Detection of cracked teeth using a mechanoluminescence phosphor with a stretchable photodetector array

Abstract Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is an incomplete fracture of a human that commonly arises from chewing hard foods. Although it very common syndrome, CTS often difficult to diagnose owing the small size cracks. Conventional techniques for detection cracks, such as transillumination and radiographic methods, are inaccurate have poor imaging resolution. In this study, we devise novel method in vivo microcracks by exploiting mechanoluminescence (ML) phenomenon. ZrO 2 :Ti 4+ (ZRT) phosphor particles pasted onto suspected regions cracks emit cyan-colored light result masticatory forces. Then, stretchable self-healable photodetector (PD) array laminated on top converts emitted photons into photocurrent, which facilitates two-dimensional mapping Because high photosensitivity PD, intense ML ZRT particles, possible image submicron- micron-sized with Furthermore, uniqueness technique over conventional stems application simple optical phenomenon, i.e., ML, obtaining precise information regarding locations, depth, length