Spatiotemporal modulation of surface texture for information encoding and object manipulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a reversible, programmable surface texture modulation technique using a photothermal liquid crystal elastomer bilayer, enabling dynamic information encoding and object manipulation through spatiotemporal wrinkle control.

Contribution

It presents a novel, thermally reversible bilayer system for programmable, self-erasable surface wrinkling, advancing dynamic surface modulation for various applications.

Findings

Programmable wrinkle patterns generated via laser writing or light fields.

Enables object transport and navigation along designed paths.

Supports assembly, disassembly, and cargo transport through dynamic wrinkling.

Abstract

Dynamically tunable surface textures offer a powerful route to spatiotemporally regulate surface and interfacial properties, enabling emerging applications ranging from adaptive optics to soft robotic manipulation. However, achieving programmable, reversible, and spatiotemporal modulation of surface texture remains a fundamental challenge. Here, we present a photothermal-actuated liquid crystal elastomer bilayer that enables reversible, on-demand spatiotemporal modulation of surface textures through dynamically emerging and propagating wrinkles. Using direct laser writing or projected light fields, programmable and self-erasable wrinkle patterns are generated for dynamic information encoding. This spatiotemporal wrinkling enables object manipulation across diverse geometries, including uphill transport and navigation along predesigned paths. By coupling wrinkle-driven motion with thermally reversible dynamic bonding, the bilayer further enables assembly and disassembly of dynamic polymers, as well as cargo transportation. This work demonstrates spatiotemporally programmable wrinkling as a powerful mechanism for dynamic modulation of surface textures, establishing a versatile platform for multifunctional and reconfigurable smart surfaces.