Delayed Light-Driven Actuations after Light Stopping

The manipulation of light actuators benefits from the advantages of the immediacy of light response. However, the immediacy of light response leads to indispensability of light irradiation in the actuating processes. The actuation after light irradiation stops, i.e., a delayed actuation can execute actuation functions, which is free of direct light irradiation. Here are proposed several delayed actuation systems after light irradiation based on intrinsic delay properties of shape memory alloy materials and additional regulation of soft silicone layers. Continuous motions after light stopping have been realized such as linear and rotating motions. Moreover, the delayed actuation relatively separates the irradiation and actuation, where an operational window period is allowed for task execution in light-preventing scenarios. The delay principle of light actuation overcomes the limitation of immediate response of light manipulation, and is also applicable to more materials and systems.