Biomimetically reinforced transparent nanostructures fabricated by pulsed laser deposition

We have recently developed a new concept of glass and polymer superlattice structures that has superior optical and mechanical properties arising from atomic scale engineering approach. The interlayers of glass and polymer can have thickness as low as 2 nm and the structures can be grown on polymer or glass substrates by pulsed laser deposition technology. A biomimetic approach was carried out to optimise the reinforcement via replicated brick and mortar and gneiss rock structures. Discrete element method and nanoindentation methods were carried out to optimize the performance of such structures.