Reversible Nanocontraction and Dilatation in a Solid Induced by Polarized Light
P. Krecmer,
A. M. Moulin,
R. J. Stephenson,
T. Rayment,
M. E. Welland,
S. R. Elliott
*
Reversible, controllable optical nanocontraction and dilatation in
a chalcogenide glass film was induced by polarized light, and a direct
correlation of this optomechanical effect with the reversible
optical-induced optical anisotropy (dichroism) also exhibited by the
chalcogenide glass was observed. A microscopic model of the
photoinduced, reversible structural phenomenon responsible for the
optomechanical behavior is presented. The ability to induce an
anisotropic optomechanical effect could form the basis of a number of
applications, including polarized light-dependent optical nanoactuators, optomechanical diaphragm micropumps, and even motors driven by polarized light.
P. Krecmer, T. Rayment, S. R. Elliott, Department of
Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW,
UK.
A. M. Moulin, R. J. Stephenson, M. E. Welland,
Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street,
Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK.
*
To whom correspondence should be addressed.
