New Hierarchically Structured Optical Materials for Dynamic Refractive Index Changes
Abstract
The objective of this proposal was to develop novel materials and devices with dynamically variable refractive index properties, based on new hierarchically ordered composites and porous solids. The dominant innovation is the development of biologically inspired self-assembling inorganic/organic materials, whose versatile response properties can be designed and controlled, according to a variety of specific conditions, field stimuli, and performance criteria. Specifically, it was our goal to create mesostructured composite lens materials with large and reversible changes in their refractive indices (Delta-refractive index values of 0.5-1.0). This was to be demonstrated, by incorporating components with strong charge-transfer responses to applied optical (near-UV and near-IR) and electrical fields. Modes refractive index changes were obtained in thin film preparations of hybrid mesostructured materials (Delta-refractive index values of 0.1-0.27). However. we were unable to achieve An values close to or above 1.0 for isotropic light.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA423962
Entities
People
- Bradley F Chmelka
- Earl Danielson
- Michael D. Wyrsta