the Games-Howell test. The results show that polymerization shrinkage values vary with the method used. Despite numerical differences the ranking of the resins was very similar with Filtek P90 presenting the lowest shrinkage values. Because of the variations in the results, reported values could only be used to compare materials within the same method. However, it is possible rank composites for polymerization shrinkage and to relate these data from different test methods. Independently of the method used, reduced polymerization shrinkage was found for silorane resin-based composite. Copyright © 2011 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic field detection using magnetorheological optical resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubino, Edoardo; Ioppolo, Tindaro

2018-02-01

In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of a magnetic field sensor that is based on a magnetorheological micro-optical resonator. The optical resonator has a spherical shape and a diameter of a few hundred micrometers. The resonator is fabricated by using a polymeric matrix made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastisol with embedded magnetically polarizable micro-particles. When the optical resonator is subjected to an external magnetic field, the morphology (radius and refractive index) of the resonator is perturbed by the magnetic forces acting on it, leading to a shift of the optical resonances also known as whispering gallery modes (WGM). In this study, the effect of a static and harmonic magnetic field, as well as the concentration of the magnetic micro-particles on the optical mode shift is investigated. The optical resonances obtained with the PVC plastisol resonator showed a quality factor of 106 . The dynamical behavior of the optical resonator is investigated in the range between 0 and 200 Hz. The sensitivity of the optical resonator reaches a maximum value for a ratio between micro-particles and the polymeric matrix of 2:1 in weight. Experimental results indicate a sensitivity of 0.297 pm/mT leading to a resolution of 336 μT.

Transparent and flexible high-performance supercapacitors based on single-walled carbon nanotube films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanninen, Petri; Dang Luong, Nguyen; Hoang Sinh, Le; Anoshkin, Ilya V.; Tsapenko, Alexey; Seppälä, Jukka; Nasibulin, Albert G.; Kallio, Tanja

2016-06-01

Transparent and flexible energy storage devices have garnered great interest due to their suitability for display, sensor and photovoltaic applications. In this paper, we report the application of aerosol synthesized and dry deposited single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) thin films as electrodes for an electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC). SWCNT films exhibit extremely large specific capacitance (178 F g-1 or 552 μF cm-2), high optical transparency (92%) and stability for 10 000 charge/discharge cycles. A transparent and flexible EDLC prototype is constructed with a polyethylene casing and a gel electrolyte.

Polymeric Materials for Electro-Optic Testing.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-07-01

what Langmuir Blodgett films are, how they are grown and deposited on a material, and the electro - optic effects in Langmuir/Blodgett films. Stephen...Kowel has experimented with several different types of organic dyes mixed in the films to increase the electro - optic effect in the films. The bulk of his...test integrated circuits. Keywords: Langmuir Blodgett films, Electro - optic testing, Integrated circuits, Linear electro - optic effect.

Self-visualization of transparent microscopic objects in optical glasses under the conditions of the thermal self-action of an illuminating laser beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bubis, E. L.; Palashov, O. V.; Kuz'min, I. V.; Snetkov, I. L.; Gusev, S. A.

2017-03-01

We demonstrate the process of adaptive self-visualization of small-scale transparent objects and structures in weakly absorbing optical glasses (a glass plate made of K8 and an NS-1 neutral density filter) placed in the Fourier plane of the optical system under the conditions of thermal self-action of the illuminating laser beam. The process is based on the ideology of the classical Zernike phase contrast method. The process is implemented at the level of power of radiation of the illuminated object varying from several milliwatts to tens of watts in the visible and IR spectral ranges. The conducted experiments indicate that the visualization takes place in all glasses and optical elements fabricated from them at an appropriate level of the radiation power.

Application de la technologie des materiaux sol-gel et polymere a l'optique integree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saddiki, Zakaria

2002-01-01

With the advancement of optical telecommunication systems, "integrated optics" and "optical interconnect" technology are becoming more and more important. The major components of these two technologies are photonic integrated circuits (PICs), optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs), and optoelectronic multichip modules ( OE-MCMs). Optical signals are transmitted through optical waveguides that interconnect such components. The principle of optical transmission in waveguides is the same as that in optical fibres. To implement these technologies, both passive and active optical devices are needed. A wide variety of optical materials has been studied, e.g., glasses, lithium niobate, III-V semiconductors, sol-gel and polymers. In particular, passive optical components have been fabricated using glass optical waveguides by ion-exchange, or by flame hydrolysis deposition and reactive ion etching (FHD and RIE ). When using FHD and RIE, a very high temperatures (up to 1300°C) are needed to consolidate silica. This work reports on the fabrication and characterization of a new photo-patternable hybrid organic-inorganic glass sol-gel and polymer materials for the realisation of integrated optic and opto-electronic devices. They exhibit low losses in the NIR range, especially at the most important wavelengths windows for optical communications (1320 nm and 1550 nm). The sol-gel and polymer process is based on photo polymerization and thermo polymerization effects to create the wave-guide. The single-layer film is at low temperature and deep UV-light is employed to make the wave-guide by means of the well-known photolithography process. Like any photo-imaging process, the UV energy should exceed the threshold energy of chemical bonds in the photoactive component of hybrid glass material to form the expected integrated optic pattern with excellent line width control and vertical sidewalls. To achieve optical wave-guide, a refractive index difference Delta n occurred between the isolated (guiding layer) and the surrounding region (buffer and cladding). Accordingly, the refractive index emerges as a fundamental device performance material parameter and it is investigated using slab wave-guide. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Thickness-self-controlled synthesis of porous transparent polyaniline-reduced graphene oxide composites towards advanced bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yu-Sheng; Li, Shin-Ming; Hsiao, Sheng-Tsung; Liao, Wei-Hao; Yang, Shin-Yi; Tien, Hsi-Wen; Ma, Chen-Chi M.; Hu, Chi-Chang

2014-08-01

A powerful synthesis strategy is proposed for fabricating porous polyaniline-reduced graphene oxide (PANI-RGO) composites with transparency up to 80% and thickness from 300 to 1000 nm for the counter electrode (CE) of bifacial dye-sensitizing solar cells (DSSCs). The first step is to combine the in-situ positive charge transformation of graphene oxide (GO) through aniline (ANI) prepolymerization and the electrostatic adsorption of ANI oligomer-GO to effectively control the thickness of ultrathin PANI-GO films by adjusting pH of the polymerization media. In the second step, PANI-GO films are reduced with hydroiodic acid to simultaneously enhance the apparent redox activity for the I3-/I- couple and their electronic conductivity. Incorporating the RGO increases the transparency of PANI and facilitates the light-harvesting from the rear side. A DSSC assembled with such a transparent PANI-RGO CE exhibits an excellent efficiency of 7.84%, comparable to 8.19% for a semi-transparent Pt-based DSSC. The high light-harvesting ability of PANI-RGO enhances the efficiency retention between rear- and front-illumination modes to 76.7%, compared with 69.1% for a PANI-based DSSC. The higher retention reduces the power-to-weight ratio and the total cost of bifacial DSSCs, which is also promising in other applications, such as windows, power generators, and panel screens.

Nanopillar Photovoltaics: Photon Management and Junction Engineering for Next-Generation Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mariani, Giacomo

The sun delivers an amount of energy equivalent to ninety billion hydrogen bombs detonating each second. Despite the fact that only one billionth of that energy falls onto the surface of the Earth, one day of sunlight would be sufficient to power the whole human race energy needs for over half a century. Solar electricity represents an environmentally-benign source of power. However, such technology is still more than twice as expensive as natural gas-fired generators. III-V semiconductor nanopillars are defined as vertically aligned arrays of nanostructures that hold the promise to aggressively diminish the cost of the active photovoltaic cell by exploiting a fraction of material utilized in conventional planar schemes. In this dissertation, we assess the viability of two classes of high-performance nanopillar-based solar cells. We begin with the incorporation of dedicated conjugated polymers to achieve a hybrid organic/inorganic heterojunction. Such configuration introduces a high optical absorption arising from the polymeric layer in conjunction with an efficient carrier transport resulting from the semiconductor nanopillar array. We extend the controllability of the heterojunction properties by replacing traditional spin-casting methods with an electrodeposition technique where the polymer is formed and doped in-situ directly onto the nanopillar facets. The rational tuning of the electrical conductivity and energy level of the polymer translates into an enhanced photocurrent and open-circuit voltage, achieving 4.11% solar power conversion efficiency. We then turn our attention to all-semiconductor radial p-n homojunctions embedded in the nanopillars. The first architecture focuses on ex-situ ammonium-sulfide passivation and correlates the optoelectronic properties of the solar cell once two different types of transparent conducting oxides are adopted. The barrier formed at the contact/semiconductor interface greatly depends on the Hall polarity of the transparent electrode. The second design delves into an in-situ InGaP passivation shell to alleviate the deleterious recombination effects caused by surface states. The efficiency improvement is over six-fold, up to 6.63%, compared to unpassivated devices. Lastly, a p-i-n radial junction nanopillar solar cell highlights external quantum efficiencies in great agreement with numerical simulations. In such framework, the dome morphology of the top transparent contact is found to concentrate and intensify the optical field within the nanopillar active volume, resulting into resonance peaks in the quantum yield measurements, at 7.43% efficiency. These findings confirm the potential of 3D nanopillar solar cells as a cost-effective platform with respect to canonical thin-film photovoltaics.

Morphology of poly-p-xylylene crystallized during polymerization.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kubo, S.; Wunderlich, B.

1971-01-01

The morphology of as-polymerized poly-p-xylylene grown between -17 and 30 C is found to consist of lame llar alpha crystals oriented with the (010) plane parallel to the support surface. The crystallinity decreases with decreasing polymerization temperature. Spherulitic and nonspherulitic portions of the polymer film consist of folded chain lamellas with the chain axis parallel to the support surface. The results were obtained by small- and wide-angle X-ray measurements, electron and optical microscopy, and differential thermal analysis.

Surface microstructure evolution of highly transparent and conductive Al-doped ZnO thin films and its application in CIGS solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Ke; Liu, Jingjing; Jin, Ranran; Liu, Jingling; Liu, Xinsheng; Lu, Zhangbo; Liu, Ya; Liu, Xiaolan; Du, Zuliang

2017-07-01

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) has attained intensive attention as being a very good transparent conducting oxide for photovoltaic applications. In this work, AZO films have been deposited on glass substrate by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The influences of substrate temperatures on morphological, structural, optical and electrical properties of AZO films were systematically investigated. The results indicate that all AZO films have the hexagonal structure with c-axis preferred orientation. Morphological and electrical measurements have revealed that the substrate temperatures have strong influence on the microstructure, optical and electrical properties of AZO films. The AZO film is highly transparent from ultraviolet up to near infrared range with highest average transparency exceeding 83%. The minimum resistivity is as low as 6.1 × 10-4 Ω cm. The carrier concentration and mobility are as high as 3.357 × 1020 cm-3 and 30.48 cm2/Vs, respectively. Finally, the performances of the AZO film are evaluated by its practical application in Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 (CIGS) photovoltaic device as a transparent electrode. Benefited from its highly transparent and conductive feature, the most efficient device reveals an efficiency of 7.8% with a short-circuit current density of 28.99 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 430 mV, and a fill factor of 62.44 under standard conditions.

Vacuum-Assisted Low-Temperature Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide Thin-Film Electrodes for High-Performance Transparent and Flexible All-Solid-State Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Aytug, Tolga; Rager, Matthew S; Higgins, Wesley; Brown, Forrest G; Veith, Gabriel M; Rouleau, Christopher M; Wang, Hui; Hood, Zachary D; Mahurin, Shannon M; Mayes, Richard T; Joshi, Pooran C; Kuruganti, Teja

2018-04-04

Simple and easily integrated design of flexible and transparent electrode materials affixed to polymer-based substrates hold great promise to have a revolutionary impact on the functionality and performance of energy storage devices for many future consumer electronics. Among these applications are touch sensors, roll-up displays, photovoltaic cells, health monitors, wireless sensors, and wearable communication devices. Here, we report an environmentally friendly, simple, and versatile approach to produce optically transparent and mechanically flexible all-solid-state supercapacitor devices. These supercapacitors were constructed on tin-doped indium oxide coated polyethylene terephthalate substrates by intercalation of a polymer-based gel electrolyte between two reduced graphene oxide (rGO) thin-film electrodes. The rGO electrodes were fabricated simply by drop-casting of graphene oxide (GO) films, followed by a novel low-temperature (≤250 °C) vacuum-assisted annealing approach for the in situ reduction of GO to rGO. A trade-off between the optical transparency and electrochemical performance is determined by the concentration of the GO in the initial dispersion, whereby the highest capacitance (∼650 μF cm -2 ) occurs at a relatively lower optical transmittance (24%). Notably, the all-solid-state supercapacitors demonstrated excellent mechanical flexibility with a capacity retention rate above 90% under various bending angles and cycles. These attributes underscore the potential of the present approach to provide a path toward the realization of thin-film-based supercapacitors as flexible and transparent energy storage devices for a variety of practical applications.

Large-Area Cross-Aligned Silver Nanowire Electrodes for Flexible, Transparent, and Force-Sensitive Mechanochromic Touch Screens.

PubMed

Cho, Seungse; Kang, Saewon; Pandya, Ashish; Shanker, Ravi; Khan, Ziyauddin; Lee, Youngsu; Park, Jonghwa; Craig, Stephen L; Ko, Hyunhyub

2017-04-25

Silver nanowire (AgNW) networks are considered to be promising structures for use as flexible transparent electrodes for various optoelectronic devices. One important application of AgNW transparent electrodes is the flexible touch screens. However, the performances of flexible touch screens are still limited by the large surface roughness and low electrical to optical conductivity ratio of random network AgNW electrodes. In addition, although the perception of writing force on the touch screen enables a variety of different functions, the current technology still relies on the complicated capacitive force touch sensors. This paper demonstrates a simple and high-throughput bar-coating assembly technique for the fabrication of large-area (>20 × 20 cm 2 ), highly cross-aligned AgNW networks for transparent electrodes with the sheet resistance of 21.0 Ω sq -1 at 95.0% of optical transmittance, which compares favorably with that of random AgNW networks (sheet resistance of 21.0 Ω sq -1 at 90.4% of optical transmittance). As a proof of concept demonstration, we fabricate flexible, transparent, and force-sensitive touch screens using cross-aligned AgNW electrodes integrated with mechanochromic spiropyran-polydimethylsiloxane composite film. Our force-sensitive touch screens enable the precise monitoring of dynamic writings, tracing and drawing of underneath pictures, and perception of handwriting patterns with locally different writing forces. The suggested technique provides a robust and powerful platform for the controllable assembly of nanowires beyond the scale of conventional fabrication techniques, which can find diverse applications in multifunctional flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schaeffer, Daniel A.; Polizos, Georgios; Smith, D. Barton

Optical surfaces such as mirrors and windows that are exposed to outdoor environmental conditions are susceptible to dust buildup and water condensation. The application of transparent superhydrophobic coatings on optical surfaces can improve outdoor performance via a self-cleaning effect similar to the Lotus effect. The contact angle (CA) of water droplets on a typical hydrophobic flat surface varies from 100° to 120°. Adding roughness or microtexture to a hydrophobic surface leads to an enhancement of hydrophobicity and the CA can be increased to a value in the range of 16≥0° to 175°. This result is remarkable because such behavior cannotmore » be explained using surface chemistry alone. When surface features are on the order of 100 nm or smaller, surfaces exhibit superhydrophobic behavior and maintain their optical transparency. In this work we discuss our results on transparent superhydrophobic coatings that can be applied across large surface areas. We have used functionalized silica nanoparticles to coat various optical elements and have measured the contact angle and optical transmission between 190 to 1100 nm on these elements. The functionalized silica nanoparticles were dissolved in a solution of the solvents isopropyl alcohol and 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride (PCBTF) and a proprietary ceramic binder (Cerakote ). Finally, this solution was spin-coated onto a variety of test glass substrates, and following a curing period of about 30 minutes, these coatings exhibited superhydrophobic behavior with a static CA ≥160°.« less

5G small-cell networks leveraging optical technologies with mm-wave massive MIMO and MT-MAC protocols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papaioannou, S.; Kalfas, G.; Vagionas, C.; Mitsolidou, C.; Maniotis, P.; Miliou, A.; Pleros, N.

2018-01-01

Analog optical fronthaul for 5G network architectures is currently being promoted as a bandwidth- and energy-efficient technology that can sustain the data-rate, latency and energy requirements of the emerging 5G era. This paper deals with a new optical fronthaul architecture that can effectively synergize optical transceiver, optical add/drop multiplexer and optical beamforming integrated photonics towards a DSP-assisted analog fronthaul for seamless and medium-transparent 5G small-cell networks. Its main application targets include dense and Hot-Spot Area networks, promoting the deployment of mmWave massive MIMO Remote Radio Heads (RRHs) that can offer wireless data-rates ranging from 25Gbps up to 400Gbps depending on the fronthaul technology employed. Small-cell access and resource allocation is ensured via a Medium-Transparent (MT-) MAC protocol that enables the transparent communication between the Central Office and the wireless end-users or the lamp-posts via roof-top-located V-band massive MIMO RRHs. The MTMAC is analysed in detail with simulation and analytical theoretical results being in good agreement and confirming its credentials to satisfy 5G network latency requirements by guaranteeing latency values lower than 1 ms for small- to midload conditions. Its extension towards supporting optical beamforming capabilities and mmWave massive MIMO antennas is discussed, while its performance is analysed for different fiber fronthaul link lengths and different optical channel capacities. Finally, different physical layer network architectures supporting the MT-MAC scheme are presented and adapted to different 5G use case scenarios, starting from PON-overlaid fronthaul solutions and gradually moving through Spatial Division Multiplexing up to Wavelength Division Multiplexing transport as the user density increases.

Study and characterization of tobacco mosaic virus head-to-tail assembly assisted by aniline polymerization.

PubMed

Niu, Zhongwei; Bruckman, Michael; Kotakadi, Venkata S; He, Jinbo; Emrick, Todd; Russell, Thomas P; Yang, Lin; Wang, Qian

2006-07-28

One-dimensional composite nanofibres with narrow dispersity, high aspect ratio and high processibility have been fabricated by head-to-tail self-assembly of rod-like tobacco mosaic virus assisted by aniline polymerization, which can promote many potential applications including electronics, optics, sensing and biomedical engineering.

Acousto-Optic and Linear Electro-Optic Properties of Organic Polymeric Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-27

Naval Research Laboratory Washington, DC 20375-5000 NRL Memorandum Report 6454 od I3 Acousto - Optic and Linear Electro-Optic Properties of Organic...PROGRAM P1RC;EC7 ASK Arlington, VA 22217-5000 ELEMENT NO NO1 I1I TITLE (Include Security Classification) Acousto - Optic and Linear Electro-Optic...briefly discussing the important molecular properties for enhanced acousto ~ optic and electro-Ooptic ef fects and then relating these to "current

[Plastics on the eye - plastics in the eye. Human-optic materials].

PubMed

Geyer, Otto-Christian; Schwabe, Peter; Wingler, Frank

2002-01-01

Materials of identical or similiar chemical classes are used for contact optics as well as for implantable intraocular devices. All of them derive from the chemistry of industrial product developments. Materials used in and on the eye should behave indifferent. They should not provoke any reaction in the eye and not themselves be altered by the biological surroundings. For materials used in the eye an especially high purity of the polymers utilized as well as a long term light stability is to be demanded. Optical properties like transparency have to be stable over extended time periods under normal light influence. The long time stability of UV-absorbing additives in the materials used has to be verified. All materials used for IOL's - with the exception of the homopolymer of methylmethacrylate - consist of polymer mixtures forming socalled interpenetrating networks which appear as an uniform material. For the manufacturing of intraocular lense materials standardized or unanimous producer prescriptions are not existing. Based on the different polymer formulations different aging and fatigue properties are the outcome. In addition only inadequate knowledge about the long term light stability of the incorporated UV blockers is submitted. Polymeric materials used for IOL's should be subjected in addition to the test methods listed in EN-ISO 11 979/5 to chemical, polymeranalytic and mechanical substance examinations. As a standard in such examinations a polymethylmethacrylate, free of methylacrylate is proposed. Examinations of each lot should be compulsory. Identification of all ingredients of the intraocular materials should be prescribed and labeled in line with the revelations of common medical drugs prescriptions. The relevations commit the medical doctor to inform his patient about possible side effects of the intraocular implants.

Optical monitoring of thin film electro-polymerization on surface of ITO-coated lossy-mode resonance sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobaszek, Michał; Dominik, Magdalena; Burnat, Dariusz; Bogdanowicz, Robert; Stranak, Viteszlav; Sezemsky, Petr; Śmietana, Mateusz

2017-04-01

This work presents an optical fiber sensors based on lossy-mode resonance (LMR) phenomenon supported by indium tin oxide (ITO) thin overlay for investigation of electro-polymerization effect on ITO's surface. The ITO overlays were deposited on core of polymer-clad silica (PCS) fibers using reactive magnetron sputtering (RMS) method. Since ITO is electrically conductive and electrochemically active it can be used as a working electrode in 3-electrode cyclic voltammetry setup. For fixed potential applied to the electrode current flow decrease with time what corresponds to polymer layer formation on the ITO surface. Since LMR phenomenon depends on optical properties in proximity of the ITO surface, polymer layer formation can be monitored optically in real time. The electrodeposition process has been performed with Isatin which is a strong endogenous neurochemical regulator in humans as it is a metabolic derivative of adrenaline. It was found that optical detection of Isatin is possible in the proposed configuration.

Preliminary photovoltaic arc-fault prognostic tests using sacrificial fiber optic cabling.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, Jay Dean; Blemel, Kenneth D.; Peter, Francis

2013-02-01

Through the New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program, Sandia National Laboratories worked with Sentient Business Systems, Inc. to develop and test a novel photovoltaic (PV) arc-fault detection system. The system operates by pairing translucent polymeric fiber optic sensors with electrical circuitry so that any external abrasion to the system or internal heating causes the fiber optic connection to fail or detectably degrade. A periodic pulse of light is sent through the optical path using a transmitter-receiver pair. If the receiver does not detect the pulse, an alarm is sounded and the PV system can be de-energized. This technology has themore » unique ability to prognostically determine impending failures to the electrical system in two ways: (a) the optical connection is severed prior to physical abrasion or cutting of PV DC electrical conductors, and (b) the polymeric fiber optic cable melts via Joule heating before an arc-fault is established through corrosion. Three arc-faults were created in different configurations found in PV systems with the integrated fiber optic system to determine the feasibility of the technology. In each case, the fiber optic cable was broken and the system annunciated the fault.« less

Observation of laser-induced elastic waves in agar skin phantoms using a high-speed camera and a laser-beam-deflection probe

PubMed Central

Laloš, Jernej; Gregorčič, Peter; Jezeršek, Matija

2018-01-01

We present an optical study of elastic wave propagation inside skin phantoms consisting of agar gel as induced by an Er:YAG (wavelength of 2.94 μm) laser pulse. A laser-beam-deflection probe is used to measure ultrasonic propagation and a high-speed camera is used to record displacements in ablation-induced elastic transients. These measurements are further analyzed with a custom developed image recognition algorithm utilizing the methods of particle image velocimetry and spline interpolation to determine point trajectories, material displacement and strain during the passing of the transients. The results indicate that the ablation-induced elastic waves propagate with a velocity of 1 m/s and amplitudes of 0.1 mm. Compared to them, the measured velocities of ultrasonic waves are much higher, within the range of 1.42–1.51 km/s, while their amplitudes are three orders of magnitude smaller. This proves that the agar gel may be used as a rudimental skin and soft tissue substitute in biomedical research, since its polymeric structure reproduces adequate soft-solid properties and its transparency for visible light makes it convenient to study with optical instruments. The results presented provide an insight into the distribution of laser-induced elastic transients in soft tissue phantoms, while the experimental approach serves as a foundation for further research of laser-induced mechanical effects deeper in the tissue. PMID:29675327

Observation of laser-induced elastic waves in agar skin phantoms using a high-speed camera and a laser-beam-deflection probe.

PubMed

Laloš, Jernej; Gregorčič, Peter; Jezeršek, Matija

2018-04-01

We present an optical study of elastic wave propagation inside skin phantoms consisting of agar gel as induced by an Er:YAG (wavelength of 2.94 μm) laser pulse. A laser-beam-deflection probe is used to measure ultrasonic propagation and a high-speed camera is used to record displacements in ablation-induced elastic transients. These measurements are further analyzed with a custom developed image recognition algorithm utilizing the methods of particle image velocimetry and spline interpolation to determine point trajectories, material displacement and strain during the passing of the transients. The results indicate that the ablation-induced elastic waves propagate with a velocity of 1 m/s and amplitudes of 0.1 mm. Compared to them, the measured velocities of ultrasonic waves are much higher, within the range of 1.42-1.51 km/s, while their amplitudes are three orders of magnitude smaller. This proves that the agar gel may be used as a rudimental skin and soft tissue substitute in biomedical research, since its polymeric structure reproduces adequate soft-solid properties and its transparency for visible light makes it convenient to study with optical instruments. The results presented provide an insight into the distribution of laser-induced elastic transients in soft tissue phantoms, while the experimental approach serves as a foundation for further research of laser-induced mechanical effects deeper in the tissue.

High Dynamic Range (Δn) Two-Stage Photopolymers via Enhanced Solubility of a High Refractive Index Acrylate Writing Monomer.

PubMed

Alim, Marvin D; Glugla, David J; Mavila, Sudheendran; Wang, Chen; Nystrom, Philip D; Sullivan, Amy C; McLeod, Robert R; Bowman, Christopher N

2018-01-10

Holographic photopolymers capable of high refractive index modulation (Δn) on the order of 10 -2 are integral for the fabrication of functional holographic optical elements that are useful in a myriad of optical applications. In particular, to address the deficiency of suitable high refractive index writing monomers for use in two-stage holographic formulations, here we report a novel high refractive index writing monomer, 1,3-bis(phenylthio)-2-propyl acrylate (BPTPA), simultaneously possessing enhanced solubility in a low refractive index (n = 1.47) urethane matrix. When examined in comparison to a widely used high refractive index monomer, 2,4,6-tribromophenyl acrylate, BPTPA exhibited superior solubility in a stage 1 urethane matrix of approximately 50% with a 20% higher refractive index increase per unit amount of the writing monomer for stage 2 polymerizations. Formulations with 60 wt % loading of BPTPA exhibit a peak-to-mean holographic Δn ≈ 0.029 without obvious deficiencies in transparency, color, or scatter. To the best of our knowledge, this value is the highest reported in the peer-reviewed literature for a transmission hologram. The capabilities and versatility of BPTPA-based formulations are demonstrated at varying length scales via demonstrative refractive index gradient structure examples including direct laser write, projection mask lithography of a 1″ diameter Fresnel lens, and ∼100% diffraction efficiency volume transmission holograms with a 1 μm fringe spacing in 11 μm thick samples.

Fabrication and Optimization of Stable, Optically Transparent, and Reusable pH-Responsive Silk Membranes

PubMed Central

Toytziaridis, Andreas; Dicko, Cedric

2016-01-01

The fabrication of silk-based membranes that are stable, optically transparent and reusable is yet to be achieved. To address this bottleneck we have developed a method to produce transparent chromogenic silk patches that are optically responsive to pH. The patches were produced by blending regenerated silk fibroin (RSF), Laponite RD (nano clay) and the organic dyes neutral red and Thionine acetate. The Laponite RD played a central role in the patch mechanical integrity and prevention of dye leaching. The process was optimized using a factorial design to maximize the patch response to pH by UV absorbance and fluorescence emission. New patches of the optimized protocol, made from solutions containing 125 μM neutral red or 250 μM of Thionine and 15 mg/mL silk, were further tested for operational stability over several cycles of pH altering. Stability, performance, and reusability were achieved over the tested cycles. The approach could be extended to other reporting molecules or enzymes able to bind to Laponite. PMID:27854303

Exchange interaction and tunneling-induced transparency in coupled quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borges, H. S.; Alcalde, A. M.; Ulloa, Sergio E.

2014-11-01

We investigate the optical response of quantum dot molecules coherently driven by polarized laser light. Our description includes the splitting in excitonic levels caused by isotropic and anisotropic exchange interactions. We consider interdot transitions mediated by hole tunneling between states with the same total angular momentum and between bright and dark exciton states as allowed by spin-flip hopping between the dots in the molecule. Using realistic experimental parameters we demonstrate that the excitonic states coupled by tunneling exhibit a rich and controllable optical response. We show that through the appropriate control of an external electric field and light polarization, the tunneling coupling establishes an efficient destructive quantum interference path that creates a transparency window in the absorption spectra whenever states of appropriate symmetry are mixed by the carrier tunneling. We explore the relevant parameter space that allows probing this phenomenon in experiments. Controlled variation in applied field and laser detuning would allow the optical characterization of spin-preserving and spin-flip hopping amplitudes in such systems by measuring the width of the tunneling-induced transparency windows.

Analysis of localized fringes in the holographic optical Schlieren system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurtz, R. L.

1980-01-01

The relation between localization of interference fringes in classical and holographic interferometry is reviewed and an application of holographic interferometry is considered for which the object is a transparent medium with nonhomogeneous refractive index. The technique is based on the analysis of the optical path length change of the object wave as it propagates through a transparent medium. Phase shifts due to variations of the speed of light within the medium give rise to an interference pattern. The resulting interferogram can be used to determine the physical properties of the medium or transparent object. Such properties include the mass density of fluids, electron densities of plasmas, the temperature of fluids, the chemical species concentration of fluids, and the state of stress in solids. The optical wave used can be either a simple plane or spherical wave, or it may be a complicated spatial wave scattered by a diffusing screen. The mathematical theory on the formation and analysis of localized fringes, the general theoretical concepts used, and a computer code for analysis are included along with the inversion of fringe order data.

Roll-To-Roll Printing of Meter-Scale Composite Transparent Electrodes with Optimized Mechanical and Optical Properties for Photoelectronics.

PubMed

Meng, Xiangchuan; Hu, Xiaotian; Yang, Xia; Yin, Jingping; Wang, Qingxia; Huang, Liqiang; Yu, Zoukangning; Hu, Ting; Tan, Licheng; Zhou, Weihua; Chen, Yiwang

2018-03-14

Flexible transparent electrodes are an indispensable component for flexible optoelectronic devices. In this work, the meter-scale composite transparent electrodes (CTEs) composed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and Ag grid/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with optimized mechanical and optical properties are demonstrated by slot-die roll-to-roll technique with solution printing method under a low cost ($15-20 per square meter), via control of the viscosity and surface energy of PEDOT:PSS ink as well as the printing parameters. The CTEs show excellent flexibility remaining 98% of the pristine value after bending 2000 times under various bending situations, and the square resistance ( R s ) of CTEs can be reduced to 4.5-5.0 Ω/sq with an appropriate transmittance. Moreover, the optical performances, such as haze, extinction coefficient, and refractive index, are investigated, as compared with indium tin oxide/PET, which are potential for the inexpensive optoelectronic flexible devices. The CTEs could be successfully employed in polymer solar cells with different areas, showing a maximal power conversion efficiency of 8.08%.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF PROCESSING DELAYS AND PROTECTIVE PLASTIC CASES ON IMAGE QUALITY OF A PHOTOSTIMULABLE PHOSPHOR PLATE SYSTEM

PubMed Central

Bramante, Clóvis Monteiro; Bramante, Alexandre Silva; de Souza, Rogério Emílio; Moraes, Ivaldo Gomes; Bernardineli, Norberti; Garcia, Roberto Brandão

2008-01-01

This ex vivo study evaluated the quality of digital radiographic images obtained with the photostimulable phosphor plate system (Digora) according to the processing delay and maintenance of optical plates in either opaque (supplied with the system) or transparent protective plastic cases during this period. Five radiographs were obtained from the mandibular molar region of a dry human mandible using optical plates. These plates were placed in the protective plastic cases before obtaining the radiographs and were processed immediately or after processing delays of 5, 60 and 120 min, when the case was removed. The results revealed a reduction in image quality when processing was delay 120 min compared to the other times. The opaque case provided better protection to the sensor than the transparent case. In conclusion, a 120-min processing delay for the Digora system caused a reduction in image quality, yet without interfering with the quality of diagnosis. The opaque case supplied by the system's manufacturer provided better protection to the optical plate than the transparent case. PMID:19089233

Subgap Absorption in Conjugated Polymers

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Sinclair, M.; Seager, C. H.; McBranch, D.; Heeger, A. J; Baker, G. L.

1991-01-01

Along with X{sup (3)}, the magnitude of the optical absorption in the transparent window below the principal absorption edge is an important parameter which will ultimately determine the utility of conjugated polymers in active integrated optical devices. With an absorptance sensitivity of < 10{sup {minus}5}, Photothermal Deflection Spectroscopy (PDS) is ideal for determining the absorption coefficients of thin films of transparent'' materials. We have used PDS to measure the optical absorption spectra of the conjugated polymers poly(1,4-phenylene-vinylene) (and derivitives) and polydiacetylene-4BCMU in the spectral region from 0.55 eV to 3 eV. Our spectra show that the shape of the absorption edge varies considerably from polymer to polymer, with polydiacetylene-4BCMU having the steepest absorption edge. The minimum absorption coefficients measured varied somewhat with sample age and quality, but were typically in the range 1 cm{sup {minus}1} to 10 cm{sup {minus}1}. In the region below 1 eV, overtones of C-H stretching modes were observed, indicating that further improvements in transparency in this spectral region might be achieved via deuteration of fluorination.

Optical Analysis of Transparent Polymeric Material Exposed to Simulated Space Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, David L.; Finckenor, Miria M.

2000-01-01

Many innovations in spacecraft power and propulsion have been recently tested at NASA, particularly in non-chemical propulsion. One improvement in solar array technology is solar concentration using thin polymer film Fresnel lenses. Weight and cost savings were proven with the Solar Concentrator Arrays with Refractive Linear Element Technology (SCARLET)-II array on NASA's Deep Space I spacecraft. The Fresnel lens concentrates solar energy onto high-efficiency solar cells, decreasing the area of solar cells needed for power. Continued efficiency of this power system relies on the thin film's durability in the space environment and maintaining transmission in the 300 - 1000 nm bandwidth. Various polymeric materials have been tested for use in solar concentrators, including Lexan(TM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), several formulations of Tefzel(Tm) and Teflon(TM), and DC 93-500, the material selected for SCARLET-II. Also tested were several innovative materials including Langley Research Center's CPI and CP2 polymers and atomic oxygen- resistant polymers developed by Triton Systems, Inc. The Environmental Effects Group of the Marshall Space Flight Center's Materials, Processes, and Manufacturing Department exposed these materials to simulated space environment and evaluated them for any change in optical transmission. Samples were exposed to a minimum of 1000 equivalent Sun hours of near-UV radiation (250 - 400 nm wavelength). Materials that appeared robust after near-UV exposure were then exposed to charged particle radiation equivalent to a five-year dose in geosynchronous orbit. These exposures were performed in MSFC's Combined Environmental Effects Test Chamber, a unique facility with the capability to expose materials simultaneously or sequentially to protons, low-energy electrons, high-energy electrons, near UV radiation and vacuum UV radiation. Reflectance measurements can be made on the samples in vacuum. Prolonged exposure to the space environment will decrease the polymer film's transmission and thus reduce the conversion efficiency. A method was developed to normalize the transmission loss and thus rank the materials according to their tolerance to space environmental exposure. Spectral results and the material ranking according to transmission loss are presented.

Fully transparent conformal organic thin-film transistor array and its application as LED front driving.

PubMed

Cui, Nan; Ren, Hang; Tang, Qingxin; Zhao, Xiaoli; Tong, Yanhong; Hu, Wenping; Liu, Yichun

2018-02-22

A fully transparent conformal organic thin-film field-effect transistor array is demonstrated based on a photolithography-compatible ultrathin metallic grid gate electrode and a solution-processed C 8 -BTBT film. The resulting organic field-effect transistor array exhibits a high optical transparency of >80% over the visible spectrum, mobility up to 2 cm 2 V -1 s -1 , on/off ratio of 10 5 -10 6 , switching current of >0.1 mA, and excellent light stability. The transparent conformal transistor array is demonstrated to adhere well to flat and curved LEDs as front driving. These results present promising applications of the solution-processed wide-bandgap organic semiconductor thin films in future large-scale transparent conformal active-matrix displays.

Development and applications of transparent conductive nanocellulose paper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shaohui; Lee, Pooi See

2017-12-01

Increasing attention has been paid to the next generation of 'green' electronic devices based on renewable nanocellulose, owing to its low roughness, good thermal stability and excellent optical properties. Various proof-of-concept transparent nanopaper-based electronic devices have been fabricated; these devices exhibit excellent flexibility, bendability and even foldability. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of transparent nanopaper that uses different types of nanocellulose, including pure nanocellulose paper and composite nanocellulose paper. The latest development of transparent and flexible nanopaper electronic devices are illustrated, such as electrochromic devices, touch sensors, solar cells and transistors. Finally, we discuss the advantages of transparent nanopaper compared to conventional flexible plastic substrate and the existing challenges to be tackled in order to realize this promising potential.

Computational design and engineering of polymeric orthodontic aligners.

PubMed

Barone, S; Paoli, A; Razionale, A V; Savignano, R

2016-10-05

Transparent and removable aligners represent an effective solution to correct various orthodontic malocclusions through minimally invasive procedures. An aligner-based treatment requires patients to sequentially wear dentition-mating shells obtained by thermoforming polymeric disks on reference dental models. An aligner is shaped introducing a geometrical mismatch with respect to the actual tooth positions to induce a loading system, which moves the target teeth toward the correct positions. The common practice is based on selecting the aligner features (material, thickness, and auxiliary elements) by only considering clinician's subjective assessments. In this article, a computational design and engineering methodology has been developed to reconstruct anatomical tissues, to model parametric aligner shapes, to simulate orthodontic movements, and to enhance the aligner design. The proposed approach integrates computer-aided technologies, from tomographic imaging to optical scanning, from parametric modeling to finite element analyses, within a 3-dimensional digital framework. The anatomical modeling provides anatomies, including teeth (roots and crowns), jaw bones, and periodontal ligaments, which are the references for the down streaming parametric aligner shaping. The biomechanical interactions between anatomical models and aligner geometries are virtually reproduced using a finite element analysis software. The methodology allows numerical simulations of patient-specific conditions and the comparative analyses of different aligner configurations. In this article, the digital framework has been used to study the influence of various auxiliary elements on the loading system delivered to a maxillary and a mandibular central incisor during an orthodontic tipping movement. Numerical simulations have shown a high dependency of the orthodontic tooth movement on the auxiliary element configuration, which should then be accurately selected to maximize the aligner's effectiveness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Electrohydrodynamic spinning of random-textured silver webs for electrodes embedded in flexible organic solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Dai Geon; Chin, Byung Doo; Bail, Robert

2017-03-01

A convenient process for fabricating a transparent conducting electrode on a flexible substrate is essential for numerous low-cost optoelectronic devices, including organic solar cells (OSCs), touch sensors, and free-form lighting applications. Solution-processed metal-nanowire arrays are attractive due to their low sheet resistance and optical clarity. However, the limited conductance at wire junctions and the rough surface topology still need improvement. Here, we present a facile process of electrohydrodynamic spinning using a silver (Ag) - polymer composite paste with high viscosity. Unlike the metal-nanofiber web formed by conventional electrospinning, a relatively thick, but still invisible-to-naked eye, Ag-web random pattern was formed on a glass substrate. The process parameters such as the nozzle diameter, voltage, flow rate, standoff height, and nozzle-scanning speed, were systematically engineered. The formed random texture Ag webs were embedded in a flexible substrate by in-situ photo-polymerization, release from the glass substrate, and post-annealing. OSCs with a donor-acceptor polymeric heterojunction photoactive layer were prepared on the Ag-web-embedded flexible films with various Ag-web densities. The short-circuit current and the power conversion efficiency of an OSC with a Ag-web-embedded electrode were not as high as those of the control sample with an indium-tin-oxide electrode. However, the Ag-web textures embedded in the OSC served well as electrodes when bent (6-mm radius), showing a power conversion efficiency of 2.06% (2.72% for the flat OSC), and the electrical stability of the Ag-web-textured patterns was maintained for up to 1,000 cycles of bending.

Laser-induced thermo-lens in ion-implanted optically-transparent polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stefanov, Ivan L.; Ivanov, Victor G.; Hadjichristov, Georgi B.

2009-10-01

A strong laser-induced thermo-lens (LITL) effect is found in optically-transparent ion-implanted polymer upon irradiation by a cw laser with a power up to 100 mW (λ = 532 nm). The effect is observed in bulk polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) implanted with silicon ions (Si+). A series of PMMA specimens is examined, subjected to low-energy (50 keV) Si+ implantation at various dosages in the range from 1014 to 1017 ions/cm2. The thermo-lensing is unambiguously attributed to the modification of the subsurface region of the polymer upon the ion implantation. Having a gradient refractive-index in-depth profile, the subsurface organic-carbonaceous layer produced in the polymer by ion implantation, is responsible for the LITL effect observed in reflection geometry. The LITL occurs due to optical absorption of the ion-implanted layer of a thickness of about 100 nm buried in a depth ~ 100 nm, and subsequent laser-induced change in the refractive index of the Si+-implanted PMMA. Being of importance as considering photonic applications of ion-implanted optically-transparent polymers, the LITL effect in Si+-implanted PMMA is studied as a function of the implant dose, the incident laser power and incidence angle, and is linked to the structure formed in this ion-implanted plastic.

Investigation of Electrical and Optical Properties of Highly Transparent TCO/Ag/TCO Multilayer.

PubMed

Kim, Sunbo; Lee, Jaehyeong; Dao, Vinh Ai; Ahn, Shihyun; Hussain, Shahzada Qamar; Park, Jinjoo; Jung, Junhee; Lee, Chan; Song, Bong-Shik; Choi, Byoungdeog; Lee, Youn-Jung; Iftiquar, S M; Yi, Junsin

2015-03-01

Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) have been widely used as transparent electrodes for opto-electronic devices, such as solar cells, flat-panel displays, and light-emitting diodes, because of their unique characteristics of high optical transmittance and low electrical resistivity. Among various TCO materials, zinc oxide based films have recently received much attention because they have advantages over commonly used indium and tin-based oxide films. Most TCO films, however, exhibit valleys of transmittance in the wavelength range of 550-700 nm, lowering the average transmittance in the visible region and decreasing short-circuit current (Isc) of solar cells. A TCO/Ag/TCO multi-layer structure has emerged as an attractive alternative because it provides optical characteristics without the valley of transmittance compared with a 100-nm-thick single-layer TCO. In this article, we report the electrical, optical and surface properties of TCO/Ag/TCO. These multi-layers were deposited at room temperature with various Ag film thicknesses from 5 to 15 nm while the thickness of TCO thin film was fixed at 40 nm. The TCO/Ag/TCO multi-layer with a 10-nm-thick Ag film showed optimum transmittance in the visible (400-800 nm) wavelength region. These multi-layer structures have advantages over TCO layers of the same thickness.

Preparation and optical properties of indium tin oxide/epoxy nanocomposites with polyglycidyl methacrylate grafted nanoparticles.

PubMed

Tao, Peng; Viswanath, Anand; Schadler, Linda S; Benicewicz, Brian C; Siegel, Richard W

2011-09-01

Visibly highly transparent indium tin oxide (ITO)/epoxy nanocomposites were prepared by dispersing polyglycidyl methacrylate (PGMA) grafted ITO nanoparticles into a commercial epoxy resin. The oleic acid stabilized, highly crystalline, and near monodisperse ITO nanoparticles were synthesized via a nonaqueous synthetic route with multigram batch quantities. An azido-phosphate ligand was synthesized and used to exchange with oleic acid on the ITO surface. The azide terminal group allows for the grafting of epoxy resin compatible PGMA polymer chains via Cu(I) catalyzed alkyne-azide "click" chemistry. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation shows that PGMA grafted ITO particles were homogeneously dispersed within the epoxy matrix. Optical properties of ITO/epoxy nanocomposites with different ITO concentrations were studied with an ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-vis-NIR) spectrometer. All the ITO/epoxy nanocomposites show more than 90% optical transparency in the visible light range and absorption of UV light from 300 to 400 nm. In the near-infrared region, ITO/epoxy nanocomposites demonstrate low transmittance and the infrared (IR) transmission cutoff wavelength of the composites shifts toward the lower wavelength with increased ITO concentration. The ITO/epoxy nanocomposites were applied onto both glass and plastic substrates as visibly transparent and UV/IR opaque optical coatings.

Electronic and Optical Properties of Borophene, a Two-dimensional Transparent Metal.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamska, Lyudmyla; Sadasivam, Sridhar; Darancet, Pierre; Sharifzadeh, Sahar

Borophene is a recently synthesized metallic sheet that displays many similarities to graphene and has been predicted to be complimentary to graphene as a high density of states, optically transparent 2D conductor. The atomic arrangement of boron in the monolayer strongly depends on the growth substrate and significantly alters the optoelectronic properties. Here, we report a first-principles density functional theory and many-body perturbation theory study aimed at understanding the optoelectronic properties of two likely allotropes of monolayer boron that are consistent with experimental scanning tunneling microscopy images. We predict that despite both systems are metallic, the two allotropes have substantially different bandstructure and optical properties, with one structure being transparent up to 3 eV and the second weakly absorbing in the UV/Vis region. We demonstrate that this strong structure-dependence of optoelectronic properties is present with the application of strain. Lastly, we discuss the strength of electron-phonon and electron-hole interactions within these materials. Overall, we determine that precise control of the growth conditions in necessary for controlled optical properties. This research used resources of the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility, which is a DOE Office of Science User Facility supported under Contract DE-AC02-06CH11357, and the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin.

Copercolating Networks: An Approach for Realizing High-Performance Transparent Conductors using Multicomponent Nanostructured Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Suprem R.; Sadeque, Sajia; Jeong, Changwook; Chen, Ruiyi; Alam, Muhammad A.; Janes, David B.

2016-06-01

Although transparent conductive oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO) are widely employed as transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) for applications such as touch screens and displays, new nanostructured TCEs are of interest for future applications, including emerging transparent and flexible electronics. A number of twodimensional networks of nanostructured elements have been reported, including metallic nanowire networks consisting of silver nanowires, metallic carbon nanotubes (m-CNTs), copper nanowires or gold nanowires, and metallic mesh structures. In these single-component systems, it has generally been difficult to achieve sheet resistances that are comparable to ITO at a given broadband optical transparency. A relatively new third category of TCEs consisting of networks of 1D-1D and 1D-2D nanocomposites (such as silver nanowires and CNTs, silver nanowires and polycrystalline graphene, silver nanowires and reduced graphene oxide) have demonstrated TCE performance comparable to, or better than, ITO. In such hybrid networks, copercolation between the two components can lead to relatively low sheet resistances at nanowire densities corresponding to high optical transmittance. This review provides an overview of reported hybrid networks, including a comparison of the performance regimes achievable with those of ITO and single-component nanostructured networks. The performance is compared to that expected from bulk thin films and analyzed in terms of the copercolation model. In addition, performance characteristics relevant for flexible and transparent applications are discussed. The new TCEs are promising, but significant work must be done to ensure earth abundance, stability, and reliability so that they can eventually replace traditional ITO-based transparent conductors.

Electromagnetically-induced-transparency intensity-correlation power broadening in a buffer gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Aojie; Green, Alaina; Crescimanno, Michael; O'Leary, Shannon

2016-04-01

Electromagnetically-induced-transparency (EIT) noise correlation spectroscopy holds promise as a simple, robust method for performing high-resolution spectroscopy used in optical magnetometry and clocks. Of relevance to these applications, we report on the role of buffer gas pressure and magnetic field gradients on power broadening of Zeeman-EIT noise correlation resonances.

Testing Of An Ultraviolet (UV)-Transparent Polymer-Based Passive Sampler for Rapid, Ultra-Low-Cost EDC Screening Applications

EPA Science Inventory

A new passive sampling method with rapid low-cost spectral detection has recently been developed. The method makes use of an ultraviolet (UV)-transparent polymer which serves as both a concentrator for dissolved compounds, and an optical cell for UV spectral detection. Because ...

Microbubble-Triggered Spontaneous Separation of Transparent Thin Films from Substrates Using Evaporable Core-Shell Nanocapsules.

PubMed

Son, Intae; Lee, Byungsun; Kim, Jae Hong; Kim, Chunho; Yoo, Ji Yong; Ahn, Byung Wook; Hwang, Jeongho; Lee, Jonghyuk; Lee, Jun Hyup

2018-05-23

The spontaneous separation of a polymer thin film from a substrate is an innovative technology that will enable material recycling and reduce manufacturing cost in the film industry, and this can be applied in a wide range of applications, from optical films to wearable devices. Here, we present an unprecedented spontaneous strategy for separating transparent polymer films from substrates on the basis of microbubble generation using nanocapsules containing an evaporable material. The core-shell nanocapsules are prepared from poly(methyl methacrylate)-polyethyleneimine nanoparticles via the encapsulation of methylcyclohexane (MCH). A spherical nanostructure with a vaporizable core is obtained, with the heat-triggered gas release ability leading to the formation of microbubbles. Our separation method applied to transparent polymer films doped with a small amount of the nanocapsules encapsulating evaporable MCH enables spontaneous detachment of thin films from substrates via vacuum-assisted rapid vaporization of MCH over a short separation time, and clear detachment of the film is achieved with no deterioration of the inherent optical transparency and adhesive property compared to a pristine film.

Self-assembled large scale metal alloy grid patterns as flexible transparent conductive layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohl, Melinda; Dombovari, Aron; Vajtai, Robert; Ajayan, Pulickel M.; Kordas, Krisztian

2015-09-01

The development of scalable synthesis techniques for optically transparent, electrically conductive coatings is in great demand due to the constantly increasing market price and limited resources of indium for indium tin oxide (ITO) materials currently applied in most of the optoelectronic devices. This work pioneers the scalable synthesis of transparent conductive films (TCFs) by exploiting the coffee-ring effect deposition coupled with reactive inkjet printing and subsequent chemical copper plating. Here we report two different promising alternatives to replace ITO, palladium-copper (PdCu) grid patterns and silver-copper (AgCu) fish scale like structures printed on flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrates, achieving sheet resistance values as low as 8.1 and 4.9 Ω/sq, with corresponding optical transmittance of 79% and 65% at 500 nm, respectively. Both films show excellent adhesion and also preserve their structural integrity and good contact with the substrate for severe bending showing less than 4% decrease of conductivity even after 105 cycles. Transparent conductive films for capacitive touch screens and pixels of microscopic resistive electrodes are demonstrated.

Self-assembled large scale metal alloy grid patterns as flexible transparent conductive layers

PubMed Central

Mohl, Melinda; Dombovari, Aron; Vajtai, Robert; Ajayan, Pulickel M.; Kordas, Krisztian

2015-01-01

The development of scalable synthesis techniques for optically transparent, electrically conductive coatings is in great demand due to the constantly increasing market price and limited resources of indium for indium tin oxide (ITO) materials currently applied in most of the optoelectronic devices. This work pioneers the scalable synthesis of transparent conductive films (TCFs) by exploiting the coffee-ring effect deposition coupled with reactive inkjet printing and subsequent chemical copper plating. Here we report two different promising alternatives to replace ITO, palladium-copper (PdCu) grid patterns and silver-copper (AgCu) fish scale like structures printed on flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrates, achieving sheet resistance values as low as 8.1 and 4.9 Ω/sq, with corresponding optical transmittance of 79% and 65% at 500 nm, respectively. Both films show excellent adhesion and also preserve their structural integrity and good contact with the substrate for severe bending showing less than 4% decrease of conductivity even after 105 cycles. Transparent conductive films for capacitive touch screens and pixels of microscopic resistive electrodes are demonstrated. PMID:26333520

Optically transparent thin-film transistors based on 2D multilayer MoS₂ and indium zinc oxide electrodes.

PubMed

Kwon, Junyeon; Hong, Young Ki; Kwon, Hyuk-Jun; Park, Yu Jin; Yoo, Byungwook; Kim, Jiwan; Grigoropoulos, Costas P; Oh, Min Suk; Kim, Sunkook

2015-01-21

We report on optically transparent thin film transistors (TFTs) fabricated using multilayered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as the active channel, indium tin oxide (ITO) for the back-gated electrode and indium zinc oxide (IZO) for the source/drain electrodes, respectively, which showed more than 81% transmittance in the visible wavelength. In spite of a relatively large Schottky barrier between MoS2 and IZO, the n-type behavior with a field-effect mobility (μ(eff)) of 1.4 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) was observed in as-fabricated transparent MoS2 TFT. In order to enhance the performances of transparent MoS2 TFTs, a picosecond pulsed laser was selectively irradiated onto the contact region of the IZO electrodes. Following laser annealing, μ(eff) increased to 4.5 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1), and the on-off current ratio (I(on)/I(off)) increased to 10(4), which were attributed to the reduction of the contact resistance between MoS2 and IZO.

Durable anti-fogging effect and adhesion improvement on polymer surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moser, E. M.; Gilliéron, D.; Henrion, G.

2010-01-01

The hydrophobic properties of polymeric surfaces may cause fogging in transparent packaging and poor adhesion to printing colours and coatings. Novel plasma processes for durable functionalization of polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate substrates were developed and analysed using optical emission spectroscopy. A worm-like nano pattern was created on the polypropylene surface prior to the deposition of thin polar plasma polymerised layers. For both substrates, highly polar surfaces exhibiting a surface tension of up to 69 mN/m and a water contact angle of about 10° were produced - providing the anti-fogging effect. The deposition of thin plasma polymerised layers protects the increased surface areas and enables to tailoring the surface energy of the substrate in a wide range. Wetting characteristics were determined by dynamic contact angle measurements. Investigations of the chemical composition of several layers using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and FT-infrared spectroscopy were correlated with functional testing. The surface topography was investigated using atomic force microscopy. The weldability and peeling-off characteristics of the plasma treated polymer films could be adjusted by varying the process parameters. Global and specific migration analyses were undertaken in order to ensure the manufacturing of plasma treated polymer surfaces for direct food contact purposes.

Atomic layer deposition and etching methods for far ultraviolet aluminum mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hennessy, John; Moore, Christopher S.; Balasubramanian, Kunjithapatham; Jewell, April D.; Carter, Christian; France, Kevin; Nikzad, Shouleh

2017-09-01

High-performance aluminum mirrors at far ultraviolet wavelengths require transparent dielectric materials as protective coatings to prevent oxidation. Reducing the thickness of this protective layer can result in additional performance gains by minimizing absorption losses, and provides a path toward high Al reflectance in the challenging wavelength range of 90 to 110 nm. We have pursued the development of new atomic layer deposition processes (ALD) for the metal fluoride materials of MgF2, AlF3 and LiF. Using anhydrous hydrogen fluoride as a reactant, these films can be deposited at the low temperatures required for large-area surface-finished optics and polymeric diffraction gratings. We also report on the development and application of an atomic layer etching (ALE) procedure to controllably etch native aluminum oxide. Our ALE process utilizes the same chemistry used in the ALD of AlF3 thin films, allowing for a combination of high-performance evaporated Al layers and ultrathin ALD encapsulation without requiring vacuum transfer. Progress in demonstrating the scalability of this approach, as well as the environmental stability of ALD/ALE Al mirrors are discussed in the context of possible future applications for NASA LUVOIR and HabEx mission concepts.

Creation of high-refractive-index amorphous titanium oxide thin films from low-fractal-dimension polymeric precursors synthesized by a sol-gel technique with a hydrazine monohydrochloride catalyst.

PubMed

Shimizu, Wataru; Nakamura, Satoshi; Sato, Takaaki; Murakami, Yasushi

2012-08-21

Amorphous titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) thin films exhibiting high refractive indices (n ≈ 2.1) and high transparency were fabricated by spin-coating titanium oxide liquid precursors having a weakly branched polymeric structure. The precursor solution was prepared from titanium tetra-n-butoxide (TTBO) via the catalytic sol-gel process with hydrazine monohydrochloride used as a salt catalyst, which serves as a conjugate acid-base pair catalyst. Our unique catalytic sol-gel technique accelerated the overall polycondensation reaction of partially hydrolyzed alkoxides, which facilitated the formation of liner polymer-like titanium oxide aggregates having a low fractal dimension of ca. (5)/(3), known as a characteristic of the so-called "expanded polymer chain". Such linear polymeric features are essential to the production of highly dense amorphous TiO(2) thin films; mutual interpenetration of the linear polymeric aggregates avoided the creation of void space that is often generated by the densification of high-fractal-dimension (particle-like) aggregates produced in a conventional sol-gel process. The mesh size of the titanium oxide polymers can be tuned either by water concentration or the reaction time, and the smaller mesh size in the liquid precursor led to a higher n value of the solid thin film, thanks to its higher local electron density. The reaction that required no addition of organic ligand to stabilize titanium alkoxides was advantageous to overcoming issues from organic residues such as coloration. The dense amorphous film structure suppressed light scattering loss owing to its extremely smooth surface and the absence of inhomogeneous grains or particles. Furthermore, the fabrication can be accomplished at a low heating temperature of <80 °C. Indeed, we successfully obtained a transparent film with a high refractive index of n = 2.064 (at λ = 633 nm) on a low-heat-resistance plastic, poly(methyl methacrylate), at 60 °C. The result offers an efficient route to high-refractive-index amorphous TiO(2) films as well as base materials for a wider range of applications.

Improved Fiber Optics Final Report CRADA No. TSB-957-94

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fox, Glenn; Wilford, Sandy

The existing chemistry of Lumenyte® (an illumination fiber optic developed by LIC) was such that the component monomers inherently polymerized to a very hard mass if exposed to environmental IR, UV, or a combination of these frequencies. Lumenyte optic also would cure to a hard mass by exposure to the UV & IR generated by the illuminating lamps-although this could occur at a much slower rate, and the hardening could occur even when the adverse frequencies were filtered. The resultant product did not have the flexibility for the required applications. LIC's objective was to include other monomeric components in themore » formulation to impart permanent flexibility. LIC sought the expertise and the use of the facilities in the Polymeric Materials Section at LLNL to achieve this objective.« less

Experiments on the abiotic amplification of optical activity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonner, W. A.; Blair, N. E.; Dirbas, F. M.

1981-01-01

Experiments concerning the physical mechanisms for the abiotic generation and chemical mechanisms for the amplification of optical activity in biological compounds are reviewed. Attention is given to experiments involving the determination of the differential adsorption of racemic amino acids on d- and l-quartz, the asymmetric photolysis of racemic amino acids by circularly polarized light, and the asymmetric radiolysis of solid amino acids by longitudinally polarized electrons, and the enantiomeric enrichments thus obtained are noted. Further experiments on the amplification of the chirality in the polymerization of D, L-amino acid mixtures and the hydrolysis of D-, L-, and D, L-polypeptides are discussed. It is suggested that a repetitive cycle of partial polymerization-hydrolyses may account for the abiotic genesis of optically enriched polypeptides on the primitive earth.

160-Gb/s all-optical phase-transparent wavelength conversion through cascaded SFG-DFG in a broadband linear-chirped PPLN waveguide.

PubMed

Lu, Guo-Wei; Shinada, Satoshi; Furukawa, Hideaki; Wada, Naoya; Miyazaki, Tetsuya; Ito, Hiromasa

2010-03-15

We experimentally demonstrated ultra-fast phase-transparent wavelength conversion using cascaded sum- and difference-frequency generation (cSFG-DFG) in linear-chirped periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN). Error-free wavelength conversion of a 160-Gb/s return-to-zero differential phase-shift keying (RZ-DPSK) signal was successfully achieved. Thanks to the enhanced conversion bandwidth in the PPLN with linear-chirped periods, no optical equalizer was required to compensate the spectrum distortion after conversion, unlike a previous demonstration of 160-Gb/s RZ on-off keying (OOK) using fixed-period PPLN.

Magneto-Optic Materials for Biasing Ring Laser Gyros. Report Number 3. (Computer Model for Evaluating Scattering from Multi-Layer Dielectric Thin Film Structures Containing a Magnetic Layer.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-30

16. "Substituted Rare Earth Garnet Substrate Crystals and LPE Films for Magneto-optic Applications," M. Kestigian, W.R. Bekebrede and A.B. Smith, J...transparent garnet magnetic films have been discussed by workers at Sperry [4,5]. The above considerations indicate that it is highly desirable to have...metallic magnetic film , such as a garnet , on top of an MLD stack. C. A partially transparent (very thin) magnetic metal film on top of an MLD stack. We

Highly Conductive Flexible Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Sheet Films for Transparent Touch Screen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Daewoong; Lee, Kyung Hwan; Kim, Donghyun; Burk, Dorothea; Overzet, Lawrence J.; Lee, Gil Sik

2013-03-01

Highly conductive and transparent thin films were prepared using highly purified multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) sheets. The electrical properties of the MWCNT sheet were remarkably improved by an acid treatment, resulting in densely packed MWCNTs. The morphology of the sheets reveals that continuous electrical pathways were formed by the acid treatment, greatly improving the sheet resistance all the while maintaining an excellent optical transmittance. These results encourage the use of these MWCNT sheets with low sheet resistance (450 Ω/sq) and high optical transmittance (90%) as a potential candidate for flexible display applications.

Optical and electrical properties of p-type transparent conducting CuAlO2 thin film synthesized by reactive radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, B.; Thapa, R.; Jana, S.; Chattopadhyay, K. K.

2010-10-01

Thin films of p-type transparent conducting CuAlO2 have been synthesized through reactive radio frequency magnetron sputtering on silicon and glass substrates at substrate temperature 300°C. Reactive sputtering of a target fabricated from Cu and Al powder (1:1.5) was performed in Ar+O2 atmosphere. The deposition parameters were optimized to obtain phase pure, good quality CuAlO2 thin films. The films were characterized by studying their structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties.