Metabolic material that extends the lifetime of organic dyes

Abstract

Dye molecules diffuse rapidly in a polydimethylsiloxane rubber that is swollen with toluene. This phenomenon is useful to create a durable photopolymer that self-heals its degraded optical function by replacement of damaged and fresh dye molecules. The lifetime extension was demonstrated by repeating photochromic reactions with dye-dispersed PDMS rubbers.