Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are of interest for applications such as soft robotics and shape-morphing devices. Among the different actuation mechanisms, light offers advantages spatial local control via photothermal effect. However, unwanted aggregation light-absorbing nanoparticles in LCE matrix will limit response speed, performance, repeatability. Herein, a near-infrared-responsive composite consisting up to 0.20 wt% poly(ethylene glycol)-modified gold nanorods (AuNRs) without...

Abstract Direct ink writing of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) offers a new opportunity to program geometries for wide variety shape transformation modes toward applications such as soft robotics. So far, most 3D‐printed LCEs are thermally actuated. Herein, 3D‐printable photoresponsive gold nanorod (AuNR)/LCE composite is developed, allowing photothermal actuation the structures with AuNR low 0.1 wt.%. It shown that printed filament has superior response 27% strain upon irradiation...

Robots typically interact with their environments via feedback loops consisting of electronic sensors, microcontrollers, and actuators, which can be bulky complex. Researchers have sought new strategies for achieving autonomous sensing control in next-generation soft robots. We describe here an electronics-free approach robots, whose compositional structural features embody the sensing, control, actuation loop bodies. Specifically, we design multiple modular units that are regulated by...

Abstract Optical second harmonic generations (SHGs) from atomically thin MoTe 2 flakes with 2H and 1T′ phases are studied. From 2H‐MoTe samples odd (even) numbers of layers, strong (negligible) SHGs observed due to the layer‐dependent broken inversion symmetry. When pumped by a telecom‐band laser, SHG monolayer is about one order magnitude stronger than that WS ; an extremely high second‐order nonlinear susceptibility 2.5 nm V −1 estimated, presenting highest value among those reported in 2D...

The ability for materials to adapt their shape and mechanical properties the local environment is useful in a variety of applications, from soft robots deployable structures. In this work, we integrate liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) with multistable structures allow autonomous reconfiguration response changes temperature. LCEs are incorporated kirigami-inspired system which squares connected at vertices by small hinges composed LCE–silicone bilayers. These bend soften as temperature...

Butterfly-mimetic photonic nanostructures are fabricated by shearing large arrays of nanometer-scale structures, prepatterned using nanoimprint lithography. The overlapping domino-like structures generate a tunable bright iridescent effect similar to that found in natural butterfly wings (see image).

We demonstrate two GaAs/AlGaAs-based terahertz (THz) quantum well photo-detectors (QWPs), with one-dimensional (1D) metal grating and 45° facet light coupling configurations. The THz QWPs have the same multi-quantum structure parameters. different configurations do not affect peak response frequency (5.85 THz). background limited infrared performance temperatures responsivities of devices are measured. effects on main features investigated in detail. experimental results show that QWP 1D is...

From the key technology level, application of artificial intelligence (AI) in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is discussed. The basic connotation AI introduced. In four fields which are machine learning, expert system, automatic planning and distributed intelligence, UAV future development trend based on prospected, provides a reference for promoting UAV.

Pneumatic soft robots have several advantages, including facile fabrication, versatile deformation modes, and safe human–machine interaction. However, pneumatic typically rely on mechatronics to interact with their environment, which can limit form factors reliability. Researchers considered how achieve autonomous behaviors using the principles of mechanical computing physical intelligence. Herein, modular responsive valves that autonomously regulate airflow within in response various...

Nanocomposite of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/TiO/sub 2/ was prepared via solution blending method. The disperse performance TiO/sub in LDPE observed with Scanning Electron Microscope. It is shown that could be dispersed uniformly through controlling temperature and content the LDPE, largest conglomeration diameter less than 80 nm. At same time, space charge distribution samples without nano measured Pulsed Electroacoustic Method. Hetero-polar near electrodes much sample nanocomposite...

A ubiquitous structural feature in biological systems is texture extracellular matrix that gains functions when hardened, for example, cell walls, insect scales, and diatom tests. Here, we develop patterned liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) particles by recapitulating the biophysical patterning mechanism forms pollen grain surfaces. In grains, a phase separation of material into pattern condensed fluid-like phases induces undulations underlying elastic membrane to form patterns on surface. this...

We demonstrate a reconfigurable black phosphorus electrical field transistor, which is van der Waals heterostructured with few-layer graphene and hexagonal boron nitride flakes. Varied homojunctions could be realized by controlling both source–drain top-gate voltages. With the spatially resolved scanning photocurrent microscopy technique, photovoltaic photocurrents originated from band-bending regions are observed, confirming nine different configurations for each set of fixed In addition,...

The authors report a technology to make distributed Bragg reflector laser with buried dielectric grating and band gap tuned region. is constructed by high coupling coefficient gratings made of SiO2 InP. the blueshifted self-aligned quantum well intermixing using itself. photoluminescence peak wavelength can be shifted ∼45meV for sample covered compared thermal shift only at annealing temperature 800°C 100s. enhanced interdiffusion caused P vacancies generated InP interfaces as proved...

In this work, we investigate toughening mechanisms in soft polymers reinforced with stiff fibers, particularly focusing on the effect of strength fiber-matrix bond toughness. We print polydimethylsiloxane short milled glass fibers using direct ink writing, an extrusion-based 3D printing method. This process produces composites aligned fibers. Fibers can be treated acid prior to printing, which improves bond. results higher yield stress and The toughness attributed intrinsic such as matrix...

An optimization method of helicopter rotor hovering performance is proposed, which mainly carried out by means CFD simulation. This can be used to obtain the rotation speed any blade model under designed tension through several iterations, and then, tension, torque, power, power load obtained. By comparing different pitch, radius, twist, chord length, parameters at highest selected. A series new models are obtained changing on basis C-T rotor. NASA has a lot experiments published detailed...

In this work, we report 3D printable soft composites that are simultaneously stretchable and tough. The matrix of the composite consists polydimethylsiloxane containing octuple hydrogen bonding sites, resulting in a material significantly tougher than conventional polydimethylsiloxane. Short glass fibers also added to material. Prior solvent evaporation, possesses viscoelastic yield stress making it suitable for printing via direct ink writing. We mechanically characterize printed composite,...

In this letter, we report the observation of longitudinal mode grouping effect in InGaAsP∕InP multiquantum-well ridge waveguide laser. Two groups were observed and showed different behaviors with changing injection current. The higher order lateral modes current spreading structure is proposed to be responsible for phenomena. A one-step quantum-well intermixing process using SiO2 electrical isolation layer itself was introduced proved effective improving optical confinement a laser as well...

We have studied on optical second harmonic generations (SHGs) from atomically thin MoTe2 flakes with 2H and 1T' phases. From 2H-MoTe2 samples odd (even) numbers of layers, strong (negligible) SHGs are observed due to the layer-dependent broken inversion symmetry. When pumped by a telecom-band laser, SHG monolayer is about one order magnitude stronger than that WS2; an extremely high second-order nonlinear susceptibility 2.5 nm/V estimated, presenting highest value among those reported in...

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an important method to accurately calculate rotor flow field and aerodynamic performance of helicopter. With the rapid development simulation theory computing power, advantages CFD technology such as low cost, high efficiency, short cycle accuracy are increasingly prominent. Rotor one most components It provides lift, propulsion control for Its has impact on The threshold helicopter relatively high, which requires experienced professional engineers...