Mechanically driven light-generator with high durability

Mechanically activated luminescence from solids (mechanoluminescence) is a classical optical phenomenon induced in a substance when stressed or cleaved. However, no practical application has been realized due to its low luminescent intensity and lack of reproducibility. We demonstrate highly bright and durable mechanoluminescent flexible composite films with a brightness of ∼120 cd/m2 and durability over ∼100 000 repeated mechanical stresses by using a combination of copper-doped zinc sulfide (ZnS:Cu) particles and polydimethylsiloxane. Furthermore, the possibility of mechanoluminescent color-tuning by changing the repetitive stress rate on the composite films is also suggested. These findings can open a window for developing smart systems and opto-mechanical devices.