Novel Programmable Shape Memory Polystyrene Film: A Thermally Induced Beam-power Splitter

Abstract

Micro/nanophotonic structures that are capable of optical wave-front shaping are implemented in optical waveguides and passive optical devices to alter the phase of the light propagating through them. The beam division directions and beam power distribution depend on the design of the micro/nanostructures. The ultimate potential of advanced micro/nanophotonic structures is limited by their structurally rigid, functional singleness and not tunable against external impact. Here, we propose a thermally induced optical beam-power splitter concept based on a shape memory polystyrene film with programmable micropatterns. The smooth film exhibits excellent transparency with a transmittance of 95% in the visible spectrum and optical stability during a continuous heating process up to 90 °C. By patterning double sided shape memory polystyrene film into erasable and switchable micro-groove gratings, the transmission light switches from one designed light divided directions and beam-power distribution to another because of the optical diffraction effect of the shape changing micro gratings during the whole thermal activated recovery process. The experimental and theoretical results demonstrate a proof-of-principle of the beam-power splitter. Our results can be adapted to further extend the applications of micro/nanophotonic devices and implement new features in the nanophotonics.

Preparation of electrospun shape memory polyurethane fibers in optimized electrospinning conditions via response surface methodology

“…2 Among numerous SMPs, shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) is the most practical and used SMP due to some of its advantages, such as the possibility of manipulation of the temperature range at which the shape memory effect (SME) could be provoked, the wide range of mechanical properties, optical properties, water penetration capability, and reasonable price. 1 Considering these properties, a huge number of applications has been defined on SMPU, such as tissue engineering, preparation of biomedical devices, 3 protective textiles, 4 filtration, drug delivery systems, and sensors. 5 Fabrication of porous structures in SMPs has also been considered due to their lightness, high compressibility, low cost, and high dimensional stability.…”

Application and Development of Shape Memory Micro/Nano Patterns

“…[139] The light-responsive SMP micropillars array made by mixing gold nanorods (AuNRs) in has a recovery time of only 5s. [34] In addition, Li et al [63] fabricated a thermally driven beam splitter based on a shape memory polystyrene film with programmable micro/nanopatterns. Figure 11B,C shows the color change process and diffraction change pattern of the SMP film.…”

“…B,C) Color and diffraction spot conversion of shape memory beam splitter film. Reproduced under the terms of the Creative Commons CC BY license [63]. Copyright 2017, The Author(s), Published by Springer Nature.…”

Shape Memory Polyurethane Biocomposites Based on Toughened Polycaprolactone Promoted by Nano-Chitosan

“…The distinctive ability to remember their original form after partial or complete deformation makes the shape memory polymers (SMP) remarkable materials for several engineering and biomedical applications. Along with the widely known shape memory alloy, Nitinol (Nickel-Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory) [ 1 ], various polymers such as polyacrylates [ 2 ], polyimides [ 3 ], styrene-butadiene copolymers [ 4 , 5 ], polyurethane (PU) [ 6 ], polystyrene [ 7 ], etc., are known to have a shape memory ability on application of an external stimulus, such as pH, electrical, mechanical, hydration, magnetic, heat, light, etc. [ 8 , 9 ].…”