Method to create gradient index in a polymer
| DWPI Title: Method for creating gradient index in e.g. polymer, involves providing low-index non-conjugated precursor polymer having photo-cleavable leaving group, and photoexposing precursor polymer to eliminate photocleavable leaving group |
| Abstract: Novel photo-writable and thermally switchable polymeric materials exhibit a refractive index change of Δn≧1.0 when exposed to UV light or heat. For example, lithography can be used to convert a non-conjugated precursor polymer to a conjugated polymer having a higher index-of-refraction. Further, two-photon lithography can be used to pattern high-spatial frequency structures. |
| Use: Method for creating gradient index in polymer, photo-writable or thermally switchable polymeric material. |
| Advantage: The method enables creating gradient index in polymer with improved mechanical properties and high-throughput. |
| Novelty: A gradient index creating method involves providing a low-index non-conjugated precursor polymer having a photo-cleavable leaving group and thermally activated leaving group. The precursor polymer is photo-exposed to eliminate the photo-cleavable leaving group, followed by providing a conjugated polymer having a higher index-of-refraction than the precursor polymer, where the non-conjugated precursor polymer is exposed to different doses of photons in different regions to create a graded index material. |
| Filed: 9/4/2013 |
| Application Number: US14018058A |
| Tech ID: SD 12108.1 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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