We suggest the use of structural color to develop reliable time-temperature indicators (TTI). Our proposal is based on a novel micro-layered structure that changes its optical properties when the temperature changes. With such technology, we can develop on-demand threshold temperature, flexible, and reliable TTIs.
What is Structural Color?
Structural color is a remarkable optical effect that occurs when an object's color is not determined by the chemicals it contains but rather by its physical structure. It relies on the interaction of light with microscopic patterns or structures on the surface of an object. Unlike pigments, which absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, structural color arises when light is scattered and interferes with itself as it interacts with these structures.
How Does Structural Color Work?
The colors produced by structural color are a result of the interference, diffraction, and scattering of light waves. When light strikes the microscopic structures on an object's surface, it is refracted, reflected, and sometimes even canceled out. The specific patterns and dimensions of these structures determine which colors are observed. As a result, structural colors can appear vivid and change as the viewing angle or illumination conditions change, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.
