The present invention relates to an actuator using a photo-responsive shape-changing construct, the actuator comprising: a 1-1 polymer film and a 1-2 polymer film, configured to undergo a bending deformation in response to a light irradiation; a first restricting member provided between the 1-1 polymer film and the 1-2 polymer film so as to allow the 1-1 polymer film and the 1-2 polymer film to be connected to each other; and a rotation member configured to rotate as the rotation member, at least in part, is pushed by an end of the 1-1 polymer film along with the bending deformation of the 1-1 polymer film.

An optical waveguide-type soft photoactuator based on an optical micro/nanofiber includes an optical micro/nanofiber, a first deformed material membrane, and a second deformed material membrane. One end of the optical micro/nanofiber is provided with a taper region and a waist region, and the taper region and the waist region are encapsulated in the first deformed material membrane. The second deformed material membrane covers a side of the first deformed material membrane, and the first deformed material membrane or the second deformed material membrane is doped with a photothermal conversion material. The refractive index of the first deformed material membrane is less than the refractive index of a core of the optical micro/nanofiber. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the first deformed material membrane and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second deformed material membrane are different.

The application provides a light expander/contractor device and method of using same, the light expander/contractor device comprising: a faceted quartz structure comprising a lateral surface communicating with a light processing surface at one end and communicating with a planar surface at an opposed end; the light processing surface comprising an initial surface extending from the lateral surface substantially parallel to the planar surface and having a distal end spaced from the lateral surface, the light processing surface further comprising multiple levels of facets comprising quartz-air interfaces: each level of facets comprising (a) a proximal facet surface relative to the lateral surface, the proximal facet surface extending away from the initial surface and toward the lateral surface at a 45° angle relative to the initial surface to communicate with (b) a facet planar surface spaced apart from and parallel to the initial surface to communicate with (c) a distal facet surface adjacent and substantially parallel to the proximal facet surface.

An actuator or sensor device comprises an electroactive polymer (EAP) arrangement which extends between fixed opposite ends. The electroactive polymer arrangement comprises a passive carrier layer and an active electroactive polymer layer, wherein at or adjacent the ends, the passive carrier layer and the active EAP layer are mounted with one over the other in a first order, and at a middle area between the ends, the carrier layer and the active EAP layer are mounted in an opposite order. This enables internal stresses and moments within the electroactive polymer arrangement to be used more effectively to contribute to displacement or actuation force.

Provided is a stereoscopic surface display device including a stereoscopic display unit having a cell area, wherein the stereoscopic display unit includes a first flexible layer, a first optical waveguide and a first optical output unit in the first flexible layer, wherein the first optical output unit are disposed in the cell area, a first light source disposed on a side of the stereoscopic display unit, wherein the first optical waveguide connects the first light source and the first optical output unit, a first photothermal response layer on the first flexible layer, wherein the first photothermal response layer is configured to receive output light emitted from the first optical output unit and emit thermal energy, and a shape deformation layer on the first photothermal response layer, wherein the shape deformation layer is configured to generate bending deformation by receiving the thermal energy from the first photothermal response layer.

A light turbine, turbine, and turbine housing are described, in which the turbine housing can include a main housing and a chimney. The main housing and chimney define a circular path within which vanes located on the ends of spokes can move. Movement of the vanes can cause rotation of a shaft attached to the spokes. The chimney can be removably attached to the main housing to allow access to the vanes, which can be removably attached to the spokes. The turbine housing and turbine can be configured such that various compositions and/or configurations of vanes can be evaluated in conjunction with one or more forms of energy sources, such as an electromagnetic radiation source. The turbine housing can enable selective evaluation within ambient air, a partial vacuum, and/or the like.

A light turbine, turbine, and turbine housing are described, in which the turbine housing can include a main housing and a chimney. The main housing and chimney define a circular path within which vanes located on the ends of spokes can move. Movement of the vanes can cause rotation of a shaft attached to the spokes. The chimney can be removably attached to the main housing to allow access to the vanes, which can be removably attached to the spokes. The turbine housing and turbine can be configured such that various compositions and/or configurations of vanes can be evaluated in conjunction with one or more forms of energy sources, such as an electromagnetic radiation source. The turbine housing can enable selective evaluation within ambient air, a partial vacuum, and/or the like.

An optical waveguide-type soft photoactuator based on an optical micro/nanofiber includes an optical micro/nanofiber, a first deformed material membrane, and a second deformed material membrane. One end of the optical micro/nanofiber is provided with a taper region and a waist region, and the taper region and the waist region are encapsulated in the first deformed material membrane. The second deformed material membrane covers a side of the first deformed material membrane, and the first deformed material membrane or the second deformed material membrane is doped with a photothermal conversion material. The refractive index of the first deformed material membrane is less than the refractive index of a core of the optical micro/nanofiber. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the first deformed material membrane and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second deformed material membrane are different.

A tunable photonic device and method of fabricating the same are provided. The tunable photonic device including a substrate and an actuator having a first end supported by the substrate and a second end in spaced relation to the substrate. A photonic structure is operatively connected to the actuator and a stimulus generator configured to selectively generate a stimulus to act on the actuator. The stimulus acting on the actuator causes deformation of the actuator and moves the photonic structure between first and second positions.

A photon-activated substance is disclosed, which includes a phase change material and a photon activated substance. The photon activated substance can be at least one of (2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO), azobenzene (AZOB), 4-Nitro-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, Lumogen orange 240, and guaiazulene (GAZ).