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Preparation of Liquid Crystal Networks for Macroscopic Oscillatory Motion Induced by Light
Published on: September 20, 2017
Light-programmable mechanical computing via polyaniline composite film
Xiunan Yan1, Yixiang Li1, Yichen Zhao1
1Institute of Brain-Inspired Intelligence, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, School of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Jiangsu Physical Science Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
Mechanical computing represents a highly promising paradigm for environment-adaptive information processing. However, existing implementations are generally constrained by limited architectural scalability, and their modes of application in practical scenarios remain insufficiently defined. Here, we develop a light-programmable mechanical computing system that not only performs scalable logic operations but also enables environment-adaptive optical camouflage. The system is based on a polyaniline composite film (PCF) that integrates light-responsive expansion-contraction elements with a flexible conductive layer. Light illumination dynamically modulates the conductive pathways, giving rise to optically controlled single-pole single-throw (SPST) and single-pole double-throw (SPDT) relays that reconfigure signal transmission routes. Interconnecting these relays enables the construction of basic logic gates and 2-bit full-adder circuits, establishing a scalable paradigm for light-programmable mechanical computation. Moreover, we implement an adaptive camouflage function that senses environmental textures and generates matching optical patterns, demonstrating potential for intelligent skin applications capable of environmental interaction. This work establishes a light-programmable, pathway-reconfigurable mechanical computing framework, expanding possibilities for autonomous and adaptive intelligent systems.

