A light-fueled self-oscillator that senses force
Abstract Light-responsive materials with intrinsic negative feedback enable self-oscillation in non-equilibrium states. Conventional systems rely on self-shadowing in bending modes but fail when shadowing is constrained. Here, we demonstrate that external mechanical forces can bypass this limitation...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Communications Materials |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-025-00903-2 |
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| author | Zixuan Deng Arri Priimagi Kai Li Hao Zeng |
| author_facet | Zixuan Deng Arri Priimagi Kai Li Hao Zeng |
| author_sort | Zixuan Deng |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Light-responsive materials with intrinsic negative feedback enable self-oscillation in non-equilibrium states. Conventional systems rely on self-shadowing in bending modes but fail when shadowing is constrained. Here, we demonstrate that external mechanical forces can bypass this limitation, enabling sustained oscillations without complete shadowing. Using a vertically suspended light-responsive liquid crystal network (LCN) strip under constant irradiation, a transition from static deformation to continuous oscillation arises when a critical load is applied. This system reveals two key phenomena: (1) oscillation amplitude scales with light intensity, reaching an angular displacement of 300°—significantly surpassing bending-mode oscillators; and (2) oscillation frequency decreases with increasing load, reflecting intrinsic mechanical sensitivity. This force-assisted self-oscillation principle generalizes across diverse deformation modes, including bending, twisting, contraction, and off-axis LCN strips. By mimicking biological mechanosensation based on dissipative mechanism, our findings provide a simplified design for non-equilibrium matter capable of dynamic adaptation to mechanical loads. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-412c24b8813647cb8a8f12d15ffcbeb8 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2662-4443 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Communications Materials |
| spelling | doaj-art-412c24b8813647cb8a8f12d15ffcbeb82025-08-20T04:03:06ZengNature PortfolioCommunications Materials2662-44432025-08-01611810.1038/s43246-025-00903-2A light-fueled self-oscillator that senses forceZixuan Deng0Arri Priimagi1Kai Li2Hao Zeng3Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere UniversityFaculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere UniversitySchool of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu UniversityFaculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere UniversityAbstract Light-responsive materials with intrinsic negative feedback enable self-oscillation in non-equilibrium states. Conventional systems rely on self-shadowing in bending modes but fail when shadowing is constrained. Here, we demonstrate that external mechanical forces can bypass this limitation, enabling sustained oscillations without complete shadowing. Using a vertically suspended light-responsive liquid crystal network (LCN) strip under constant irradiation, a transition from static deformation to continuous oscillation arises when a critical load is applied. This system reveals two key phenomena: (1) oscillation amplitude scales with light intensity, reaching an angular displacement of 300°—significantly surpassing bending-mode oscillators; and (2) oscillation frequency decreases with increasing load, reflecting intrinsic mechanical sensitivity. This force-assisted self-oscillation principle generalizes across diverse deformation modes, including bending, twisting, contraction, and off-axis LCN strips. By mimicking biological mechanosensation based on dissipative mechanism, our findings provide a simplified design for non-equilibrium matter capable of dynamic adaptation to mechanical loads.https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-025-00903-2 |
| spellingShingle | Zixuan Deng Arri Priimagi Kai Li Hao Zeng A light-fueled self-oscillator that senses force Communications Materials |
| title | A light-fueled self-oscillator that senses force |
| title_full | A light-fueled self-oscillator that senses force |
| title_fullStr | A light-fueled self-oscillator that senses force |
| title_full_unstemmed | A light-fueled self-oscillator that senses force |
| title_short | A light-fueled self-oscillator that senses force |
| title_sort | light fueled self oscillator that senses force |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-025-00903-2 |
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