Total Flexibility in Thin Film Design Using Polymer Nanocomposites

Optically clear, mechanically flexible nanocomposites are created by doping host polymers with nanoparticles having higher or lower refractive indices. The composite materials preserve the viscoelastic properties of the binding polymers and exhibit infinite tunability between the refractive index limits of the system. These properties provide unique benefits for multi-layer thin film optical filters. Additionally, the nanoparticles are dispersed in a fluid or bound in a polymer matrix in use, thus reducing toxic risks that may be associated with raw particles. A simple and safe method of producing highly engineerable optical filters is presented.