Elastic instability induced mechano-responsive luminescence for super-flexible strain sensing

Abstract

Abstract-This paper reports a novel sensing strategy by employing elastic instability as a key mechanism to achieve super flexible (up to 60%) strain sensing. Inspired by MechanoResponsive Luminescence (MRL) phenomenon, we have demonstrated this optical strain sensing strategy by employing PDMS based functional luminescence composites multi-thinlayer structure, where fluorescent pattern signal was generated at designed strain values. Line-shaped fluorescent patterns were switched ON and OFF by elastic instabilities (e.g. wrinkling, creasing) on micro-structural soft surfaces during compressive deformation. This has extended the current understanding of large strain sensing where creating electrical connection is challenged by the metal fracture and delamination. The control of switching strain values by micro-structural geometry design has been demonstrated and discussed.