Ivy Lee’s Post

Liquid crystals (LCs) have been adopted to induce tunable physical properties that dynamically originated from their unique intrinsic properties responding to external stimuli, such as surface anchoring condition and applied electric field, which enables them to be the template for aligning functional guest materials. We fabricate the fiber array from the electrically modulated (in-plain) nematic LC template using the chemical vapor polymerization (CVP) method. Under an electric field, an induced defect structure with a winding number of −1/2 contains a periodic zigzag disclination line. It is known that LC defect structures can trap the guest materials, such as particles and chemicals. However, the resulting fibers grow along the LC directors, not trapped in the defects. To show the versatility of our platform, nanofibers are fabricated on patterned electrodes representing the alphabets ‘CVP.’ In addition, the semifluorinated moieties are added to fibers to provide a hydrophobic surface. The resultant orientation-controlled fibers will be used in controllable smart surfaces that can be used in sensors, electronics, photonics, and biomimetic surfaces. Artical source: https://lnkd.in/ggJ2Qgzc

One Minute Read: Mechanochromic Palette [Liquid Crystals] Cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs) are commonly used as color-based sensors to visualize strain in response to mechanical stimuli. The reflection of colours provides only qualitative (1D) information about the presence or absence of mechanical deformation - a limiting factor in conveying precise stress-related information. Compared to ambient light, polarized light is less affected by atmospheric disturbances that can lead to misinterpretation, providing more reliable optical information. In this work, researchers investigated the mechano-chromic responses of deformed CLCE structures under compression and uniaxial stretching to garner colour information. Linearly polarized light was passed through helical structures under stress, in transmission mode that lead to colour differences. CLCE primarily composed of RMW82 monomer was placed within a flexible PDMS (2mm) which showcased ~98% transmittance and a Young’s modulus of 0.12 MPA. CLCE-PDMS device exhibited high transparency and good elasticity, key features required for successful mechanochromic testing and response. Depending upon the angle of incident linearly polarized light, nature of the deformation (compression, uniaxial and biaxial stretching) and its direction, a visual signalling system was developed. The combination of compressive strain and rotating polarizer provided a wide range of colours and patterns. This was attributed due to the retention and loss of CLCE chirality, within a single CLCE film. The contrast in colour palette observed between stretched and compressed CLCE was due to the strong linear birefringence originating from the uniaxial main chains of stretched CLCE. Based on polarization light, the visual signalling system developed in this study allows for accurate interpretation of mechanochromic responses, useful for optical applications related to strain sensors or soft robots. To read more, link in the comments. #science #technology

Tactile sensors with high spatial resolution are crucial to manufacture large scale flexible electronics, and low crosstalk sensor array combined with advanced data analysis is beneficial to improve detection accuracy. Here, we demonstrated the photo-reticulated strain localization films (prslPDMS) to prepare the ultralow crosstalk sensor array, which form a micro-cage structure to reduce the pixel deformation overflow by 90.3% compared to that of conventional flexible electronics. It is worth noting that prslPDMS acts as an adhesion layer and provide spacer for pressure sensing. Hence, the sensor achieves the sufficient pressure resolution to detect 1 g weight even in bending condition, and it could monitor human pulse under different states or analyze the grasping postures. Experiments show that the sensor array acquires clear pressure imaging and ultralow crosstalk (33.41 dB) without complicated data processing, indicating that it has a broad application prospect in precise tactile detection. https://lnkd.in/gjAaAanR

What is an electromagnet? Invented in 1824 by the William Sturgeon, electromagnets are a fixture of modern life, appearing in loudspeakers, motors, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, maglev trains, and particle accelerators. About: Electromagnets are devices that produce a magnetic field when an electric current flows through a coil of wire. The magnetic field is concentrated in the hole of the coil. The strength of the magnetic field can be controlled by adjusting the electric current. When the current is turned off, the magnetic field disappears. Construction and Materials: Electromagnets typically consist of a coil of wire wrapped around a magnetic core made of ferromagnetic materials like iron. The magnetic core enhances the strength of the magnetic field by aligning the magnetic domains within the core. Properties and Advantages: Electromagnets can be turned on and off by controlling the electric current. They are more powerful than permanent magnets because the magnetic field can be amplified by the magnetic core. Electromagnets are widely used in various devices such as motors, generators, MRI machines, and magnetic separation equipment. Applications: Electromagnets are used in various industries for tasks like lifting and moving heavy metal objects, sorting materials, and generating motion. They are also used in medical settings for imaging and in consumer devices like electric doorbells and card readers. Disadvantages: Electromagnets require a continuous supply of electric power to maintain their magnetic field. They are less efficient than permanent magnets in terms of energy usage.

In this dynamic industry, constant #innovation is at its core! Stumbled upon a great article on enhancing #FiberSensor sensitivity using an exceptional point (EP). The standout? The vital role of Fiber Bragg Grating #FBG - something we're already familiar with and utilising at Ensure 🚀👇 FBGs, integrated seamlessly into Ensure's ultra-narrow linewidth lasers #UNL play a pivotal role in our cutting-edge technology. These gratings act as precision markers, reflecting specific wavelengths with unparalleled accuracy. This unique ability ensures wavelength-stability✔️, reduces noise✔️, and heightens sensitivity✔️ in our lasers. Why does having a narrow linewidth matter? A narrow linewidth translates to a more focused and precise wavelength emission. This precision is crucial in fiber sensing applications, as it enhances the sensor's ability to detect subtle changes, delivering accurate and reliable results. Imagine, for instance, Pipeline Leak Detection powered by #UNLlaser in fiber sensing applications. With this technology, detecting the smallest anomalies in the pipeline becomes the difference between ❌ A potential undetected leak leading to environmental hazards, significant damage, and prolonged downtime vs. ✔️Accurate and timely identification of leaks, safeguarding the environment, preventing extensive damage & ensuring seamless operations. The narrow linewidth allows for precise monitoring, providing real-time insights and enhancing overall safety measures for critical infrastructure. 🛢️ The fusion of FBG technology with UNL lasers results in linewidths as narrow as 1~3 kHz, making our lasers a reliable cornerstone in DVS/DAS systems. #FiberOptics #FBGTechnology Article link: https://lnkd.in/evN3SFMD

What runs for 50,000 hours non-stop? A SuperK supercontinuum laser 🦸♂️🦸♀️ Recently, one industrial client sent us their well-used SuperK booster (amplifier and non-linear fiber) for maintenance. It turned out the laser had been running non-stop for an amazing 50,000 hours! After replacing the booster, we returned the laser to the client. We expect it to continue functioning perfectly for another four years (or 35,000 hours). Curious about the background? The first supercontinuum lasers were introduced over 15 years ago, marking a significant milestone in laser technology. It became possible to attain diffraction-limited light from a laser, spanning a broad spectrum from 400 to 2500 nm. This breakthrough facilitated the characterization of exotic nanomaterials and the excitation of fluorophores. While supercontinuum technology proved versatile, its reliability was somewhat compromised due to the degradation of the crucial non-linear fiber. In 2016, we embarked on a mission to enhance the longevity of the non-linear fiber and other laser components, and we worked dedicatedly on the reliability. Today, we can document at least 10,000 hours of run time thanks to our test lab where we have over 60 SuperK supercontinuum lasers running continuously for 10,000 hours. In real life, our lasers typically run much longer - as this client can testify. More about SuperK lasers on our web: https://lnkd.in/eHfHwywS For those intrigued, below is a plot from the laser's internal log file ⬇ #SolutionsForInnovators #SupercontinuumWhiteLightLasers #Supercontinuum SuperK Broadband Laser (VIS, SWIR, IR)

One Minute Read: Full-Colour Laser Array [Photonics] Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) consume low amounts of energy and possess a tunable optical bandgap, making them promising materials for next-generation display devices. The conventional fabrication method of CQDs involves using solution-based processes, but a common issue encountered is the coffee-ring effect which limits the long-range ordered assembly of CQDs. Effective control of capillary flow allows for the mitigation of the issue of uniform distribution by mixing thickener or surfactant with the CQD solution. Yet, large-scale construction of programmable CQDs with high resolution and close packing remains unsolved. In this work, researchers developed an assembly technique to achieve precise positioning and controlled growth of CQD microstructures by controlling the dynamics of three-phase contact lines (TPCLs). TPCLs allow for precise control over the solvent evaporation rate to form the desired microstructure and thereby suppress undesirable effects like the coffee-ring effect. This method is able to form a programmable microstructure array consisting of red, green, and blue CQDs within a quasi-superlattice configuration. The high-quality CQD microstructure arrays demonstrate whispering-gallery mode (WGM) resonance with a low threshold of 17.6 μJ cm−2 and a high-Q-factor of 2220. The resolution of full-color displays achieved in this work exceeds 725 pixels per inch (PPI), expanding the color space by approximately 100% compared to standard RGB (sRGB) displays. This advancement in assembly technique allows for the realization of full-color CQD laser displays with enhanced performance and commercial viability. To read more, link in the comments. #science #technology

A transmission electron microscope is just one of the tools we use to analyze your samples. Using an electron beam to create an image, it allows us to view structures at the nano- or atomic-scale. It relies on the wave-particle duality of matter, using the tiny wavelength of electrons to resolve such small features. From analyzing nanoparticles to finding impurities, and from forensics to failure analysis, TEMs are versatile and precise. With nanotechnology at the forefront of innovation today, TEMs are indispensable for analysis and assurance of such tech. Need a custom analysis for minuscule material features? Contact us today to get started. https://lnkd.in/gdEgiNS7 #MASTest #MaterialsScience #MaterialsTesting #EnvironmentalHealth Image description: A transmission electron microscope found at MAS, with multiple detectors, analyzers, and viewing methods. The TEM itself looks like a tall white cylinder with multiple devices attached to its sides. A computer monitor sits next to it, showing an analysis on the screen. Instrument panels are located on the table to the right and left of the TEM.

Perovskites enter the wide band gap mainstream for high power electronics. Article: https://lnkd.in/gTwGty6A Underlying paper: https://lnkd.in/gT7QdmMn Abstract Exploration and advancements in ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) semiconductors are pivotal for next-generation high-power electronics and deep-ultraviolet (DUV) optoelectronics. Here, we used a thin heterostructure design to facilitate high conductivity due to the low electron mass and relatively weak electron-phonon coupling, while the atomically thin films ensured high transparency. We used a heterostructure comprising SrSnO3/La:SrSnO3/GdScO3 (110), and applied electrostatic gating, which allow us to effectively separate charge carriers in SrSnO3 from dopants and achieve phonon-limited transport behavior in strain-stabilized tetragonal SrSnO3. This led to a modulation of carrier density from 1018 to 1020 cm−3, with room temperature mobilities ranging from 40 to 140 cm2 V−1 s−1. The phonon-limited mobility, calculated from first principles, closely matched experimental results, suggesting that room temperature mobility could be further increased with higher electron density. In addition, the sample exhibited 85% optical transparency at a 300-nm wavelength. These findings highlight the potential of heterostructure design for transparent UWBG semiconductor applications, especially in DUV regime.

🔦Why choose Silicon Nitride (SiN) waveguide chips for your next photonic integrated circuit (PIC) application? 1️⃣ Low Propagation Loss SiN waveguides are known for their low propagation losses, crucial for high-performance PICs where signal attenuation needs to be minimized to maintain signal integrity over long distances. ℹ️Our TriPleX® waveguides have ultra low propagation losses, 0.1 dB/cm down to 0.1 dB/m.. 2️⃣ Wide Transparency Window SiN waveguides exhibit low optical loss across a broad wavelength range, from near-ultraviolet to infrared (400 nm to 2350 nm). This wide transparency window supports high optical power handling & makes them versatile for applications in telecommunications, bio-sensing, quantum and many more. 3️⃣ Integration Flexibility SiN can be integrated with various other materials, which allows for the design of complex and multifunctional photonic circuits. ℹ️SiN TriPleX® waveguides excel in integrating with active components for light emission, amplification, or detection, enhancing their versatility across fields such as life sciences, sensing, metrology, and telecom/datacom. ➡️Discover more about SiN TriPleX® waveguide technology : https://lnkd.in/ePYTmWxH