Soft Optomechanical Systems for Sensing, Modulation, and Actuation. (22nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pujol‐Vila, Ferran; Güell‐Grau, Pau; Nogués, Josep; Alvarez, Mar; Sepúlveda, Borja
• Is Part Of: Advanced functional materials. Volume 33:Number 14(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-01-22
• Subjects: light‐driven mechanical actuators -- mechanochromic systems -- optomechanical modulators -- photochemical actuators -- photothermal actuators -- plasmomechanical systems -- soft optomechanical systems; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202213109
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1616-301X

Abstract

Abstract: Soft optomechanical systems have the ability to reversibly respond to optical and mechanical external stimuli by changing their own properties (e.g., shape, size, viscosity, stiffness, color or transmittance). These systems typically combine the optical properties of plasmonic, dielectric or carbon‐based nanomaterials with the high elasticity and deformability of soft polymers, thus opening the path for the development of new mechanically tunable optical systems, sensors, and actuators for a wide range of applications. This review focuses on the recent progresses in soft optomechanical systems, which are here classified according to their applications and mechanisms of optomechanical response. The first part summarizes the soft optomechanical systems for mechanical sensing and optical modulation based on the variation of their optical response under external mechanical stimuli, thereby inducing mechanochromic or intensity modulation effects. The second part describes the soft optomechanical systems for the development of light induced mechanical actuators based on different actuation mechanisms, such as photothermal effects and phase transitions, among others. The final section provides a critical analysis of the main limitations of current soft optomechanical systems and the progress that is required for future devices. Abstract : Soft optomechanical systems typically combine the optical properties of plasmonic, dielectric or carbon‐based nanomaterials with the high elasticity and deformability of soft polymers, thus opening the path for the development of new mechanically tunable optical systems, sensors, and actuators for a wide range of applications. This review aims at providing a comprehensive framework for the soft optomechanical systems and their diverse applications.