Light Induced Mechanical Motion

A number of natural and synthetic fibers and gels expand and contract when exposed to an environmental change. As a commercially exploitable technology, the fibers and gels have applications in many fields such as use in sensors, switches, motors, pumps, and non-metallic operations; as well as use in the medical and robotic fields where it is envisioned that these materials will be able to carry out the function of human muscle tissue. With current technology contraction times are extremely short (10 nanoseconds), the light used is ultraviolet and causes damage to the solution, and heat buildup is discharged too slowly. SPAWAR has created a technology that overcomes these deficiencies using only visible light and a simple solution of polymers. When exposed to visible light, the solution’s pH balance changes and it reacts by contracting indefinitely, all the while discharging the heat from the light. When the light is removed the solution returns to its original state in milliseconds. Summary of Benefits: Indefinite contraction times No need for UV light, needs only visible light Continuous heat discharge allowing the solution to return to its original state in milliseconds