title: A new opto-mechanical effect in solids.
abstract: We propose that large, reversible shape changes in solids, of between 10%-400%, can be induced optically by photoisomerizing monodomain nematic elastomers. Empirical and molecular analysis of shape change and its relation to thermal effects is given along with a simple model of the dynamics of response. Our experiments demonstrate these effects for the first time and theory is compared qualitatively with our results.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Makromolekulare Chemie, Universität Freiburg, D79104 Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Finkelmann
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nishikawa
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Warner