Light-controlled multifunctional reconfigurable structures

Research development of stimuli-actuated materials has become a crucial driving force in advancing the frontiers of smart devices. Among various responsive mechanisms, localized and remote control can be offered by light stimuli. However, flexible design with complex geometries and multi-level functions for light-triggered reconfigurable structures remain significant challenges. Here, selectively kirigamipatterned reconfigurable structures based on light-responsive material are reported and their applications in biomimetic actuators and flexible electronics field are explored. More than a dozen sophisticated kirigami patterns are fabricated, programmable shape transformations from planar sheets are achieved reversibly under light illumination with finite element analysis guidance. Three biomimetic actuators composed of reconfigurable structures are generated with programmable and remote actuations. Furthermore, to extend functions of this strategy to flexible electronics field, a reconfigurable monopolar antenna is demonstrated. Three states of the antenna can be regulated and switched by light with different power densities. These results pave a facile scheme to realize the flexible and intricate design of light-controlled actuators with multiple functions.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.