Surface Nanopatterned Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)?Based Photosensitive Artificial Muscle

Light-driven shape memory alloy (SMA)-based microscale actuators show great promise for artificial muscle and biomedical applications, as they are actuated remotely have a fast response speed. However, ultraviolet (UV) light is required device actuation; thus, the operating environment has been limited. Here, an infrared (IR) light-driven SMA actuator proposed, in which plasmonic effect used to enhance IR absorptance. A sub-micrometer pattern create optical meta-surface capable of tuning Conical nanohole arrays fabricated with focused ion beam. The absorptance evaluated terms characteristics performance actuator. nanopatterned surface increases narrow-band absorption by up 55%. Optics simulations conducted verify experimental results. design method based on wavelength stimulating source. Combining heterogeneous surfaces, both UV achieve decoupled actuation. These similar that iris muscle, responsible eye's pupillary reflex. It expected these will broaden applications clinical devices soft robotics.