Abstract:
A composite material has a periodic arrangement of particles distributed in a matrix. The refractive index of the material of the particles is different to the refractive index of the material of the matrix and the periodicity is such that, when illuminated with white light, the periodic arrangement provides structural colour. A method of manufacturing the material includes the steps of: (i) forming the periodic arrangement by applying an electric field across a distribution of the particles in a curable liquid; and (ii) curing the curable liquid to form the matrix and thereby fixing the periodic arrangement of the particles. Also disclosed is a structural colour printing system suitable for carrying out the method of manufacture of the material.
Abstract:
A polymer opal material comprises a three dimensionaily periodic arrangement of core particles in a matrix material and exhibits structural colour via Bragg reflection. IN a process for manufacturing such a material, a sandwich structure is provided, of a precursor composite material held between first and second sandwiching layers. A relative shear strain of at least 10% is imposed on the precursor composite material by curling the sandwich structure around a roller. The shear strain is cycled, in order to promote the formation of the three dimensional periodic arrangement.
Abstract:
A polymer opal material comprises a three dimensionaily periodic arrangement of core particles in a matrix material and exhibits structural colour via Bragg reflection. IN a process for manufacturing such a material, a sandwich structure is provided, of a precursor composite material held between first and second sandwiching layers. A relative shear strain of at least 10% is imposed on the precursor composite material by curling the sandwich structure around a roller. The shear strain is cycled, in order to promote the formation of the three dimensional periodic arrangement.
Abstract:
A composite material has a periodic arrangement of particles distributed in a matrix. The refractive index of the material of the particles is different to the refractive index of the material of the matrix and the periodicity is such that, when illuminated with white light, the periodic arrangement provides structural colour. A method of manufacturing the material includes the steps of: (i) forming the periodic arrangement by applying an electric field across a distribution of the particles in a curable liquid; and (ii) curing the curable liquid to form the matrix and thereby fixing the periodic arrangement of the particles. Also disclosed is a structural colour printing system suitable for carrying out the method of manufacture of the material.
Abstract:
A method of controlling the particle spacing of a regular lattice of substantially monodisperse particles in a solution based photonic crystal, by use of a high frequency alternating electric field, the lattice being formed between parallel plate electrodes with a separation of at least twice the particle diameter, at least one of the electrodes being largely transparent.
Abstract:
A method of creating and controlling the particle spacing of a regular lattice of monodisperse particles or a mixture of monodisperse particles by using an electric field.
Abstract:
A polymer opal material comprises a three dimensionaily periodic arrangement of core particles in a matrix material and exhibits structural colour via Bragg reflection. IN a process for manufacturing such a material, a sandwich structure is provided, of a precursor composite material held between first and second sandwiching layers. A relative shear strain of at least 10% is imposed on the precursor composite material by curling the sandwich structure around a roller. The shear strain is cycled, in order to promote the formation of the three dimensional periodic arrangement.
Abstract:
A thermochromic composite optical body formed of a composite optical material. The material has a three dimensionally periodic arrangement of particles of a first material having refractive index n 1 disposed in a matrix of a second material, different to the first material, having refractive index n 2 . The material is capable of being modified by an external stimulus to provide an optical effect based on the three dimensionally periodic arrangement of particles. At a first condition of the external stimulus, the body is substantially transparent and satisfies at least one of: formula (1) and Δn 1 and n 2 at the first condition of the external stimulus. n va is the volume average refractive index of the body at the first condition of the external stimulus, λ is a wavelength of light corresponding to the three dimensionally periodic arrangement of particles. L is the thickness of the body at the first condition of the external stimulus. At a second condition of the external stimulus, different from the first condition, the body provides a colour effect due to a corresponding change in n 1 and/or n 2 .
Abstract:
A method of creating and controlling the particle spacing of a regular lattice of monodisperse particles or a mixture of monodisperse particles by using an electric field.