Date of Award
May 2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Engineering
First Advisor
Chiu Law
Committee Members
Rani El Hajjar, Yi Hu, Nikolai Kouklin, Michael Weinert, Chiu Law
Abstract
Optical devices, such as filters and sensors, have numerous advantages including compactness in size and immunity from electromagnetic interference. The fabrication of optical devices often requires precision and complicated processing, resulting in expensive and delicate components. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are biomaterials that can self-assemble into liquid crystals, similar to those used in electronic displays. This material can function as an optical grating by reflecting/transmitting circularly polarized light at certain wavelengths and viewing angles. Since gratings are building blocks of optical systems, like lasers and lidars, their fabrication at low costs will enable the further proliferation of optical technologies. Furthermore, if their fragility can be flipped into flexibility, the applications can be extended to wearable electronics. Here, we propose the investigation of flexible CNC composites and characterization is done through mechanical, electrical, optical, and thermal testing. Flexible CNCs with optical responses in the visible spectrum and infrared spectrum due to an applied voltage will be manufactured, targeting multiple applications. A novel fiber based experimental setup is additionally shown for the infrared CNC composite. For device applications, focus will be on dielectric elastomers in a parallel plate configuration for designing optical modulators and electric field (voltage) sensors.
Recommended Citation
Frailey, David, "Cellulose Nanocrystal Dielectric Elastomers" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 3145.
https://dc.uwm.edu/etd/3145
Included in
Electrical and Electronics Commons, Electromagnetics and Photonics Commons, Optics Commons