Laser triggered sequential folding of microstructures

In order to fabricate complex origami inspired devices, it is necessary to control folding pathways and enable sequential folding. We demonstrate sequential folding of microstructures from afar by the directed heating of pre-stressed hinges using low power, 40–80 mW handheld, commercial lasers. We observed that the hinge-actuation and consequently folding time varied with laser irradiance, wavelength, and distance. We highlight possible applications by sequential folding of patterned and nested microstructures.