Investigations into the use of microgel photonic crystals for optical tagging

摘要

In this paper we present an update on our research into the use of microgel-based photonic crystals in an optical tagging application. The chemistry of microgel photonic crystals is well established in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Georgia Tech has recently extended the current visible-band microgel photonic crystal technology into the infrared spectral domain. We have produced infrared-responsive photonic materials from highly monodisperse pNIPAm hydrogels with 400nm (hydrodynamic radius) particles. Both reflection and transmission measurements have been performed on these samples. In addition, we have begun ageing studies and have examined possible ways of increasing the reflection response.