Скачать или смотреть Dynamic Surface Topographies

This animation shows a ‘smart’ coating that can change its topographic surface patterns in a dynamic manner. This coating is based on an azobenzene modified liquid crystal polymer network. Under the UV irradiation 3D fingerprints textures are popping-up from the coating surface. When illumination is stopped, the structures erase immediately and the surface becomes flat again.

The liquid crystal coating has a so-called cholesteric molecular order in which the molecular units are organized in helices with the helix axes parallel to the substrate. In the monomeric state after coating them on a substrate, but prior to converting them into a polymer, the monomers self-assemble into a fingerprint type of texture with a flat surface. The pitch of the helices, as controlled by the chemical composition, determine the lateral dimensions which can be adjusted to be between 100 nanometers to micrometers. Activation occurs by light or temperature where the molecular units that are oriented parallel to the surface pop up and the fingerprint become clearly visible and tangible. The height of the activated fingerprints can reach the record value of 24% of the film thickness.

For more information, see:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.201400370
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.201105101

Credits:
Animation: ICMS Animation Studio
Voice-over: Studio Make
Music: "Nebulas Night" by Jason Livesay