Award Abstract #0438004
Bio-inspired, Multifuctional Microlens Arrays: Novel Synthesis and Dynamic Tuning

NSF Org:	CBET Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems
Initial Amendment Date:	July 7, 2004
Latest Amendment Date:	July 7, 2004
Award Number:	0438004
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Leon Esterowitz CBET Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems ENG Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	January 1, 2005
Expires:	December 31, 2008 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$293955
Investigator(s):	Shu Yang shuyang@seas.upenn.edu (Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	University of Pennsylvania Research Services Philadelphia, PA 19104 215/898-7293
NSF Program(s):	BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Field Application(s):	0203000 Health
Program Reference Code(s):	OTHR, 0000
Program Element Code(s):	5345

ABSTRACT

0438004

Yang

Microlenses are widely used in various technologies including telecommunication. The position and geometrical features of these lenses are fixed and cannot be changed by external control. Thus, there is a great need for the development of microlenses with adaptive capabilities. This proposal offers a highly promising approach toward the development of a multifunctional microlense array that is designed based on what is known about the structure and function of the eyes of brittlestar. The proposed optical devices with novel architectures, tunability and tailored functionalities will mimic the structures and functions of the biological prototype compound eyes of a brittlestar. This is an example of how novel nanofabrication techniques can be used to develop new functional systems that are inspired by nature. The proposed structure is developed by synthesizing biomimetic hydrogel microlens arrays with integrated pores using 3D micropatterning techniques to fabricate small, hierarchical material structures in a large scale as well as responsive hydrogels and microfluidics techniques that allow for manufacturing of microdevices that provide multifunctional adaptive optics features. Collectively, utilization of these techniques offers highly unique potential for manufacturing of micro-optical devices with unique features that can be made light weight and produced inexpensively.

Specifically, the applicants will synthesize a variety of photosensitive hydrogel precursors that can be directly patterned using three-beam interference lithography; 2) fine-tune the shape, size and/or refractive index of the biomimetic hydrogel microlens arrays in response to external stimuli; 3) reversibly tune the lens optical properties by transportation of microfluid through pore channels using an electrowetting pump.

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH

Aizenberg, J. and Yang, S.. "Synthetic biomimetic microlens arrays from polymers," Proc. ACS Div. Polym. Mat.: Sci. & Eng., v.93, 2005, p. 133.

Chandra, D., Lin, P. and Yang, S.. "Strain responsive concave and convex microlens arrays," Appl. Phys. Lett., v.91, 2007, p. 251912.

Chandra, D., Taylor, J. A. and Yang, S.. "Replica molding of high-aspect-ratio (sub-)micron hydrogel pillar arrays and their stability in air and solvents," Soft Matt., v.4, 2008, p. 979.

Hong, K.-H., Wang, J., Sharonov, A., Chandra, D., Aizenberg, J. and Yang, S.. "Tunable Microfluidic Optical Devices with Integrated Microlens Array," J. Micromech. Microeng., v.16, 2006, p. 1660.

Yang, S. and Aizenberg, J.. "Multifunctional Biomimetic Microlens Arrays with Integrated Pores," Proc. Digital Fabrication (IS&T), 2005, p. 164.

Yang, S. and Aizenberg, J.. "Multifunctional Biomimetic Microlens Arrays with Integrated Pores," Nano Today, v.8, 2005, p. 40-46.

Yang, S.; Ford, J.; Ruengruglikit, C.; Huang, Q.; Aizenberg, J.. "Fabrication of Biomimietic microlens arrays from Photoacid Crosslinkable Hydrogels ," J. Mater. Chem., v.15, 2005, p. 4200.

Yang, S.; Ullal, C. K.; Thomas, E. L.; Chen, G; Aizenberg, J.. "Microlens Arrays with Integrated Pores as a Multipattern Photomask," Appl. Phys. Lett., v.86, 2005, p. 201121.

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