Towards adaptive optics: thermally driven liquid crystal elastomer actuators for shape tuning of soft contact lenses

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) combine the entropy-driven elasticity of polymers with the anisotropic order of liquid crystals, enabling reversible shape changes in response to external stimuli such as heat or light. This unique behavior positions LCEs as promising candidates for adaptive optical (AO) systems, where wireless, remote actuation is desired. However, their application in deforming soft optical elements, such as contact lenses, has been limited by challenges in achieving controlled, high-force actuation without compromising material stability. In this work, we investigate this area by demonstrating that LCE strips can generate tensile forces (120–197 mN) capable of measurably altering the radius of curvature of a commercial contact lens. Our results provide a proof of concept for LCE-based deformation of soft optical elements, where thermal stimulation induces measurable lens deformation, and demonstrate the potential of this approach as an actuation mechanism for adaptive optical systems.