Comprehensive Optical Strain Sensing Through the Use of Colloidal Quantum Dots

Abstract

The adaptation of colloidal quantum dots loaded within a polymer for use in nondestructive testing can be used as an optical strain gauge due to the nanomaterial's strain sensing properties. In this paper, we utilized InP/ZnS colloidal quantum dots loaded within a polymer matrix applied onto the surface of a dog-bone foil precoated with an epoxy. By employing an empirical formula and a calibration factor, there is a propinquity between both the calculated optical strain and mechanical stress−strain reference data. Fluctuations are observed, which may be due to both additional strain responses not seen by the mechanical data and quantum dot blinking. These results and methods show the applied use of this novel optical nondestructive testing technique for a variety of structures, especially for structures that operate in harsh environments.

Rapid Prototyping for Nanoparticle-Based Photonic Crystal Fiber Sensors

“…In addition, the benefit of using positive pressure versus negative pressure is the assurance of safety, where one does not need to worry about liquid oxygen forming in their Schlenk line. Previously, others used an applied vacuum on the ends of the PCFs when drawing nanoparticles, which can create a potential safety risk if oxygen leaks into a Schlenk line [ 2 , 16 ]. Finally, a 3D-printed structure to hold the PCF sensors to allow for “clipping-in” to the optical system can allow for testing a large number of fibers with varying properties.…”

“…Nanoparticles may play a critical role in shrinking the size of a variety of sensors. Optical nanoparticles, such as quantum dots, have utility in temperature sensing [ 1 ], ionizing radiation detection [ 2 ], and the measurement of high-power electromagnetic fields when combined with magnetic nanocrystals [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Bifunctional nanoparticles, using multiple families of nanocrystals, were demonstrated and their combination with optically active materials and those affected by other fields is expected to expand in the future [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Polymer‐Grafted, Gold Nanoparticle‐Based Nano‐Capsules as Reversible Colorimetric Tensile Strain Sensors

“…Detection of local strains at the nanometer scale requires the design and synthesis of sensors of nanometric size made of materials that are able to convert strains into readable signals. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Although local strain sensors have been developed, application of these examples is impeded by some key limitations. Fluorophores such as spiropyran and tetraphenylethy lene(TPE) [23][24][25] are molecular sensors that can be covalently attached to the backbones of polymeric elastomers.…”

“…Detection of local strains at the nanometer scale requires the design and synthesis of sensors of nanometric size made of materials that are able to convert strains into readable signals [19][20][21][22][23][24][51][52][53] .…”