S S Sridharamurthy et al 2008 Smart Mater. Struct. 17 012001 doi:10.1088/0964-1726/17/01/012001
S S Sridharamurthy1,3,4, K D Cadwell2,3,5, N L Abbott2,6 and H Jiang1,7
Show affiliationsWe report on the implementation of a microstructure comprising an array of micropillars to create a thin and stable film of nematic liquid crystal (LC), 5CB: 4'-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl, and the use of the microsystem for the colorimetric detection of vapor analytes. The microstructure uses capillary force generated by an array of cylindrical micropillars to steadily support a 22 µm thin film of LC, and overcomes susceptibility to gravity and shock. The feasibility of using the microsystem for gas phase detection is demonstrated by using dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) gas to change the orientation of the LC and hence modulate the intensity of light transmitted through a crossed pair of polarizing films. The microstructure potentially offers a simple and portable solution to toxic gas detection.
61.30.Gd Orientational order of liquid crystals; electric and magnetic field effects on order
61.30.Eb Experimental determinations of smectic, nematic, cholesteric, and other structures
07.07.Df Sensors (chemical, optical, electrical, movement, gas, etc.); remote sensing
Soft matter, liquids and polymers
Issue 1 (February 2008)
Received 24 July 2007
Published 27 November 2007
S S Sridharamurthy et al 2008 Smart Mater. Struct. 17 012001
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