Responsive Colloidal Crystal for Spectrometer Grating

Diffraction gratings have a demonstrated value in optical applications, such as monochromators and spectrometers. Recent efforts have been directed at finding simple ways to manufacture diffraction gratings at low cost and under mild conditions. Here we present a practical strategy to fabricate a diffraction grating by simply treating an elastic photonic crystal film with a gradient of stress. The film was made of non-close-packed colloidal crystal arrays embedded in hydrogel polymer. Its photonic band gap (PBG) could be tuned precisely by using varying levels of pressure. Thus, when the elastic photonic crystal film was subjected to a stress gradient, a novel diffraction grating with continuously varying PBGs in the whole visible range could be achieved. The practical application of this type of diffraction grating was demonstrated in a miniaturized spectrometer system

Free-Standing Photonic Crystal Films with Gradient Structural Colors

Hydrogel colloidal crystal composite materials have a demonstrated value in responsive photonic crystals (PhCs) via controllable stimuli. Although they have been successfully exploited to generate a gradient of color distribution, the soft hydrogels have limitations in terms of stability and storage caused by dependence on environment. Here, we present a practical strategy to fabricate free-standing PhC films with a stable gradient of structural colors using binary polymer networks. A colloidal crystal hydrogel film was prepared for this purpose, with continuously varying photonic band gaps corresponding to the gradient of the press. Then, a second polymer network was used to lock the inside non-close-packed PhC structures and color distribution of the hydrogel film. It was demonstrated that our strategy could bring about a solution to the angle-dependent structural colors of the PhC films by coating the surface with special microstructures

Hydrogel Improved the Response in the Titania/Graphene Oxide One-Dimensional Photonic Crystals

Recently, one-dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) have attracted considerable interest because they exhibit a material-specific response profile to external stimuli. In our previous work, TiO2/GO 1DPCs, the stopbands of which can be made to span the whole visible range, were fabricated by spin-coating technique. The prepared 1DPCs have a double response to both dimethyl sulfoxide and alkali solution. However, the response is slow, insensitive, and irreversible. To improve the responsiveness of the 1DPCs, poly­(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-cross-linked poly­((methyl vinyl ether)-co-maleic acid) (PMVE-co-MA) hydrogels were embedded in those crystals. The results demonstrated that modified 1DPCs with different stopbands could be obtained by controlling the speed of the spin-coating technique. The prepared 1DPCs have better responsiveness to external solution pH

Structural Color Patterns by Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printed Photonic Crystals

In this work, we demonstrate the fabrication of photonic crystal patterns with controllable morphologies and structural colors utilizing electrohydrodynamic jet (E-jet) printing with colloidal crystal inks. The final shape of photonic crystal units is controlled by the applied voltage signal and wettability of the substrate. Optical properties of the structural color patterns are tuned by the self-assembly of the silica nanoparticle building blocks. Using this direct printing technique, it is feasible to print customized functional patterns composed of photonic crystal dots or photonic crystal lines according to relevant printing mode and predesigned tracks. This is the first report for E-jet printing with colloidal crystal inks. Our results exhibit promising applications in displays, biosensors, and other functional devices

Implantable Resistive Strain Sensor-Decorated Colloidal Crystal Hydrogel Catheter for Intestinal Tract Pressure Sensing

In the quest to develop advanced monitoring systems for intestinal peristaltic stress, this study introduces a groundbreaking approach inspired by nature’s sensory networks. By the integration of novel materials and innovative manufacturing techniques, a multifunctional Janus hydrogel patch has been engineered. This unique patch not only demonstrates superior stress-sensing capabilities in the intricate intestinal environment but also enables adhesion to wet tissue surfaces. This achievement opens new avenues for real-time physiological monitoring and potential therapeutic interventions in the realm of gastrointestinal health

Implantable Resistive Strain Sensor-Decorated Colloidal Crystal Hydrogel Catheter for Intestinal Tract Pressure Sensing

In the quest to develop advanced monitoring systems for intestinal peristaltic stress, this study introduces a groundbreaking approach inspired by nature’s sensory networks. By the integration of novel materials and innovative manufacturing techniques, a multifunctional Janus hydrogel patch has been engineered. This unique patch not only demonstrates superior stress-sensing capabilities in the intricate intestinal environment but also enables adhesion to wet tissue surfaces. This achievement opens new avenues for real-time physiological monitoring and potential therapeutic interventions in the realm of gastrointestinal health

Implantable Resistive Strain Sensor-Decorated Colloidal Crystal Hydrogel Catheter for Intestinal Tract Pressure Sensing

In the quest to develop advanced monitoring systems for intestinal peristaltic stress, this study introduces a groundbreaking approach inspired by nature’s sensory networks. By the integration of novel materials and innovative manufacturing techniques, a multifunctional Janus hydrogel patch has been engineered. This unique patch not only demonstrates superior stress-sensing capabilities in the intricate intestinal environment but also enables adhesion to wet tissue surfaces. This achievement opens new avenues for real-time physiological monitoring and potential therapeutic interventions in the realm of gastrointestinal health

Supplementary document for Co-Multiplexing Spectral and Temporal Dimensions for Optical Data Storage - 6501729.pdf

Supplemental Documen

Supplementary document for Co-Multiplexing Spectral and Temporal Dimensions for Optical Data Storage - 6508575.pdf

Supplemental Documen

Implantable Resistive Strain Sensor-Decorated Colloidal Crystal Hydrogel Catheter for Intestinal Tract Pressure Sensing

In the quest to develop advanced monitoring systems for intestinal peristaltic stress, this study introduces a groundbreaking approach inspired by nature’s sensory networks. By the integration of novel materials and innovative manufacturing techniques, a multifunctional Janus hydrogel patch has been engineered. This unique patch not only demonstrates superior stress-sensing capabilities in the intricate intestinal environment but also enables adhesion to wet tissue surfaces. This achievement opens new avenues for real-time physiological monitoring and potential therapeutic interventions in the realm of gastrointestinal health