Nano-structural characteristics of carbon nanotube-polymer composite films for high-amplitude optoacoustic generation

We demonstrate nano-structural characteristics of carbon nanotube (CNT)-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite films that can be used as highly efficient and robust ultrasound transmitters for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. An inherent architecture of the nano-composite provides unique ther...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nanoscale 2015-09, Vol.7 (34), p.1446-14468
Main Authors: Baac, Hyoung Won, Ok, Jong G, Lee, Taehwa, Jay Guo, L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carbon
Chromium
Dimethylpolysiloxanes - chemistry
Extinction
Gold - chemistry
Lasers
Nanostructure
Nanostructures - chemistry
Nanotubes, Carbon - chemistry
Photoacoustic Techniques
Polymers - chemistry
Robustness
Silicone resins
Temperature
Transmitters
Ultrasound
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Summary:We demonstrate nano-structural characteristics of carbon nanotube (CNT)-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite films that can be used as highly efficient and robust ultrasound transmitters for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. An inherent architecture of the nano-composite provides unique thermal, optical, and mechanical properties that are accommodated not just for efficient energy conversion but also for extraordinary robustness against pulsed laser ablation. First, we explain a thermoacoustic transfer mechanism within the nano-composite. CNT morphologies are examined to determine a suitable arrangement for heat transfer to the surrounding PDMS. Next, we introduce an approach to enhance optical extinction of the composite films, which uses shadowed deposition of a thin Au layer through an as-grown CNT network. Finally, the transmitter robustness is quantified in terms of laser-induced damage threshold. This reveals that the CNT-PDMS films can withstand an order-of-magnitude higher optical fluence (and extinction) than a Cr film used as a reference. Such robustness is crucial to increase the maximum-available optical energy for optoacoustic excitation and pressure generation. All of these structure-originated characteristics manifest the CNT-PDMS composite films as excellent optoacoustic transmitters for high-amplitude and high-frequency ultrasound generation. We demonstrate nano-structural characteristics of carbon nanotube (CNT)-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite films that can be used as highly efficient and robust ultrasound transmitters for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
ISSN:2040-3364
2040-3372
DOI:10.1039/c5nr03769g