Liquid crystalline network microstructures for stimuli responsive labels with multi-level encryption

S. Donato; S. Nocentini; D. Martella; S. Kolagatla; D. S. Wiersma; C. Parmeggiani; C. Delaney; L. Florea

doi:10.1117/12.3017143

18 June 2024 Liquid crystalline network microstructures for stimuli responsive labels with multi-level encryption

S. Donato, S. Nocentini, D. Martella, S. Kolagatla, D. S. Wiersma, C. Parmeggiani, C. Delaney, L. Florea

Proceedings Volume 13016, Liquid Crystals Optics and Photonic Devices; 130160J (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3017143
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2024, Strasbourg, France

Abstract

Two-photon Direct Laser Writing enables the fabrication of shape-changing microstructures that can be exploited in stimuli responsive microrobotics and photonics. The use of Liquid Crystalline Networks allows to realise 3D micron-sized objects that can contract anisotropically, along a specific direction in response to stimuli, such as temperature or light. In this paper, we demonstrate the fabrication of free-standing LCN microstructures as graphical units of a couvert tag for simple physical and optical encryption. Using an array of identical Liquid Crystalline pixels, information can be hidden to the observer and revealed only upon application for a specific stimulus. The reading mechanism is based on a specific shape-change of each pixel so that once the stimulus is removed and the pixels recover their original shape the message remains completely hidden. We have therefore realised an opto-mechanical equivalent of an “invisible ink”. This new concept paves the way for introducing enhanced functionalities in micro-optomechanical systems within a single lithography step, spanning from storage devices with physical encryption to complex motion actuators.

Conference Presentation

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

S. Donato, S. Nocentini, D. Martella, S. Kolagatla, D. S. Wiersma, C. Parmeggiani, C. Delaney, and L. Florea "Liquid crystalline network microstructures for stimuli responsive labels with multi-level encryption", Proc. SPIE 13016, Liquid Crystals Optics and Photonic Devices, 130160J (18 June 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3017143

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