U.S. patent application number 16/392945 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-29 for reconfigurable liquid metal plasmonic arrays for carbon transducers.
This patent application is currently assigned to United States of America as represented by Secretary of the Navy. The applicant listed for this patent is Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific. Invention is credited to David Garmire, Cody K. Hayashi, Nackieb M. Kamin, Richard C. Ordonez.
Application Number | 20200340854 16/392945 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005147424 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200340854 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hayashi; Cody K. ; et
al. |
October 29, 2020 |
Reconfigurable Liquid Metal Plasmonic Arrays for Carbon
Transducers
Abstract
A plasmonic transducer includes a fluidic network layer, a
carbon-based substrate, a liquid metal and an electromagnetic
system. The fluidic network layer has a fluidic network layer
front, a fluidic network layer back, a first through-hole passing
from the fluidic network layer front to the fluidic network layer
back. The carbon-based substrate is disposed on the fluidic network
layer back. The liquid metal is disposed in the first through-hole.
The electromagnetic system is operable to change the liquid metal
from a first liquid metal state to a second liquid metal state. The
transducer is operable to provide a first output signal when the
liquid metal is in the first liquid metal state. The transducer is
operable to provide a second output signal when the liquid metal is
in the second liquid metal state.
Inventors: |
Hayashi; Cody K.; (Waipahu,
HI) ; Ordonez; Richard C.; (Mililani, HI) ;
Kamin; Nackieb M.; (Annandale, VA) ; Garmire;
David; (Honolulu, HI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
United States of America as
represented by Secretary of the Navy
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005147424 |
Appl. No.: |
16/392945 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01J 1/42 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01J 1/42 20060101
G01J001/42 |
Goverment Interests
FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
[0001] The United States Government has ownership rights in this
invention. Licensing inquiries may be directed to Office of
Research and Technical Applications, Naval Information Warfare
Center, Pacific, Code 72120, San Diego, Calif., 92152; telephone
(619) 553-5118; email: ssc_pac_t2@navy.mil. Reference Navy Case No.
104059.
Claims
1. A plasmonic transducer comprising: a fluidic network layer
having a fluidic network layer front, a fluidic network layer back,
a first through-hole passing from said fluidic network layer front
to said fluidic network layer back; a carbon-based substrate
disposed on said fluidic network layer back; a liquid metal
disposed in said first through-hole; an electromagnetic system
operable to change the liquid metal from a first liquid metal state
to a second liquid metal state; wherein said transducer is operable
to provide a first output signal when said liquid metal is in the
first liquid metal state, wherein said transducer is operable to
provide a second output signal when said liquid metal is in the
second liquid metal state.
2. The plasmonic transducer of claim 1, wherein said liquid metal
comprises a eutectic alloy that comprises at least two of metals
selected from a group of metals including gallium, indium and
tin.
3. The plasmonic transducer of claim 1, wherein said carbon-based
substrate comprises at least one layer having a composition of
carbon.
4. The plasmonic transducer of claim 1, further comprising: an
electrolyte, wherein said fluidic network layer further has a
second through-hole passing from said fluidic network layer front
to said fluidic network layer back and a channel in said fluidic
network layer front connecting said first through-hole to said
second through-hole, wherein said electrolyte is disposed in said
first through-hole, said second through-hole and said channel,
wherein said electromagnetic system is operable to induce in said
electrolyte a charge gradient, and wherein said liquid metal is
operable to move from the first through-hole, across said channel
and into said second through-hole in a presence of the charge
gradient in said electrolyte.
5. The plasmonic transducer of claim 4, wherein said electrolyte
comprises sodium hydroxide.
6. The plasmonic transducer of claim 1, further comprising: a
hydrophobic coating, wherein said fluidic network layer further has
a second through-hole passing from said fluidic network layer front
to said fluidic network layer back and a channel in said fluidic
network layer front connecting said first through-hole to said
second through-hole, wherein said hydrophobic coating is disposed
so as to coat said first through-hole, said second through-hole and
said channel, and wherein electromagnetic system operable to change
the liquid metal from the first liquid metal state as being in the
first through-hole to the second liquid metal state as being in the
second through-hole moving the liquid metal across the channel.
7. The plasmonic transducer of claim 1, wherein said an
electromagnetic system comprises a first electrode and a second
electrode, wherein said first electrode is operable to receive a
first voltage, wherein said second electrode is operable to receive
a second voltage, and wherein said first electrode and said second
electrode are arranged to induce an electric field so as to change
the liquid metal from a first liquid metal state to a second liquid
metal state when said first electrode receives the first voltage
and when said second electrode receives the second voltage.
8. A transducing system operable to detect a first external
stimulus and a second external stimulus, and to produce a first
output signal and a second output signal, said transducing system
comprising: a plasmonic transducer comprising: a fluidic network
layer having a fluidic network layer front, a fluidic network layer
back, a first through-hole passing from said fluidic network layer
front to said fluidic network layer back; a carbon-based substrate
disposed on said fluidic network layer back; a liquid metal
disposed in said first through-hole; an electromagnetic system
operable to change the liquid metal from a first liquid metal state
to a second liquid metal state in response to receipt of a control
signal; and a controller operable to generate the control signal,
wherein said transducer is operable to provide the first output
signal, including photoelectric and/or photoluminescence response,
based on the first external stimulus when said liquid metal is in
the first liquid metal state, and wherein said transducer is
operable to provide the second output signal, including
photoelectric and/or photoluminescence response, based on the
second external stimulus when said liquid metal is in the second
liquid metal state.
9. The transducing system of claim 8, wherein said liquid metal
comprises a eutectic alloy that comprises at least two of metals
selected from a group of metals including gallium, indium and
tin.
10. The transducing system of claim 8, wherein said carbon-based
substrate comprises at least one layer having a composition of
carbon.
11. The transducing system of claim 8, wherein said plasmonic
transducer further comprises: an electrolyte, wherein said fluidic
network layer further has a second through-hole passing from said
fluidic network layer front to said fluidic network layer back and
a channel in said fluidic network layer front connecting said first
through-hole to said second through-hole, wherein said electrolyte
is disposed in said first through-hole, said second through-hole
and said channel, wherein said electromagnetic system is operable
to induce in said electrolyte a charge gradient, and wherein said
liquid metal is operable to move from the first through-hole,
across said channel and into said second through-hole in a presence
of the charge gradient in said electrolyte.
12. The transducing system of claim 11, wherein said electrolyte
comprises sodium hydroxide.
13. The transducing system of claim 8, wherein said plasmonic
transducer further comprises: a hydrophobic coating, wherein said
fluidic network layer further has a second through-hole passing
from said fluidic network layer front to said fluidic network layer
back and a channel in said fluidic network layer front connecting
said first through-hole to said second through-hole, wherein said
hydrophobic coating is disposed so as to coat said first
through-hole, said second through-hole and said channel, and
wherein electromagnetic system operable to change the liquid metal
from the first liquid metal state as being in the first
through-hole to the second liquid metal state as being in the
second through-hole moving the liquid metal across the channel.
14. The transducing system of claim 8, wherein said an
electromagnetic system comprises a first electrode and a second
electrode, wherein said first electrode is operable to receive a
first voltage, wherein said second electrode is operable to receive
a second voltage, and wherein said first electrode and said second
electrode are arranged to induce an electric field so as to change
the liquid metal from a first liquid metal state to a second liquid
metal state when said first electrode receives the first voltage
and when said second electrode receives the second voltage.
15. A method of transducing a first external stimulus and a second
external stimulus, said method comprising: receiving the first
external stimulus via a plasmonic transducer comprising a fluidic
network layer, a carbon-based substrate, a liquid metal, and an
electromagnetic system; providing, via the carbon-based substrate,
a first output signal based on the first external stimulus;
generating, via a controller, a control signal; modifying the
plasmonic transducer via the control signal; providing, via the
modified plasmonic transducer, a second output signal based on the
second external stimulus, wherein said receiving the first external
stimulus via a plasmonic transducer comprises receiving the first
external stimulus via the plasmonic transducer comprising: the
fluidic network layer having a fluidic network layer front, a
fluidic network layer back and a first through-hole passing from
the fluidic network layer front to the fluidic network layer back;
the carbon-based substrate disposed on the fluidic network layer
back; the liquid metal disposed in the first through-hole; the
electromagnetic system operable to change the liquid metal from a
first liquid metal state to a second liquid metal state in response
to receipt of the control signal; and the controller operable to
generate the control signal, wherein the transducer is operable to
provide the first output signal based on the first external
stimulus when the liquid metal is in the first liquid metal state,
and wherein the transducer is operable to provide a second output
signal based on the second external stimulus when the liquid metal
is in the second liquid metal state.
16. (canceled)
17. The method of claim 15, wherein said receiving the first
external stimulus via a plasmonic transducer comprises receiving
the first external stimulus via the plasmonic transducer further
comprising: an electrolyte, wherein the fluidic network layer
further has a second through-hole passing from the fluidic network
layer front to the fluidic network layer back and a channel in the
fluidic network layer front connecting the first through-hole to
the second through-hole, wherein the electrolyte is disposed in the
first through-hole, the second through-hole and the channel,
wherein the electromagnetic system is operable to induce in the
electrolyte a charge gradient, and wherein the liquid metal is
operable to move from the first through-hole, across the channel
and into the second through-hole in a presence of the charge
gradient in the electrolyte.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein said receiving the first
external stimulus via a plasmonic transducer comprises receiving
the first external stimulus via the plasmonic transducer further
comprising: a hydrophobic coating, wherein said fluidic network
layer further has a second through-hole passing from said fluidic
network layer front to said fluidic network layer back and a
channel in said fluidic network layer front connecting said first
through-hole to said second through-hole, wherein said hydrophobic
coating is disposed so as to coat said first through-hole, said
second through-hole and said channel, and wherein electromagnetic
system operable to change the liquid metal from the first liquid
metal state as being in the first through-hole to the second liquid
metal state as being in the second through-hole moving the liquid
metal across the channel.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the liquid metal comprises a
eutectic alloy that comprises at least two of metals selected from
a group of metals including gallium, indium and tin.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the carbon-based substrate
comprises at least one layer having a composition of carbon.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate to plasmonic
transducers.
[0003] Terahertz (THz) sensors mark the boundary between
electronics and photonics, and have been of popular scientific
interest due to their revolutionary potential in fast-sensing
fields such as spectroscopy, imaging, and communication. Yet, there
is a lack of well-developed solid-state sources and detectors
operating in the THz range. Plasmonic metamaterials are materials
that exploit surface plasmons, or electron oscillations, rather
than electron-hole pairs to achieve enhanced optical properties.
Because of the reliance on surface plasmons rather than traditional
electrical effects, plasmonics are a fundamental phenomenon in the
THz range. Plasmonics enable sensing with minimized heat production
and energy loss, and rapid spectroscopy without the need for
mirrors or gratings.
[0004] Since plasmonic metamaterials can be used to absorb and
measure electromagnetic signals, they can also be used to control
the reflected electromagnetic signal, or photoluminescence. As an
excitation light source is incident on the plasmonic transducer,
surface plasmons form and resonate with the incident light. The
interaction between the surface plasmons and incident light
effectively changes the absorption and reflection characteristics
of the system. This can support a plethora of applications,
including holograms, lenses, and optical displays.
[0005] Metals have been a predominant research area for exploiting
plasmonics. However, in the THz range, certain metals such as
aluminum exhibit unreasonably high propagation losses.
Additionally, although the metals' frequency responses can be tuned
through geometry, they remain fixed once fabricated. Graphene has
yielded huge optical enhancements from plasmonics, with researchers
observing near-field intensities greater than 10.sup.5 times larger
than the incident light. Furthermore, when graphene is coupled with
quantum dots to produce a hybrid phototransistor, the result is
ultrahigh gain of 10.sup.7 A/W. Yet, as the case with metals, they
are not tunable after fabrication.
[0006] There exists a need for a tunable plasmonic transducer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure provides a method of
making and using a tunable plasmonic transducer.
[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure is drawn to a plasmonic
transducer includes a fluidic network layer, a carbon-based
substrate, a liquid metal and an electromagnetic system. The
fluidic network layer has a fluidic network layer front, a fluidic
network layer back, a first through-hole passing from the fluidic
network layer front to the fluidic network layer back. The
carbon-based substrate is disposed on the fluidic network layer
back. The liquid metal is disposed in the first through-hole. The
electromagnetic system is operable to change the liquid metal from
a first liquid metal state to a second liquid metal state. The
transducer is operable to provide a first output signal when the
liquid metal is in the first liquid metal state. The transducer is
operable to provide a second output signal when the liquid metal is
in the second liquid metal state. This output signal can include an
electrical signal and/or a reflected optical signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of the specification, illustrate example embodiments
and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles
of the invention. In the drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example method for fabricating an
example plasmonic transducer in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure;
[0011] FIGS. 2A-C illustrate first through third stages,
respectively, of fabricating an example device frame for use in an
example plasmonic transducer in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the example
device frame of FIG. 2C along dash-dotted line A-A;
[0013] FIGS. 4A-D illustrate first through fourth remaining stages,
respectively, of fabricating an example plasmonic transducer in
accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an example method 500 of using an example
plasmonic transducer in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an example transducing system that
includes an example plasmonic transducer in accordance with aspects
of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIGS. 7A-C illustrate the plasmonic transducer of
transducing system of FIG. 6 at a first time t.sub.1, a second time
t.sub.2 and a third time t.sub.3, respectively;
[0017] FIG. 8A illustrates a cross sectional view of the example
device frame of FIG. 7A along dash-dotted line A-A, at time
t.sub.1;
[0018] FIG. 8B illustrates a cross sectional view of the example
device frame of FIG. 7A along dash-dotted line A-A, after time
t.sub.1;
[0019] FIG. 8C illustrates a cross sectional view of the example
device frame of FIG. 7B along dash-dotted line A-A, at time
t.sub.2;
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates the example transducing system of FIG. 6,
wherein a new control signal is provided;
[0021] FIG. 10A illustrates a cross sectional view of the example
device frame of FIG. 7A along dash-dotted line B-B, at time
t.sub.2;
[0022] FIG. 10B illustrates a cross sectional view of the example
device frame of FIG. 7A along dash-dotted line B-B, after time
t.sub.2;
[0023] FIG. 10C illustrates a cross sectional view of the example
device frame of FIG. 7B along dash-dotted line B-B, at time
t.sub.3; and
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates the example transducing system of FIG. 6
at time t.sub.3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The manipulation of liquid metal and/or gallium alloy
structures is disclosed to change the geometry, spacing, and
periodicity of a liquid metal plasmonic array on a carbon-based
(including graphene, graphite, or any carbon fullerene) substrate.
A non-limiting example embodiment includes the use of
reconfigurable liquid metals micro/nano plasmonic structures arrays
on a carbon substrate. Aspects of the present disclosure utilize
the system to electrically actuate liquid metal and/or gallium
alloys' periodicity, aperture diameter, shape, and separation
distance to alter the corresponding plasmonic enhancement, and thus
change the absorption and reflection characteristics, including
frequency and amplitude, of the device-under-test. Reconfigurable
liquid metal transitions are achieved via continuous
electrowetting. Therefore, the plasmonic characteristics can be
altered quickly and in-vitro.
[0026] In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a
proposed technique creates a hybrid transducer with carbon products
and reconfigurable liquid metal. It utilizes carbon features, such
as graphene's ultrahigh gain and liquid metal's configurability
through electrostatic actuation. A liquid metal of a eutectic alloy
that includes gallium, indium and tin, holds great potential in
plasmonics. Design of eutectic alloy electrodes through
periodicity, aperture diameter, shape, and separation distance
determine the effective plasmonic response. Furthermore, when a
eutectic alloy that includes gallium, indium and tin is placed in
an electrolyte such as sodium hydroxide, a square-wave (.about.30
Hz) or DC voltage across the electrolyte causes a charge gradient
across the liquid metal. This gradient actuates the liquid metal
through the electrolyte from the negative voltage terminal to the
positive voltage terminal. The proposed technique demonstrates that
proper fabrication and continuous electrowetting of a liquid metal
array on carbon enable a tunable transducer that includes, but is
not limited to, controlled absorption and reflection in the visible
to infrared range. Moreover, this transducer's frequency response
can be electrically controlled after deployment, rather than being
limited to power-hungry mechanical control.
[0027] Aspects of the present disclosure will now be further
described with reference to FIGS. 1-11.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an example method 100 for fabricating an
example plasmonic transducer in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0029] As shown in the figure, method 100 starts (S102) and a
fluidic network layer is provided (S104). This will be described in
greater detail with reference to FIG. 2A.
[0030] FIGS. 2A-C illustrate first through third stages,
respectively, of fabricating an example device frame for use in an
example plasmonic transducer in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 2A illustrates a fluidic network layer 202 and a
carbon-based substrate 204.
[0032] Fluidic network layer 202 has a fluidic network layer front
206, a fluidic network layer back 208, a plurality of
through-holes, one of which is indicated as through-hole 210 and a
plurality of channels, one of which is indicated as channel
212.
[0033] Each through-hole passes from fluidic network layer front
206 to the fluidic network layer back 208. In this non-limiting
example, fluidic network layer 202 includes a 3.times.3 array of
nine through-holes. It should be noted that that a fluidic network
layer in accordance with the present disclosure may include any
n.times.m array of through-holes, wherein n and m are positive
integers and wherein at least one of n and m is greater than 1.
Further, in some embodiments, a fluidic network layer may include a
plurality of holes that are not arranged in an array.
[0034] Each channel is disposed on fluidic network layer front 206
and has a depth that does not continue to fluidic network layer
back 208. Further, each channel is disposed so as to connect two
respectively adjacent through-holes.
[0035] Carbon-based substrate 204 may be any known device or system
that contains a carbon-based material. These devices or systems may
be one layer or multiple layers with some layers being
non-carbon-based and/or including of carbon composites.
Non-limiting examples of carbon-based substrate 204 include a
carbon photoconductor, a dielectric stacked on a carbon
photoconductor, and a carbon layer stacked with a dielectric layer
and reflective metal or semiconductor layer.
[0036] Returning to FIG. 1, after the fluidic network layer is
provided (S104), the fluidic network layer is placed (S106). For
example, as shown in FIG. 2B, fluidic network layer 202 is disposed
on carbon-based substrate 204. More specifically, fluidic network
layer 202 is disposed such that fluidic network layer back 208 is
disposed on carbon-based substrate 204.
[0037] Returning to FIG. 1, after the fluidic network layer is
placed (S106), the fluidic network layer is bonded (S108). For
example, fluidic network layer back 208 may be bonded onto
carbon-based substrate 204 by any known method, non-limiting
examples of which include via pressure sensitive adhesives, via
thermally actuated adhesives and via thermal bonding.
[0038] Returning to FIG. 1, after the fluidic network layer is
bonded (S108), wells are filled (S110). This will be described in
greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2C-3.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2C, a device frame 230 includes
carbon-based substrate 204 bonded to fluidic network layer 202. As
carbon-based substrate 204 is bonded to fluidic network layer back
208 of fluidic network layer 202, portions of carbon-based
substrate 204 are exposed through the plurality of through-holes of
fluidic network layer 202. Each through-hole and corresponding
exposed portion of carbon-based substrate 204 forms a well, a
sample of which are indicated as well 214, well 216 and well 218.
Each well will contain a portion of an electrolyte 205 and possibly
a liquid metal, as will be described in greater detail below.
[0040] Electrolyte 205 is provided in the wells and channels of
fluidic network layer 202. Electrolyte 205 may be any liquid
electrolyte that is able to have a charge gradient induced therein
in the presence of a voltage. A non-limiting example of electrolyte
205 includes sodium hydroxide.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of example device
frame 230 along dash-dotted line A-A of FIG. 2C.
[0042] As further illustrated in FIG. 3, electrolyte 205 is
disposed in all the wells and channels in device frame 230. In
particular, as shown in the figure, electrolyte 205 partially
fills: well 214, well 216 and well 218; channel 212 and channel 220
that is between well 214 and well 216; channel 226 and channel 222
that is between well 216 and well 218; and channel 228.
[0043] After electrolyte 205 is disposed in device frame 230,
liquid metal is disposed in a predetermined number of wells. This
will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 4A.
[0044] FIGS. 4A-D illustrate first through fourth remaining stages,
respectively, of fabricating an example plasmonic transducer in
accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 4A illustrates device frame 230 having liquid metal
disposed in a predetermined number of wells. As shown in the
figure, device frame 230 includes wells 402, 404, 406, 408, 410,
412, 214, 216 and 218. Liquid metal 414 is disposed in well 408,
liquid metal 416 is disposed in well 410, liquid metal 418 is
disposed in well 214, and liquid metal 420 is disposed in well
216.
[0046] In an example embodiment, the liquid metal is a eutectic
alloy that comprises at least two of metals selected from a group
of metals including gallium, indium and tin. However, any liquid
metal may be used that is operable to alter states in the face of
an induced electric, magnetic or electromagnetic field.
[0047] Returning to FIG. 3, the composition of the carbon-based
substrate 204 will dictate the response to an impinging external
stimulus, e.g., the relationship of a frequency of impinging light
as related to the resulting plasmons.
[0048] Returning to FIG. 4A, for similar reasons as discussed above
with reference to fluidic network layer 202 and electrolyte 205,
the liquid metal will additionally affect the response to an
impinging external stimulus as the contacting surfaces will affect
the resulting vibrations in the carbon-based substrate 204. In
particular, the amount, the shape, the location and the material
composition of the liquid metal will have varying effects in the
resulting vibrations in the carbon-based substrate 204. In
accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, by controllably
changing aspects of the liquid metal, the resulting response of the
carbon-based substrate 204 may be controllably changed or "tuned."
In non-limiting example embodiments, as further described with
reference to FIGS. 4B-C below, aspects of the liquid metal are
changed by way of applying voltages to rows and columns of
electrically addressable electrodes.
[0049] Returning to FIG. 1, after the wells are filled (S110),
column electrodes are created (S112). For example, FIG. 4B
illustrates column electrodes 428, 430 and 432 being disposed on
fluidic network layer front 206 of fluidic network layer 202. In
particular, column electrode 428 is disposed so as to extend over
wells 402, 408 and 214, column electrode 430 is disposed so as to
extend over wells 404, 410 and 216 and column electrode 432 is
disposed so as to extend over wells 406, 412 and 218.
[0050] Column electrodes 428, 430 and 432 may be any known
electrically conductive material, non-limiting examples of which
include metals, metal alloys, and semi-metals. Further, column
electrodes 428, 430 and 432 may be disposed by any known
manner.
[0051] Returning to FIG. 1, after the column electrodes are created
(S112), row electrodes are created (S114) with an insulative layer
electrically isolating it from the column electrodes. For example,
FIG. 4C illustrates row electrodes 434, 436 and 438 being disposed
on fluidic network layer front 206 of fluidic network layer 202. In
particular, row electrode 434 is disposed so as to extend over
wells 402, 404 and 406, row electrode 436 is disposed so as to
extend over wells 408, 410 and 412 and row electrode 438 is
disposed so as to extend over wells 214, 216 and 218.
[0052] Row electrodes 434, 436 and 438 may be any known
electrically conductive material, non-limiting examples of which
include metals, metal alloys, and semi-metals. Further, row
electrodes may be disposed by any known manner.
[0053] Returning to FIG. 1, after the row electrodes are created
(S114), connections are established (S116). For example, each
column electrode 428, 430 and 432 and each row electrode 434, 436
and 438 may be provided with a respective electrode connection that
is operable to receive a driving voltage.
[0054] In this manner, a positive/negative voltage applied between
adjacent parallel electrodes will induce an electric field between
such adjacent parallel electrodes. As will be described in greater
detail below, this induced electric field will change any liquid
metal that is exposed to the electric field from a first liquid
metal state to a second liquid metal state.
[0055] In an example embodiment, described in more detail below
with reference to FIGS. 7A-10C, the first liquid metal state is a
first location and the second liquid metal state is a second
location, wherein the induced electric field moves the liquid metal
from the first location to the second location. However, in other
embodiments, the first liquid metal state may be a first shape and
the second liquid state may be a second shape, wherein the induced
electric field changes the liquid metal from the first shape to the
second shape.
[0056] Returning to FIG. 1, after connections are established
(S116), method 100 stops (S118).
[0057] In the non-limiting example embodiment discussed above with
reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, the electrodes are disposed above the
wells to affect features of the liquid metal. However, in other
embodiments, the electrodes may be differently disposed to affect
the liquid metal. For example, in another non-limiting example
embodiment, electrodes may be disposed at the bottom of the
wells.
[0058] In another non-limiting example embodiment, a hydrophobic
coating may be disposed in the wells and channels of fluidic
network layer 202. In this manner, the liquid metal may be affected
by an electric field as induced by electrodes, without the need for
an electrolyte.
[0059] Once a plasmonic transducer is fabricated, it may be used to
detect different types of external stimuli. In a non-limiting
example embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5-11, the
external stimulus is light.
[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates an example method 500 of using an example
plasmonic transducer in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0061] With method 500, an electromagnetic system is operable to
change a state of liquid metal within a well of a plasmonic
transducer from a first liquid metal state to a second liquid metal
state. When in the first liquid metal state, the carbon-based
substrate is operable to output a first output signal in response
to transducing light of a first wavelength. When in the second
liquid metal state, the carbon-based substrate is operable to
output a second output signal in response to transducing light of a
second wavelength. Further, an electromagnetic system is operable
to induce a charge gradient in an electrolyte, so as to change the
liquid metal from the first liquid metal state to the second liquid
metal state.
[0062] In an example embodiment, the first liquid metal state is a
first location of the liquid metal, whereas the second liquid metal
state is a second location of the liquid metal. Further, in an
example embodiment, an electromagnetic system is operable to induce
a charge gradient in an electrolyte, such that the liquid metal is
operable to move from one well, across a channel and into an
adjacent well in the presence of the charge gradient in the
electrolyte.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, method 500 starts (S502) and the sensor
is set (S504). This will be described in greater detail with
reference to FIG. 6.
[0064] FIG. 6 illustrates an example transducing system 600 that
includes an example plasmonic plasmonic transducer in accordance
with aspects of the present disclosure.
[0065] As shown in the figure, transducing system 600 includes a
controller 604, a plasmonic transducer 606 and a control line 608.
Controller 604 is arranged to communicate with plasmonic transducer
606 via control line 608. Plasmonic transducer 606 is arranged to
detect light 602 and to output an output signal 612 on an output
line 610 based on detected light 602.
[0066] Returning to FIG. 5, after the sensor is set (S504), the
sensor is used (S506). For example, returning to FIG. 6, light 602
is detected by plasmonic transducer 606. In response, plasmonic
transducer 606 outputs output signal 612.
[0067] In this example embodiment, plasmonic transducer 606 is the
sensor discussed above with reference to FIG. 4D. Further,
controller 604 is operable to provide a control signal via control
line 608. In a non-limiting example embodiment, control line
includes six distinct voltage lines operable to provide three
distinct voltage signals 440, 442 and 444 to be applied to column
electrodes 428, 430 and 432, respectively, and three distinct
voltage signals 446, 448 and 450 to be applied to row electrodes
434, 436 and 438, respectively.
[0068] In this example of FIG. 6, presume for the sake of
discussion, that plasmonic transducer 606 has an initial state
corresponding to FIG. 4A, wherein liquid metal 414 is disposed in
well 408, liquid metal 416 is disposed in well 410, liquid metal
418 is disposed in well 214 and liquid metal 420 is disposed in
well 216.
[0069] It should be noted that many properties of plasmonic
transducer 606 affect the relation between detected light and a
resulting output signal. For example: the shape, size and
distribution of wells; the shape, size and material of the liquid
metal; and the distribution of the liquid metal may affect the
relation between a detected light and a resulting output
signal.
[0070] Presume for the sake of discussion, that plasmonic
transducer 606 of FIG. 6 with the initial state corresponding to
FIG. 4A is able to detect light 602 as an optical signal having a
wavelength .lamda..sub.1 and to generate a corresponding output
signal 612. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4A, the location of the
liquid metal affects the plasmon response of the plasmonic
transducer.
[0071] With reference to FIG. 3, when light 602 is incident upon
plasmonic transducer 606, light 602 passes through fluidic network
layer 202 and interacts with the liquid metal. This interaction
creates plasmons, which can then be converted into a corresponding
electrical output signal by the carbon-based substrate 204.
[0072] In this manner, when the liquid metal is in the state shown
in FIG. 4A, plasmonic transducer 606 is able to detect light
602.
[0073] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
plasmonic transducer 606 is tunable, so as to controllably detect
multiple different wavelengths of light.
[0074] Returning to FIG. 5, after the sensor is used (S506), the
sensor is modified (S508). For example, consider the situation
wherein after transducing light 602, plasmonic transducer 606 may
be tuned to detect a different wavelength of light. This will be
described with reference to FIGS. 7A-11.
[0075] FIGS. 7A-C illustrate the plasmonic transducer of
transducing system 600 at a first time t.sub.1, a second time
t.sub.2 and a third time t.sub.3, respectively.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 7A, at time t.sub.1, plasmonic transducer
606 is in the state of as discussed above with reference to FIG. 4A
and is able to detect light 602 as discussed above with reference
to FIG. 6.
[0077] For purposes of discussion, let a user of transducing system
600 want to detect light having a wavelength .lamda..sub.3.
Further, for purposes of discussion, presume that plasmonic
transducer 606 is able to detect light having a wavelength .lamda.3
when liquid metal is disposed in wells 402, 406, 214 and 218. In
accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the plasmonic
transducer of transducing system 600 may be tuned to detect the
desired wavelength .lamda..sub.3. This will be further described
with reference to FIGS. 7B-11.
[0078] Returning to FIG. 6, at time t.sub.2, controller 604
provides a control signal 612 to plasmonic transducer 606 via
control line 608. In this example embodiment, for the plasmonic
transducer of transducing system 600 shown in FIG. 7B, control
signal 612 takes for form of voltage signal 442 applied to column
electrode 430 as a negative voltage -V and voltage signal 444
applied to column electrode 432 as a positive voltage +V. Negative
voltage -V and positive voltage +V create a charge gradient in
electrolyte 205 between wells 404, 410 and 216 under column
electrode 430 and wells 406, 412 and 218 under column electrode
432.
[0079] Just prior to the application of voltages .+-.V, the liquid
metal is disposed in fluidic network layer 202 as shown in FIG. 7A.
FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional view along dashed-dotted line A-A
of FIG. 7B, just prior to the application of voltages .+-.V. FIG.
8B shows a cross-sectional view along dashed-dotted line A-A of
FIG. 7B, just after the application of voltages .+-.V.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 8A, the row electrodes are electrically
insulated from the column electrodes by way of separation with an
insulating layer. In particular, an insulating layer 802 is
disposed so as to cover column electrode 428, an insulating layer
804 is disposed so as to cover column electrode 430 and an
insulating layer 806 is disposed so as to cover column electrode
432. Accordingly, insulating layer 802 electrically insulates row
electrode 438 from column electrode 428, insulating layer 804
electrically insulates row electrode 438 from column electrode 430
and insulating layer 806 electrically insulates row electrode 438
from column electrode 432,
[0081] It should be noted that insulating layer 802 is disposed
along the entire length of column electrode 428, such that
insulating layer 802 electrically insulates column electrode 428
additionally from row electrodes 436 (not shown) and 434 (not
shown). Similarly, insulating layer 804 is disposed along the
entire length of column electrode 430, such that insulating layer
804 electrically insulates column electrode 430 additionally from
row electrodes 436 (not shown) and 434 (not shown). Further,
insulating layer 806 is disposed along the entire length of column
electrode 432, such that insulating layer 806 electrically
insulates column electrode 432 additionally from row electrodes 436
(not shown) and 434 (not shown).
[0082] In other example embodiments, insulating layers may be
disposed so as to run along the entire underside of row electrodes
434, 436 and 438. Still further, in some embodiments, an insulating
layer may take the form of a single layer that covers the entirety
of the area between the column electrodes and row electrodes.
[0083] Insulating layers 804, 806 and 808 may be formed by any
known method and may take the form of any known insulating
material.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 8B, liquid metal 420 in well 216 moves
through channel 222 and into well 218. This motion results from the
charge gradient created in electrolyte 205 between positive voltage
+V provided on column electrode 432 and negative voltage -V on
column electrode 430. While voltages .+-.V maintains the charge
gradient in electrolyte 205, liquid metal 420 continues to move
from well 216 and into well 218, until liquid metal 420 is
completely disposed in well 218. This is illustrated in FIG.
8C.
[0085] FIG. 8C shows a cross-sectional view along dashed-dotted
line A-A of FIG. 7B, at time t.sub.2. As shown in the figure,
liquid metal 420 has moved completely out of well 216 and is
disposed in well 218. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7B, because
voltage +V is provided on column electrode 432, which also covers
well 412, and negative voltage -V is provided on column electrode
430, which also covers well 410, liquid metal 416 has moved
completely out of well 410 and into well 412.
[0086] In the state as shown in FIG. 7B, the distribution of liquid
metal within the wells is different than the distribution of liquid
metal within the wells as shown in FIG. 7A. As mentioned above,
this different distribution of liquid metal will affect the
transducer's plasmonic response in a manner that is different than
that of the distribution of liquid metal as shown in FIG. 7A. If
left in the state as shown in FIG. 7B, plasmonic transducer 606
would have a plasmonic response that is different than the
plasmonic response of plasmonic transducer 606 in the state as
shown in FIG. 7A. For purposes of discussion, consider that the
plasmonic response of plasmonic transducer 606 in the state as
shown in FIG. 7B is such that plasmonic transducer 606 is able to
detect light of a wavelength .lamda..sub.2. Again, for this
example, the user of transducing system 600 would like to detect
light of a wavelength .lamda..sub.3. Accordingly, transducing
system 600 must be further tuned.
[0087] The state of plasmonic transducer 606 may be further changed
so as to have, yet another different plasmonic response by moving
liquid metal 414 and liquid metal 416. This will be described in
greater detail with reference to FIGS. 7C-11.
[0088] Controller 604 provides a new control signal to plasmonic
transducer 606. This is shown in FIG. 9.
[0089] FIG. 9 illustrates the example transducing system of FIG. 6,
wherein controller 604 provides a new control signal 902 to
plasmonic transducer 606 by way of control line 608.
[0090] With new control signal 902, as shown in FIG. 7C, voltage
signal 448 is applied to row electrode 436 as a negative voltage -V
and voltage signal 446 is applied to row electrode 434 as a
positive voltage +V. Negative voltage -V and positive voltage +V
create a charge gradient in electrolyte 205 between wells 408, 410
and 412 under row electrode 436 and wells 402, 404 and 406 under
row electrode 434.
[0091] Just prior to the application of voltages .+-.V, the liquid
metal is disposed in fluidic network layer 202 as shown in FIG. 7B.
FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional view along dashed-dotted line B-B
of FIG. 7B, just prior to the application of voltages .+-.V. FIG.
10B shows a cross-sectional view along dashed-dotted line B-B of
FIG. 7B, just after the application of voltages .+-.V.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 10B, liquid metal 416 in well 412 moves
through a channel 1002 and into well 406. This motion results from
the charge gradient created in electrolyte 205 between positive
voltage +V provided on row electrode 434 and negative voltage -V on
row electrode 436. While voltages .+-.V maintains the charge
gradient in electrolyte 205, liquid metal 416 continues to move
from well 412 and into well 406, until liquid metal 416 is
completely disposed in well 406. This is illustrated in FIG.
10C.
[0093] FIG. 10C shows a cross-sectional view along dashed-dotted
line B-B of FIG. 7C, at time t.sub.3. As shown in the figure,
liquid metal 416 has moved completely out of well 412 and is
disposed in well 406. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7C, because
voltage +V is provided on row electrode 434, which also covers well
402, and negative voltage -V is provided on row electrode 436,
which also covers well 408, liquid metal 414 has moved completely
out of well 408 and into well 402.
[0094] In the state as shown in FIG. 7C, the distribution of liquid
metal within the wells is different than the distribution of liquid
metal within the wells as shown in FIG. 7B. As mentioned above,
this different distribution of liquid metal will affect the
transducer's plasmonic response in a manner that is different than
that of the distribution of liquid metal as shown in FIG. 7B. If
left in the state as shown in FIG. 7C, plasmonic transducer 606
would have a plasmonic response that is different than the
plasmonic response of plasmonic transducer 606 in the state as
shown in FIG. 7B. For purposes of discussion, consider that the
plasmonic response of response of plasmonic transducer 606 in the
state as shown in FIG. 7C is such that plasmonic transducer 606 is
able to detect light of a wavelength .lamda..sub.3.
[0095] Returning to FIG. 5, after the sensor is modified (S508),
the sensor is again used (S510).
[0096] FIG. 11 illustrates the example transducing system 600 at
time t.sub.3.
[0097] As shown in the figure, a light 1102 is detected by
plasmonic transducer 606. In response, plasmonic transducer 606
outputs output signal 1104.
[0098] In this example embodiment, plasmonic transducer 606 is the
sensor discussed above with reference to FIG. 7C.
[0099] Presume for the sake of discussion, that plasmonic
transducer 606 of FIG. 11 with a state corresponding to FIG. 7C is
able to detect light 1102 as an optical signal having a wavelength
.lamda..sub.3 and to generate corresponding output signal 1104. In
particular, as shown in FIG. 7C, the location and shapes the liquid
metal affect the plasmon response of the plasmonic transducer.
[0100] Again, with reference to FIG. 3, when light 1102 is incident
upon plasmonic transducer 606, light 1102 passes through fluidic
network layer 202 and interacts with the liquid metal. This
interaction creates plasmons, which can then be converted into a
corresponding electrical output signal by carbon-based substrate
204.
[0101] In this manner, when the liquid metal is in the state shown
in FIG. 7C, plasmonic transducer 606 is able to detect light
1102.
[0102] Returning to FIG. 5, after the sensor is again used (S510),
method 500 stops (S512).
[0103] It should be noted that the example plasmonic transducer
discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-11, is a non-limiting
example of the present disclosure.
[0104] Aspects of the present disclosure include using any type of
liquid metal that exhibits electric actuation or electrowetting and
correspondingly changes its periodicity, aperture diameter, and/or
separation distance. For example, one could select mercury as the
liquid metal. The carbon product can vary as well, including
graphene, graphite, and carbon fullerenes. Electrode control
voltage can be designed into the material, a printed circuit board,
or equivalent.
[0105] The actuation can be performed in a variety of microfluidic
structures not limited to that discussed above with reference to
FIGS. 2A-4D, as long as it utilizes electric actuation and changes
any of the three properties: periodicity, aperture diameter, and
separation distance. For example, in another non-limiting example a
high voltage may be applied across the liquid metal such that the
liquid metal strongly wets to the carbon surface and the aperture
diameter is increased. Periodicity can be envisioned through
scaling up the proposed design in FIG. 4D, and applying the
appropriate control voltages.
[0106] A plasmonic transducer in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure has three advantages over conventional plasmonic
transducers.
[0107] With respect to a first advantage, as opposed to current THz
sensors that are restricted to their designed frequency response,
the proposed plasmonic transducer can be tuned instantaneously
following deployment. Instead of implementing complex, power hungry
mechanical actuation features after the sensor is deployed, the
frequency response can be tuned with a low power DC or square-wave
voltage source that can be added to the sensor's control unit.
[0108] With respect to a second advantage, liquid metal and/or
gallium alloys pose problems in that alloys tend to
oxidize/amalgamate with standard metals such as gold, silver, and
copper. The inertness of carbon provides an additional benefit in
that liquid metal and or gallium alloys do not amalgamate with
carbon allotropes.
[0109] With respect to a third advantage, this sensor utilizes the
great optical-sensing potential that the carbon product, graphene,
has shown to exhibit when coupled in hybrid electronics.
[0110] The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments
have been presented for purposes of illustration and description.
It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to
the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The example
embodiments, as described above, were chosen and described in order
to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
claims appended hereto.
* * * * *