Order Parameter‐Programmed 2D‐to‐3D Morphing in Liquid Crystal Networks

Abstract Programmable deformation control underpins next‐generation intelligent morphing devices. Liquid crystal networks (LCNs) offer exceptional potential due to their inherent anisotropy and multi‐field responsiveness. However, current 3D morphological programming in LCNs lacks decoupled control over deformation direction and magnitude, fundamentally limiting complex shape‐morphing capabilities. In this work, a deformation programming strategy for LCNs based on grayscale polarized ultroviolet (UV) exposure is proposed, where light intensity and polarization direction are used to separately control the order parameter from dichroism S d (0.014‐0.426) and azimuthal angle (0‐π) of LCs, thereby enabling spatially independent regulation of deformation magnitude and direction. By combining a vertically aligned polyimide layer to form a splay configuration, a one‐to‐one mapping between exposure parameters and deformation metrics is established, where a broad curvature range Δ p of LCNs from 0‐0.125 to 0.149‐2.320 cm −1 is obtained. Furthermore, an inverse design algorithm is developed to convert arbitrary 3D surface geometries into 2D exposure maps. Thermally responsive liquid lenses and biomimetic fingerprints validate the broad adaptability and practical feasibility of this strategy in constructing complex functional 3D morphologies. This study presents a universal platform for reversible 3D shaping in LCNs with hundreds‐of‐microns precision, enabling applications in soft robotics, adaptive optics, and bioinspired systems.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Optical Materials
Published
2025-12-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202502857
Primary Topic
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Order Parameter‐Programmed 2D‐to‐3D Morphing in Liquid Crystal Networks

Yanqing Lu, Wei Hu, Xudong Yan, Dan Luo et al.
Advanced Optical Materials
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
article

Order Parameter‐Programmed 2D‐to‐3D Morphing in Liquid Crystal Networks

Yanqing Lu, Wei Hu, Xudong Yan, Dan Luo, Zongxuan Wu, Yanjun Liu, Wei Zhang, Lingling Ma, Mingxuan Liu, Quanming Chen
article en

Abstract

Abstract Programmable deformation control underpins next‐generation intelligent morphing devices. Liquid crystal networks (LCNs) offer exceptional potential due to their inherent anisotropy and multi‐field responsiveness. However, current 3D morphological programming in LCNs lacks decoupled control over deformation direction and magnitude, fundamentally limiting complex shape‐morphing capabilities. In this work, a deformation programming strategy for LCNs based on grayscale polarized ultroviolet (UV) exposure is proposed, where light intensity and polarization direction are used to separately control the order parameter from dichroism S d (0.014‐0.426) and azimuthal angle (0‐π) of LCs, thereby enabling spatially independent regulation of deformation magnitude and direction. By combining a vertically aligned polyimide layer to form a splay configuration, a one‐to‐one mapping between exposure parameters and deformation metrics is established, where a broad curvature range Δ p of LCNs from 0‐0.125 to 0.149‐2.320 cm −1 is obtained. Furthermore, an inverse design algorithm is developed to convert arbitrary 3D surface geometries into 2D exposure maps. Thermally responsive liquid lenses and biomimetic fingerprints validate the broad adaptability and practical feasibility of this strategy in constructing complex functional 3D morphologies. This study presents a universal platform for reversible 3D shaping in LCNs with hundreds‐of‐microns precision, enabling applications in soft robotics, adaptive optics, and bioinspired systems.

Advanced Optical MaterialsVol. 14(3)
Southern University of Science and Technology (CN), Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (CN), Nanjing University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 59%
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.