Seminarium Optyczne

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are elastic polymers capable of reversibly changing shape under external stimuli. The type of deformation they exhibit is determined by the molecular order of the material, which can be achieved through various fabrication methods. These unique properties make LCEs ideal candidates for actuators in mechanics and soft robotics, applicable across different scales and environments. A significant challenge in LCE research remains the development of efficient fabrication techniques, which include methods such as direct laser writing, polymerization in sandwich-like cells, and sequential polymerization.In my talk, I will focus on two key aspects of LCE research: fabrication methods and their applications. First, I will introduce a novel technique for creating self-growing microstructures on optical fiber tips [1]. This approach enables the production of durable, microscale objects with well-oriented materials and offers a cost-effective, straightforward process. I will also discuss polymerization in sandwich-like cells [2], a widely utilized method inspired by techniques established in liquid crystal research over decades.The second part of my talk will explore applications of LCEs in soft robotics and micromechanics. I will present a sunlight-powered, self-oscillating system with potential applications in solar energy harvesting. Experimental results using natural sunlight and its artificial equivalent demonstrated oscillations with frequencies in the single-Hz range. Lastly, I will describe a method for optimizing swimming robots by combining optimization algorithms with experimental feedback. This approach, which employs genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization, has enabled centimeter-scale underwater swimmers to achieve speeds of up to 10 cm/min.[1] M. Zmyślony, K. Dradrach, J. Haberko, P. Nałęcz‐Jawecki, M. Rogóż, and P. Wasylczyk, ‘Optical Pliers: Micrometer‐Scale, Light‐Driven Tools Grown on Optical Fibers’, Adv. Mater., vol. 32, no. 33, p. 2002779, Aug. 2020, doi: 10.1002/adma.202002779.[2] M. Rogóż, J. Haberko, and P. Wasylczyk, ‘Light-Driven Linear Inchworm Motor Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators Fabricated with Rubbing Overwriting’, Materials, vol. 14, no. 21, p. 6688, Nov. 2021, doi: 10.3390/ma14216688.