Phys.org April 19, 2021
Researchers in Japan found that under irradiation with UV light crystals of a photochromic diarylethene peels off into micrometer sized crystals at a speed of 260 microseconds. These crystals can be potentially applied to macroscopic photomechanical actuators rapidly driven based on molecular machinery. As the material returns to its former molecular structure when exposed to visible light, the exfoliation method positions itself as a candidate for photoactuator manufacturing. A machine made up of photoactuators would not need direct contact with the power source to move. Among its many possible functions, it could be accurately manipulated within places machines with electrical wiring or circuitry cannot—for example, the capillaries of the human body…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ
Abstract. Credit: Cryst. Growth Des. 2021, XXXX, XXX, XXX-XXX, April 18, 2021Â