Flexible photonic crystals for strain sensing

摘要: Abstract Three-dimensional (3-D) photonic crystals (PCs) have been studied as possible strain sensing materials, based on strain-induced stop band frequency shifting. Self-assembly of polystyrene microspheres, achieved by sedimentation over a flexible polyimide tape substrate whose surface hydrophilicity was optimized in order to achieve maximum wettability, led an organized 3-D direct opal template. This infiltrated with silica sol–gel solution dip-coating or chemical vapour deposition and inverse structure ultimately obtained dissolution the polymer The structural optical properties these PCs scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) UV/visible spectroscopy under variable degrees strain. FE-SEM showed presence ordered domains up ∼30 μm 2 . A mechano-optical effect evidenced shifting peak wavelength direct, opals 50 nm transmission mode, due changes interplanar spacing upon bending PCs. Optical response cycles were studied, suggesting use structures reversible sensors integrated sensor/actuator devices.