Combining Soft with Hard Condensed Matter for Circular Polarized Light Sensing and Logic Operations

Abstract

The study shows the incorporation of chiral nematic photonic cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films, well known for their adaptive character of selective reflection of circular polarized light (CPL), and silicon‐based thin‐film photodiodes, thus achieving a light sensor capable of discriminating right‐ from left‐handed CPL. The circular polarization (CP) response is maximum for specific wavelengths in the green‐to‐red region. When subjected to these wavelengths, they produce photocurrents that are over 50% distinct between the two CP states. Proper signal processing, thus, yields a binary output depending on the handedness of the light. Through the addition of monovalent salt to the initial CNC suspension, a blueshift to the photonic band gap is induced, enabling a larger wavelength gamut and application possibilities. The measured results are then used as a basis for electromagnetic simulations that show remarkable consistency with the experimental results, thus defining a new tool that can be used to efficiently optimize the devices’ response. Fast transient responses to CPL are shown with possible logic operations, as well as humidity sensing. The developed devices are, thus, applicable in areas as diverse as imaging, CPL sensing, optoelectronic counterfeiting, and information processing with logic states that depend solely on the handedness of the incident light.

Circularly Polarized Light Responsive Materials: Design Strategies and Applications

“…By assembling CNC self-assembled films with photoconductive material such as ZnO, indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) and TiO 2 , the photodiodes or transistors could effectively detect CPL with high g ph values at 10 −1 order of magnitude. [74][75][76][77] Above all, we concluded the novel materials and CPL-matter interactions applying for CPL detective devices, which is the key part to fabricate the devices. Generally, the polarization/spindependent materials and metal electrode such as Au are arranged in layers on the quartz, SiO 2 or glass substrate, where the units of CPL sensitive materials array periodically to enhance anisotropy, modulation and polarizability.…”

“…By assembling CNC self‐assembled films with photoconductive material such as ZnO, indium–gallium–zinc oxide (a‐IGZO) and TiO 2 , the photodiodes or transistors could effectively detect CPL with high g ph values at 10 −1 order of magnitude. [ 74–77 ]…”

“…c) Helical structures self-assembled from CNC as well as the selective reflectance of LCP property. Reproduced with permission [76]. Copyright 2021, Wiley-VCH.…”

Structural Color Formation of ZnO Nanorods Using Gold as a Seed and Reflective Layer

“…It is significant in that it enables various research in the field of powerless sensors that can check the surrounding environment, such as temperature and humidity, without power just by changing color. 41 ■ EXPERIMENTAL SECTION Materials. Zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn(NO 3 ) 2 − 6H 2 O, M.W.…”

Optical Properties of Slot‐Die Coated Hybrid Colloid/Cellulose‐Nanofibril Thin Films

“…[31,32] In order to improve the mechanical properties of pure biomaterials, cellulose-based materials can be blended with inorganic polymer colloids. [33][34][35] Inorganic nanoparticles are able to directly cross-link the CNFs via radical polymerization of stearyl acrylate. [36] The introduction of ionic liquids similarly improves mechanical and optical properties after hot-pressing.…”