Travelling wave rotary micro-motor based on photo-mechanical response in liquid crystal polymer networks

The photo-mechanical response of liquid crystal polymer networks (LCNs) can be used to directly convert light energy into different forms of mechanical energy. In this study, we demonstrate how a traveling deformation, induced in a liquid crystal polymer ring by a spatially modulated laser beam, can be used to drive the ring (the rotor) to rotate around a stationary element (the stator), thus forming a light-powered micro-motor. The photo mechanical response of the polymer film is modeled numerically, different LCN molecular configurations are studied and the performance of a 5.5 mm diameter motor is characterized.