363
that emit light. Plasma is an ionized gas that has free electrons
that make the gas electrically conductive and responsive to electromagnetic fields. Other display or electronic paper technologies
that are fully flexible include systems based on organic lightemitting diodes (OLEDs) or on thermochromic or electrochromic phenomena (see previous discussion). In OLED approaches,
the fundamental display device consists of two charged electrode
sheets with organic light-emitting material between them. With
the application of selective charges, images can be created. Electrochromic displays consist of two conductors as well, with an electrochromic material and electrolyte on a substrate. Recent research
has also suggested that flexible electronic paper using thermochromic composite thin films are possible. Needed thin conductive
wiring patterns required for image formation have been around
for some time.
other nano-Based technologies
A huge array of other technologies use light in one way or another
that is now being, or can be, enhanced via nano-based technologies. The field is literally burgeoning with applications, particularly
in electronics and medicine and that might ultimately have implications in product design and architectural systems. Covering them
is beyond the scope of this book, but we can note that a key to conceptually understanding this vast array of applications is to remember that light is a form of energy. Energy inputs can cause materials
to do many things. Not only can reflection, absorption, transmission, or fluorescence occur, but many other response phenomena
can occur as well. In photoconductive materials, for example, the
electrical conductivity of the material increases or decreases with
varying levels of light intensity. This effect is exploited in many
sensors. In other common sensors, the photoelectric phenomenon,
in which voltage outputs vary with light intensity, is used. Interestingly, in photorheological materials the actual stiffness of the
material can vary with varying light intensities. There are many
applications in which “detection” is of paramount importance.
Fluorescence detection, for example, is a widely used method of
research in many fields, especially in biotechnology spheres, and
forms the basis for many devices. Several nanomaterials, including those based on zinc oxide, have been explored as a way of
enhancing detection capabilities. There are also large numbers of
applications where the intent is to provide some form of optical
energy transport or storage. We will see examples of some of these
applications later in this book.
Light and Optical Environments
that emit light. Plasma is an ionized gas that has free electrons
that make the gas electrically conductive and responsive to electromagnetic fields. Other display or electronic paper technologies
that are fully flexible include systems based on organic lightemitting diodes (OLEDs) or on thermochromic or electrochromic phenomena (see previous discussion). In OLED approaches,
the fundamental display device consists of two charged electrode
sheets with organic light-emitting material between them. With
the application of selective charges, images can be created. Electrochromic displays consist of two conductors as well, with an electrochromic material and electrolyte on a substrate. Recent research
has also suggested that flexible electronic paper using thermochromic composite thin films are possible. Needed thin conductive
wiring patterns required for image formation have been around
for some time.
other nano-Based technologies
A huge array of other technologies use light in one way or another
that is now being, or can be, enhanced via nano-based technologies. The field is literally burgeoning with applications, particularly
in electronics and medicine and that might ultimately have implications in product design and architectural systems. Covering them
is beyond the scope of this book, but we can note that a key to conceptually understanding this vast array of applications is to remember that light is a form of energy. Energy inputs can cause materials
to do many things. Not only can reflection, absorption, transmission, or fluorescence occur, but many other response phenomena
can occur as well. In photoconductive materials, for example, the
electrical conductivity of the material increases or decreases with
varying levels of light intensity. This effect is exploited in many
sensors. In other common sensors, the photoelectric phenomenon,
in which voltage outputs vary with light intensity, is used. Interestingly, in photorheological materials the actual stiffness of the
material can vary with varying light intensities. There are many
applications in which “detection” is of paramount importance.
Fluorescence detection, for example, is a widely used method of
research in many fields, especially in biotechnology spheres, and
forms the basis for many devices. Several nanomaterials, including those based on zinc oxide, have been explored as a way of
enhancing detection capabilities. There are also large numbers of
applications where the intent is to provide some form of optical
energy transport or storage. We will see examples of some of these
applications later in this book.
Light and Optical Environments