A new opto-mechanical effect in solids.
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.
Finkelmann
H
H
Institut für Makromolekulare Chemie, Universität Freiburg, D79104 Freiburg, Germany.
Nishikawa
E
E
Pereira
G G
GG
Warner
M
M