Light driven actuator

0301122-89

[DEFINITION]
An actuator that uses light as control signal or energy source.

[DESCRIPTION]
After the development of photostrictive materials, various light driven actuators have been proposed. These actuators have simple structures and can be driven by wireless. A motor is proposed that utilizes the spin realignment effect, in which a magnetic material absorbs light and the resulting heat changes the direction of magnetization reversibly. Actuators utilizing thermal expansion, and exploiting polymer photochemical reactions, are also studied.

[References]
(4)

[Related Terms]
Photostrictive effect