Photo-responsive liquid crystal elastomer logic gates processing optical information

Haley M. Tholen, Ryan L. Harne

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The synthesis of stimuli-responsive materials and digital logic operations provides the opportunity to incorporate decision-making in soft material systems. Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are attractive materials for such capabilities by virtue of their adaptability and quick actuation to facilitate instantaneous and autonomous decision-making. LCEs are innately thermally responsive, though interesting functionalities of LCEs can be realized by controlling molecular order in the elastomeric network and introducing additives for response to non-thermal stimuli. Herein, carbon black-embedded LCE films with liquid metal-based conductive traces are designed to undergo logic operations based on ultraviolet (UV) barcode inputs. Buffer and NOT switches are laser cut in LCE films with twist-nematic molecular order to enable contact and release of conductive traces. Opposite switching behavior is achieved with selective polymerization of the LCE film in nematic and near-isotropic states. These two types of switches are connected in series and parallel to create basic logic gates that can then be combined into more complex logic operations. UV barcode inputs allow for localized photothermal response resulting from the carbon black particulates absorbing light and emitting heat, thus enabling logic gate computation through the design and assembly of switches. This reversible, repeatable actuation contributes to embedding decision-making capabilities in photo-responsive soft material systems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBehavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials XVII
EditorsAimy Wissa, Mariantonieta Gutierrez Soto, Russell W. Mailen
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510660755
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
EventBehavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials XVII 2023 - Long Beach, United States
Duration: Mar 13 2023Mar 14 2023

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume12484
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceBehavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials XVII 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLong Beach
Period3/13/233/14/23

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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