Unlike traditional materials that simply conduct electricity, these perovskite crystals physically bend in response to light, a behavior that can be reversed once the light is removed. This discovery opens the door to developing new light-controlled devices and sensors.
The team, led by graduate student Mansha Dubey, found that the intensity and color of light used could precisely control the shape change of the crystals.
The crystals undergo a shift in their internal structure when illuminated, and this effect, called photostriction, can be repeated many times. The ability to fine-tune the amount of bending with light could lead to innovations in smart materials that respond dynamically to external stimuli.
This breakthrough is significant because it allows for light to manipulate the physical properties of materials, unlike traditional semiconductors.
These materials could be used in future optical sensors, actuators, and even light-powered computing devices, offering more efficient and flexible alternatives to current technologies.
Perovskite crystals are already used in solar cells and optoelectronics due to their cost-effectiveness. Now, their ability to change shape with light adds an entirely new dimension to their potential applications.
The findings could have far-reaching impacts on the development of light-driven technologies and next-generation computing systems, where light replaces electricity in manipulating materials.
The research was supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the National Science Foundation and marks an exciting advancement in materials science.
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