Responsive structural colour

In a recent study led by Dr. Delaney in collaboration with Prof. Louise Bradley (School of Physics, TCD) we have demonstrated models of the vividness and camouflaging ability found in nature and the ability to use 3D printed microscopic optical structures for the detection of gases in real-time.

Using Direct laser-writing we made arrays of tiny structures from stimuli responsive polymers, to display tuneable reflectance or transmission and to selectively respond to light, heat, or even humidity.

Photonic sensors have made considerable inroads into yielding accurate and robust alternatives, with minimal power consumption, low operating cost and high-sensitivity. The ability to print such optically-responsive materials has profound potential for the incorporation of optical sensors into connected low-cost sensing devices for homes, or into wearable devices for monitoring of bioanalytes.

Read full article here: http://www.tara.tcd.ie/handle/2262/97324