Programming Photoresponse in Liquid Crystal Polymer Actuators with Laser Projector

A versatile, laser-projector-based method is demonstrated for programming alignment patterns into monolithic films of liquid crystal polymer networks. Complex images can be photopatterned into the polymer films with sub-100 µm resolution, using relatively short exposure times. The method is further used to devise both photochemically and photothermally driven actuators that can undergo distinct light-induced shape changes, dictated by the programmed alignment patterns. Deformation modes such as buckling and coiling, as well as miniature robotic devices such as a gripper and a light-responsive octopod, are demonstrated. The reported technique enables easy and cost-effective programmable actuation with relatively high throughput, thus significantly facilitating the design and realization of functional soft robotic actuators.