Elastomer Film of High-Density Porosity for Efficient Light Scattering

We propose a high-density porous film capable of adjusting light scattering through a mechanical compression. We create a water-in-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) emulsion with a high concentration of water by incorporating silicone oil as a surfactant. The porous PDMS film produced through thermal curing and evaporation of water of the emulsion shows a highly efficient control of light scattering in a thin film configuration due to high density porosity. This simple and straightforward manufacturing process for the proposed device may enable the control of light in buildings, automotive, and aerospace industries.