Patent ID: 6180288
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: B82Y,G01N,G03F,G03H

Abstract:
A sensing device comprising:(a) a self-assembling monolayer stamped in a pattern on a substrate using a stamping means;(b) a responsive gel associated with the self-assembling monolayer, the gel capable of responding to a stimulus, wherein the gel is formed from polymers of acrylamides or copolymers containing acrylamides; and(c) an additional material on the substrate, the additional material being located on a non-stamped area of the substrate, the additional material being selected such that the responsive gel does not associate with the additional material;wherein the self-assembling monolayer is stamped in a pattern such that when the gel responds to the stimulus, the gel undergoes a physical change such that the sensing device produces a change in its diffraction of transmitted electromagnetic radiation, thereby indicating the presence of the stimulus, wherein the change in diffraction is visible to an unaided eye,further wherein the physical change occurs discontinuously at a specific stimulus level with a discontinuous change in gel volume.