Programmable self-propelling actuators enabled by a dynamic helical medium

Abstract

Rotation-translation conversion is a popular way to achieve power transmission in machinery, but it is rarely selected by nature. One unique case is that of bacteria swimming, which is based on the collective reorganization and rotation of flagella. Here, we mimic such motion using the light-driven evolution of a self-organized periodic arch pattern. The range and direction of translation are altered by separately varying the alignment period and the stimulating photon energy. Programmable self-propelling actuators are realized via a specific molecular assembly within a photoresponsive cholesteric medium. Through rationally presetting alignments, parallel transports of microspheres in customized trajectories are demonstrated, including convergence, divergence, gathering, and orbital revolution. This work extends the understanding of the rotation-translation conversion performed in an exquisitely self-organized system and may inspire future designs for functional materials and intelligent robotics.

Self-assembled liquid crystal architectures for soft matter photonics

“…14a . Ma et al 30 achieved programmable self-propelling actuators that could massively transport microparticles in customized trajectories by elaborately designing the self-organized microstructure-engaged CLC system, Fig. 14b .…”

“… 264 , with permission from Springer Nature: Nature. b Programmable self-propelling actuators enabled by a dynamic helical medium 30 . Adapted from ref.…”

“…Adapted from ref. 30 , with permission from AAAS. c Self-assembled reconfigurable colloidal monopoles 266 .…”

Shear-induced alignment of low-aspect-ratio nanorods for modulations of multiple optical properties

“…[1][2][3][4][5] In this context, intensive efforts have been made in discovering mechanisms by which modulation of light polarization, reflection, transmission, diffraction, and emission can be accomplished via tuning diverse external stimuli, including temperature, pressure, humidity, magnetic and electric fields, pH, ETC. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Recently, we reported a new type of SOMs based on crystalline colloidal arrays (CCA) of low-aspect-ratio magnetic nanorods that allow the modulation of multiple optical properties by a single stimulus. 20 In the presence of external magnetic fields, these nanorods align their main axis along the field direction to induce the polycrystalline-to-single-crystalline transition in the CCA.…”

Tailoring matter orbitals mediated using a nanoscale topographic interface for versatile colloidal current devices

“…Most technologies have been performed using x - and y -directional dynamics on a plane without vertical movement to manipulate the object with minimum control. 1–14 In this case, an irregular topographic structure, including surface curvature and roughness, may be a factor that leads to the failure of the deliberate control. The regular topographic structure, realized using 3D-printing technology, is occasionally used for Nature-inspired devices.…”