1
|
Ertman S, Orzechowski K, Rutkowska K, Kołodyńska O, Różycka J, Ignaciuk A, Wasilewska N, Osuch T, Woliński TR. Periodic liquid crystalline waveguiding microstructures. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13896. [PMID: 37626152 PMCID: PMC10457291 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41255-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Different methods allowing for creating optical waveguides with liquid-crystal (LC) cores, in which molecules form periodic patterns with precisely controlled periods, are reported. The first one is based on reversible photoalignment with high-resolution selective illumination and allows to control the period of LC molecules inside silica microcapillaries. The second method employs microstructures formed in PDMS, allowing to obtain both: LC-core waveguides and a set of specially designed periodic microelectrodes used for the periodic reorientation of molecules. Using both methods, we successfully controlled the period of the patterned alignment in the range from about 500 µm and scaled it down to as small as 20 µm. We performed experimental studies on waveguiding phenomenon in such structures, in view to obtain transmission spectra typical to optical fiber gratings. Since the results achieved in experimental conditions differed from those expected, the additional numerical simulations were performed to explain the observed effects. Finally, we obtained the waveguiding in a blue phase LC, characterized by naturally created three-dimensional periodicity with periods smaller than one micrometer. In such a structure, we were able to observe first-order bandgap, and moreover, we were able to tune it thermally in nearly the whole visible spectral range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sławomir Ertman
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Kamil Orzechowski
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Rutkowska
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Oliwia Kołodyńska
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Julia Różycka
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Ignaciuk
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Wasilewska
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Osuch
- Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology, Institute of Electronic Systems, Warsaw University of Technology, Nowowiejska 15/19, 00-665, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz R Woliński
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Erlenbach S, Mondal K, Ma J, Neumann TV, Ma S, Holbery JD, Dickey MD. Flexible-to-Stretchable Mechanical and Electrical Interconnects. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:6005-6012. [PMID: 36599089 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c14260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Stretchable electronic devices that maintain electrical function when subjected to stress or strain are useful for enabling new applications for electronics, such as wearable devices, human-machine interfaces, and components for soft robotics. Powering and communicating with these devices is a challenge. NFC (near-field communication) coils solve this challenge but only work efficiently when they are in close proximity to the device. Alternatively, electrical signals and power can arrive via physical connections between the stretchable device and an external source, such as a battery. The ability to create a robust physical and electrical connection between mechanically disparate components may enable new types of hybrid devices in which at least a portion is stretchable or deformable, such as hinges. This paper presents a simple method to make mechanical and electrical connections between elastomeric conductors and flexible (or rigid) conductors. The adhesion at the interface between these disparate materials arises from surface chemistry that forms strong covalent bonds. The utilization of liquid metals as the conductor provides stretchable interconnects between stretchable and non-stretchable electrical traces. The liquid metal can be printed or injected into vias to create interconnects. We characterized the mechanical and electrical properties of these hybrid devices to demonstrate the concept and identify geometric design criteria to maximize mechanical strength. The work here provides a simple and general strategy for creating mechanical and electrical connections that may find use in a variety of stretchable and soft electronic devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Erlenbach
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Kunal Mondal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Jinwoo Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Taylor V Neumann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Siyuan Ma
- Applied Sciences Group, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - James D Holbery
- Applied Sciences Group, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rutkowska KA, Sobotka P, Grom M, Baczyński S, Juchniewicz M, Marchlewicz K, Dybko A. A Novel Approach for the Creation of Electrically Controlled LC:PDMS Microstructures. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22114037. [PMID: 35684658 PMCID: PMC9185514 DOI: 10.3390/s22114037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This work presents research on unique optofluidic systems in the form of air channels fabricated in PDMS and infiltrated with liquid crystalline material. The proposed LC:PDMS structures represent an innovative solution due to the use of microchannel electrodes filled with a liquid metal alloy. The latter allows for the easy and dynamic reconfiguration of the system and eliminates technological issues experienced by other research groups. The paper discusses the design, fabrication, and testing methods for tunable LC:PDMS structures. Particular emphasis was placed on determining their properties after applying an external electric field, depending on the geometrical parameters of the system. The conclusions of the performed investigations may contribute to the definition of guidelines for both LC:PDMS devices and a new class of potential sensing elements utilizing polymers and liquid crystals in their structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna A. Rutkowska
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland; (P.S.); (M.G.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Piotr Sobotka
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland; (P.S.); (M.G.); (S.B.)
| | - Monika Grom
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland; (P.S.); (M.G.); (S.B.)
| | - Szymon Baczyński
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland; (P.S.); (M.G.); (S.B.)
| | - Marcin Juchniewicz
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies (CEZAMAT), Warsaw University of Technology, Poleczki 19, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Kasper Marchlewicz
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland; (K.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Artur Dybko
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland; (K.M.); (A.D.)
| |
Collapse
|