Dynamic and Static Stress Sensing Based on Mechanical Quenching Phenomenon From CaZnOS:Cu+

Abstract

Mechanical quenching (MQ) represents a distinctive mechano-optical response, in which the afterglow intensity is quenched under the applied mechanical stress. Compared with mechanoluminescent (ML) materials, the research on physical mechanism and sensing application of MQ materials is still insufficient. Moreover, existing mechano-optical materials typically respond only to dynamic stress, while ML materials are unable to exhibit luminescence under static stress, restricting their utility in stress-sensing applications. In this work, the MQ characteristics of CaZnOS:Cu⁺ are systematically studied, which displays a linear mechano-optical response to dynamic and static stress. Furthermore, this material shows a sensitive response to micro-strain in stretching tests. Therefore, a novel mechanical switch device is introduced combined with CaZnOS:Cu⁺ and a ML material LiTaO₃:Tb³⁺. By comparing the alteration in luminescence intensity during stretching, different stages of stress are digitally encoded, achieving both dynamic and static stress sensing and effectively differentiating the information output. These findings provide a new approach for multi-mode dynamic and static stress sensing by utilizing mechano-optical materials and pave a significant avenue for the information integration of mechano-optical materials in the field of stress sensing.