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A New Opto-Mechanical Effect in Solids

H. Finkelmann, E. Nishikawa, G. G. Pereira, and M. Warner
Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 015501 – Published 15 June 2001
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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.

  • Received 22 March 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.015501

©2001 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

H. Finkelmann and E. Nishikawa

  • Institut für Makromolekulare Chemie, Universität Freiburg, D79104 Freiburg, Germany

G. G. Pereira and M. Warner

  • Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom

See Also

Elastomers Make Light Work

Oliver Baker
Phys. Rev. Focus 7, 32 (2001)

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Vol. 87, Iss. 1 — 2 July 2001

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