Mechanoluminescence is light emission of a material in response to a mechanical stimulus. It usually requires haptic contact, for example, generating an optical signal for monitoring impact loading, friction or bio-physical processes. Alternatively, acoustic excitation using ultrasound (USML) enables remote stimulation. In this case, simultaneous thermo-acoustic heating can be either beneficial or disadvantageous, depending on application. Combinations of USML and optical thermometry allow for highly sensitive, spatially-resolved temperature monitoring when using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for therapeutic or theragnostic purpose.
Here, we will demonstrate materials and methods enabling USML, HIFU thermo-acoustic heating with simultaneous optical thermometry, and USML-based data encryption using glasses, ceramics and glass ceramics [1,2].

[1] Y. Ding, B. So, J. Cao, L. Wondraczek: Ultrasound-induced mechanoluminescence and optical thermometry toward stimulus-responsive materials with simultaneous trigger response and read-out functions. Adv. Sci. 9, 2201631 (2022).

[2] J. Cao, Y. Ding, R. Sajzew, M. Sun, F. Langenhorst, L. Wondraczek: Mechanoluminescence from highly transparent ZGO:Cr spinel glass ceramics. Opt. Mater. Express 12, 3238-3247 (2022).