Fluorescent thermal sensing using conjugated polyelectrolytes in thin polymer films.

Thermal sensing in thin films polymers has been a significant limitation towards optimizing the heat dissipation in micro- and nano-electronic devices as well as many other thin film-based technologies. In this work, we report on poly (phenylene ethynylene) fluorescent-based conjugated polyelectrolyte capable of detecting thermal fluctuations in polymer films prepared from polyvinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate. The sensor was first optimized in solution by testing two polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) copolymers (co-vinyl acetate (VA) and co-polystyrene (PS)) before it was spun cast onto quartz slides and imaged using a DSLR camera at different temperatures. The images were analyzed and showed a change in color with the increase in temperature. When not illuminated, the polymer thin film is clear and transparent. Image 1 • We have develop a temperature sensor for thin-polymer films. • The film was spun cast onto quartz slides and imaged using a DSLR camera at different temperatures. • The images were analyzed and showed a thermochromic response with the increase in temperature. • When not illuminated, the polymer thin film is clear and transparent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]