EFRI-ODISSEI: Photomorphon networks: Intelligent shape changing structures

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The three goals of this project are to demonstrate a photomorphon (the basic building block of a smart material that changes shape in response to light), to interconnect photomorphons with light in optical fibers, and to use interconnected photomorphons to create novel devices. Like the transistor, which endows integrated circuits with complex functionality, photomorphons interconnected with light will make photonic circuits with exceptional capabilities. Each element within such a photomorphon network is both a sensor and an actuator, making a morphing material that intelligently changes shape in response to external stimuli. This project is working from the ground up to develop new materials with enhanced photomechanical response, creating photomorphons from the new materials, and integrating these to explore applications enabled by morphing materials. Applications include tactile haptics and sensors, ultra-smart active textiles, and adaptive stretchable electronics, antennas and mirrors.The fruits of this project will be the scientific and engineering foundations that enable technologies that are unimaginable today. A tool-set is being developed to build photomorphon networks and to understand how to program them. As proof-of-principle of a photomorphon device, this project is collaborating with physicians to make a light-actuated electrode positioner to be used for deep brain stimulation, which is currently in clinical trials and hold great promise for treatment of neural diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The focus on using light to bend fibers into arbitrary space curves is an excellent paradigm for exploring the connections with art, and connecting art with soft-matter science in a way that will attract curious and creative young students to explore exciting new research embodying the union of art and science.This project is jointly funded by the National Science Foundation and the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research.