Method and apparatus for the detection of exposure to ultraviolet light
A device for detecting exposure to light includes: a photo-responsive layer including a photochromic material; a skin-mimicking cover layer covering a first side of the photo-responsive layer; and an adhesive layer configured to couple a second side of the photo-responsive layer opposite the first side to a surface.
1. A device for detecting exposure to light, comprising:
a photo-responsive layer including a photochromic material;
a skin-mimicking cover layer covering a first side of the photo-responsive layer, the cover layer to absorb an amount of sunscreen, wherein the cover layer includes a collagen-derived material to permit the amount of sunscreen to wear off the cover layer at a rate substantially the same as a rate at which the amount of sunscreen would wear off human skin;
a first substrate layer of substrate material between the cover layer and the photo-responsive layer; and
an adhesive layer configured to couple a second side of the photo-responsive layer opposite the first side to a surface.
2. The device of claim 1 , the photo-responsive layer having a first visual appearance in the presence of light of a predetermined wavelength, and a second visual appearance in the absence of the light of the predetermined wavelength.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the predetermined wavelength is between 10 nm and 400 nm.
4. The device of claim 2 , wherein the first visual appearance has a first colour and the second visual appearance has a second colour.
5. The device of claim 2 , wherein the first visual appearance has a first colour and the second visual appearance is colourless.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the photo-responsive layer is integrated with an adhesive, and wherein the device further comprises:
a second substrate layer of substrate material between the integrated photo-responsive and adhesive layer and the adhesive layer.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the photochromic material comprises a thermo-photochromic material.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the photo-responsive layer comprises the photochromic material and a thermo-photochromic material.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cover layer is degradable.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cover layer includes chitosan and tapioca.
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cover layer is translucent.
12. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a binding material configured to adhere the cover layer and the photo-responsive layer.
13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the binding material is integrated with one of the cover layer and the photo-responsive layer.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cover layer further includes a polypeptide.
15. The device of claim 1 , wherein the collagen-derived material includes gelatin.
16. The device of claim 15 , wherein the cover layer includes a polyol compound.
17. The device of claim 16 , wherein the cover layer includes a thickening agent.
18. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a removable backing covering a side of the adhesive layer opposite the second side of the photo-responsive layer, the removable backing being removable prior to application of the device to the surface.
19. A device for detecting exposure to light, comprising:
a photo-responsive layer including a photochromic material;
a skin-mimicking cover layer covering a first side of the photo-responsive layer, the cover layer to absorb an amount of sunscreen, wherein the cover layer includes a collagen-derived material to permit the amount of sunscreen to wear off the cover layer at a rate substantially the same as a rate at which the amount of sunscreen would wear off human skin; and
an adhesive layer configured to couple a second side of the photo-responsive layer opposite the first side to a surface;
wherein the cover layer further comprises one or more of:
gelatin and a polyol compound;
a polypeptide; or
chitosan and tapioca.