Light-controlled mechanisms based on photomobile polymers for seamless integration in demanding environments

Abstract:
Photomobile polymers (PMP) are active materials that convert light into mechanical movement. They can be used in energy harvesters, light-controlled actuators, or mechanisms. Because they are controlled by light and work without electricity, they offer unique opportunities for designing devices that can be integrated seamlessly and that require virtually no maintenance. This finds interest in fields like nuclear energy, medical implants, biology, space, or Internet of Things (IoT). Cedrat Technologies have designed, built, and tested 3 proof of concept prototypes: a mechanical switch, a mechanical valve, and an optical deflector. The present paper will present these 3 concepts and the tests results in detail.