Thermally switchable optical devices

Details Thermally switchable optical devices Thermally switchable optical devices

1999-03-10

2000-12-26

Tucker, Philip

Compositions

Light transmission modifying compositions

252583, 359885, 359886, F21V 900, G02F 100, G02B 522, G02B 524

Patent

active

061653896

ABSTRACT:
Devices that comprise novel, mesoscopically periodic materials that combine crystalline colloidal array (CCA) self-assembly with the temperature induced volume phase transitions of various materials, preferably poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a PNIPAM CCA is formed in an aqueous media and contained within cell means. In another embodiment, a CCA of charged particles is formed and polymerized in a PNIPAM hydrogel. Methods for making these devices are also disclosed. The devices of the present invention are useful in many applications including, for example, optical switches, optical limiters, optical filters, display devices and processing elements. The devices are further useful as membrane filters. All of these devices have the feature of being tunable in response to temperature. Devices that change diffracted wavelength in response to pressure are also disclosed.

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