The research team has developed a mechanical luminescent touch screen that can work underwater

The optical properties of afterglow luminescent particles in mechanical luminescence and mechanical quenching have attracted much attention in various technological applications. A group of researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology has attracted attention by developing an optical display technology with ALP that can write and erase messages underwater.

The team is composed of Professor Sei Kwang Hahn from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at POSTECH and doctoral student Seong Jong Kim, who discovered a unique optical phenomenon in ALP. Subsequently, they successfully created a device to achieve this phenomenon. Their research results have been published in Advanced Functional Materials.

ALP has the ability to absorb energy and gradually release it, exhibiting mechanical luminescence when subjected to external physical pressure, and undergoing mechanical quenching when the emitted light disappears. Although active research has been conducted on the use of this technology for optical displays, the precise mechanism remains elusive.

In this study, the team delved into the effects of electron capture and charging on mechanical luminescence and quenching. They successfully unraveled the mechanisms that control these two phenomena. Based on this understanding, they will be able to achieve both phenomena simultaneously by combining ALP with very thin polymer materials. This combination leads to the creation of optical display patches that can be attached to the skin.

Display patches can convey information through writing by applying a small amount of pressure to the fingers. When exposed to ultraviolet light, the patch will reset to a blank state, similar to using an eraser to erase the content of a sketchbook. In addition, the touch screen of the display screen has moisture resistance and can maintain its function even after prolonged immersion in water.

Professor Sei Kwang Hahn, who led the research, said, "It can serve as a communication tool in situations where communication options are limited, such as underwater environments characterized by weak light or high humidity. It will also be used in wearable photon biosensors and phototherapy systems in extreme environments.".

Source: Laser Net