Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1999-2004
Title: W Wade Adams: Innovator in Photopolymerizable Materials
Introduction
W Wade Adams is a notable inventor based in Dayton, OH (US), recognized for his contributions to the field of photopolymerizable materials. He holds two patents that showcase his innovative approach to creating materials with unique properties.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents is focused on switchable volume hologram materials and devices. This invention introduces a new photopolymerizable material that allows for single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) used in this invention consist of a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, along with a photoinitiator, coinitiator, and cross-linking agent. The addition of a surfactant, such as octanoic acid, is optional. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to create an interference pattern within the material. The photopolymerization process results in a hologram with clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. The volume transmission gratings produced with this new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, it is possible to achieve switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms. The optional surfactant allows for low switching voltages at lower frequencies. Additionally, this PDLC material can be utilized to form reflection gratings, including switchable reflection gratings, and can also be processed to create static transmission reflection and subwavelength PDLC materials.
Career Highlights
W Wade Adams is currently employed at Science Applications International Corporation, where he continues to develop innovative materials and technologies. His work has significantly advanced the field of photopolymerization and holography.
Collaborations
He has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Richard L Sutherland and Lalqudi V Natarajan, contributing to a dynamic research environment that fosters innovation.
Conclusion
W Wade Adams is a distinguished inventor whose work in photopolymerizable materials has the potential to revolutionize various applications in optics and materials science. His contributions continue to influence the field and inspire future innovations.