When it comes to converting energy into movement, rotary motors have proven their worth. As new innovations and technology continue to get smaller in size, miniaturizing these kinds of motors has been a focus for researchers at the University of Warsaw. Working with colleagues from the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou, China, the Institute of Applied Physics at Military University of Technology in Warsaw, and the Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials of Polish Academy of Sciences in Zabrze, Poland, the team developed a micromotor powered by light that could potentially make it easier to miniaturize other components.
Drawing inspiration from ring piezoelectric motors, the team used liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) materials, which allow for small, moving or mobile devices to be built. Since LCEs can be shaped, bent or shrunk with laser lights, they were an ideal material to test the rotary motor. Controlled by a laser beam, the team’s 5mm diameter ring rotates around the LCEs on the same axis. The rotation occurs as the soft material changes form, due to the beam and ground interaction. Proper orientation of the elastomer molecules enables the micromotor to stabilize and increase rotation speed.“Despite low speed, around one rotation per minute, our motor allows us to look at the micromechanics of intelligent soft materials from a different perspective and gives food for thought when it comes to their potential use,” said Klaudia Dradrach, Photonic Nanostructure Facility.
Since LCEs are considered a smart material, which can be fabricated in a multitude of ways and sizes, the new motor could open doors for new innovations. The new motor, along with the right orientation of the LCEs, could help power and control robotic components with light. It also has the potential to change how wearable smart materials could be made and operate.
With the success of their current micromotor, the researchers are now focusing their efforts on light-controlled microtools and long-range linear actuators.
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