Polymer light scattering enhanced by light absorption as a basis for photonic devices

What is it about?

Polymer solutions are known to scatter light. We discovered that certain polymers (hyperbranched polyphenylene sulfides), when absorbing light (200-400 nm), have increased light scattering at all wavelengths. These polymers also show other unusual photophysical behaviors, which are assigned to their ability to form dimers and other multimers in both ground and excited states.

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Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The photo-induced light scattering can be used to create a component for photonics that is similar to certain electronic components. A certain light scattering signal (S-0) is observed when a laser (usually of longer wavelength) impinges on a polymer solution (either liquid or solid). When a second laser (of a wavelength absorbed by the polymer) also impinges on the polymer, the light scattering signal from the first wavelength increases (S-1 > S-0). This behavior is analogous to electronic components such as transistors and vacuum tubes. The first laser and its scattered light is analogous to cathode and anode of a vacuum tube, while the second laser is analogous to the grid. By modulating the second laser, the intensity of the observed scattered light can be also modulated.

Perspectives

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This appears to be a method that could be used in photonic or photoelectronic circuitry, creating faster and more powerful computers.

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