Date Published: December 2023
In a recent Nature Communications publication titled "UV-curable thiol-ene system for broadband infrared transparent objects," a team of scientists and faculty from the Rongguang Liang laboratory introduces an extraordinary breakthrough. They've developed a game-changing photo-curable liquid material that defies conventional limitations of infrared transparency. By ingeniously combining specific multithiols and divinyl oligomers comprising only carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur atoms, this innovative approach achieves transparency across the spectrum, spanning from visible light to mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR). This pioneering material exhibits remarkable properties, including a high refractive index, excellent thermal characteristics, and robust mechanical strength. Its versatility shines through in applications like crafting high-resolution infrared optics and constructing micro-reactors for temperature monitoring. What's truly remarkable is its UV-curable nature, offering a swift and convenient method to produce thin, infrared-transparent objects. This breakthrough not only showcases a cutting-edge material but also holds promise for a multitude of practical applications. Read more about this work and Prof. Liang's impact in this Five Minute Review.