Light-activated shape morphing and light-tracking materials using biopolymer-based programmable photonic nanostructures

Yu Wang, Meng Li, Jan-Kai Chang, Daniele Aurelio, Wenyi Li, Beom Joon Kim, Jae Hwan Kim, Marco Liscidini, John A. Rogers and Fiorenzo G. Omenetto ()
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Yu Wang: Tufts University
Meng Li: Tufts University
Jan-Kai Chang: Northwestern University
Daniele Aurelio: Università degli Studi di Pavia
Wenyi Li: Tufts University
Beom Joon Kim: Tufts University
Jae Hwan Kim: Northwestern University
Marco Liscidini: Università degli Studi di Pavia
John A. Rogers: Northwestern University
Fiorenzo G. Omenetto: Tufts University

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Natural systems display sophisticated control of light-matter interactions at multiple length scales for light harvesting, manipulation, and management, through elaborate photonic architectures and responsive material formats. Here, we combine programmable photonic function with elastomeric material composites to generate optomechanical actuators that display controllable and tunable actuation as well as complex deformation in response to simple light illumination. The ability to topographically control photonic bandgaps allows programmable actuation of the elastomeric substrate in response to illumination. Complex three-dimensional configurations, programmable motion patterns, and phototropic movement where the material moves in response to the motion of a light source are presented. A “photonic sunflower” demonstrator device consisting of a light-tracking solar cell is also illustrated to demonstrate the utility of the material composite. The strategy presented here provides new opportunities for the future development of intelligent optomechanical systems that move with light on demand.

Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-21764-6

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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21764-6

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