Modulation of refractive index in polymer composites: toward a synthetic bio-optic lens

Abstract

As an option in the creation of a synthetic bio-optic lens, we propose that spatial modulation of refractive index can be realized in polymer composites containing a colloidal ionophoric phase. The variation of refractive index could result from electric field induced orientation or polarization of the dispersed phase. Devices are envisioned in which the refractive index gradient will be controlled by variation of the local applied field with matrix-addressed microelectrode arrays. Of particular utility in the demonstration of this phenomena are ionophoric and ionomeric block copolymers containing poly(ethylene oxide), PEO, poly(acrylic acid), PAA, and poly(methylmethacrylate), PMMA, chain segments. Systems that will be discussed relative to the provision of options in the creation of a synthetic biooptic lens are: (1) Electric field induced polarization of electrorefractive moieties localized in nanoscopic, salt-doped PEO domains of PS-b-PEO composites and (2.) localized deformation of salt-doped elastomeric PDMS-b-PEO composites.