US Patent:
20050087021, Apr 28, 2005
Inventors:
Gregory Crawford - Providence RI, US
Darran Cairns - Providence RI, US
Christopher Bowley - Woodbury MN, US
Sorasak Danworaphong - Providence RI, US
Adam Fontecchio - Medfield MA, US
Sadeg Faris - Pleasantville NY, US
Le Li - Yorktown Heights NY, US
International Classification:
G01L001/24
Abstract:
A reflective strain gauge includes an holographically-formed polymer dispersed liquid crystal (H-PDLC) film comprising layers of liquid crystal (LC) droplets in a matrix polymer, the H-PDLC film having a reflection or transmission grating capable of reflecting or transmitting light of a selected wavelength, and means for adhering the film to a surface of a workpiece for monitoring the strain at said surface. A change in the nature of the reflected light is an indication of strain. Also included is a polarizing material having an holographically-formed polymer dispersed liquid crystal (H-PDLC) film comprising layers of liquid crystal (LC) droplets in a matrix polymer, the H-PDLC film having a reflection grating capable of reflecting light of a selected wavelength, wherein the reflection grating of the H-PDLC film is oriented, such that the refractive index parallel to said axis of orientation (n) is greater than the refractive index perpendicular to said axis (n).