Refractive-index patterning using near-field scanning optical microscopy

Abstract

By using near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM), patterning of pure refractive-index contrast on a transparent polymer film has been demonstrated. A thin film of poly(methyl methacrylate) doped with 3-phenyl-2,5-norbornadiene-2-carboxylic acid is irradiated with 325 nm UV light from an NSOM probe, resulting in a refractive-index decrease without changes in complete transparency in the visible region and surface flatness. The transmission NSOM image was obtained by the same probe at an incident wavelength of 442 nm. The relative change of the transmission signal is in agreement with the value deduced from a simple model based on the Rayleigh scattering theory of dielectric media.

Reversible Fluorescent On–Off Recording in a Highly Transparent Polymeric Material Utilizing Fluorescent Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Induced by Heat Treatment

“…[10] The write once read many (WORM) properties of fluorescence using a molecularly doped polymer matrix made up of a fluorescent dye and photoacid generator have been reported. [11] Photosensitive reversible on-off switching of fluorescence intensity (PRF) has been realized by exploiting fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) from a fluorescent dye to a colored photochromic dye.…”

Heteroatom effect at C7 of norbornadiene-Quadricyclane system for maximizing the solar energy storage: DFT calculations

“…The conversion of quadricyclane, 2, to norbornadiene, 1, leads to realize heat energies. The 1/2 system is used for solar energy storage [5][6][7], in molecular switching [8][9][10], in optoelectronic devices [11][12][13][14], as a data storage compound [15,16], as photodynamic chemosensor for metal cations, [17,18] as a potential photoresponsive organic magnet [19][20][21] and as an energetic binder for solid rocket propellants [22]. This system has an inherent disadvantage that 1 cannot absorb visible wave length of sunlight.…”

Novel diazosulfonate terpolymers for the preparation of structured functionalized surfaces: Synthesis and characterization

“…Today it is possible to generate patterns on the nanometer scale by direct writing into the film without a mask using lasers of different wavelengths, e.g., in combination with different microscopic techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy, laser scanning microscopy, or scanning near-field optical microscopy. [9][10][11][12][13][14] Even though chemical development steps might not be necessary using novel irradiation technologies for pattern production (e.g., by polymer ablation or change in the wetting behavior) it is still necessary to anchor the thin polymer film well to the surface to allow further use of the surface functionality also in liquid media.…”