Optical actuator

CN122600772APending Publication Date: 2026-08-18WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202610605570.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-06-03
Filing Date
2020-06-03
Publication Date
2026-08-18

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Abstract

An actuator (100) powered by photon energy, comprising a rotor comprising a material (101) that deforms from a first undeformed state to a second deformed state when exposed to electromagnetic radiation and starts to return to the first state when the electromagnetic radiation is removed. A fixed element (102) is fixed to the rotor. A moving element (105) engages the stator at least when the rotor is in the second deformed state. The deformation of the deformable material in response to the applied electromagnetic radiation is transmitted by the fixed element and the moving element to the moving element by friction between the fixed element and the moving element to cause movement of the moving element.
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Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 2020800550471, filed on June 3, 2020, entitled "Optical Actuator". Technical Field

[0002] An optical actuator is described, and more specifically, an optical actuator that generates mechanical motion to perform direct work. Background Technology

[0003] Actuator designs vary depending on the intended use. For example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines have strong magnetic fields, and MRI-compatible robotics is a growing field. Conventional nonferrous piezoelectric motors can be made MRI-compatible, but are not MRI-safe. Non-ferrous metals in conventional piezoelectric actuators affect the uniformity of the BO field in MRI, leading to distortion and reduced image quality. Pneumatic and hydraulic actuators can be manufactured without metal components, but this results in reduced accuracy and increased size.

[0004] In a vacuum environment, conventional motors can be remotely operated and powered by onboard batteries; however, operating time is limited by battery life. Special seals can be created to allow the motor cables to pass through the vacuum seal, but this increases the complexity of the vacuum chamber design and introduces potential sources of failure.

[0005] In explosive environments, such as fuel tanks in aircraft, motors can be shielded or operated at low voltage, which reduces the risk of sparks. For example, piezoelectric motors do not produce electric arcs.

[0006] For the reasons mentioned above, there is a need for a new actuator that does not require electronic components or metal parts at or near the actuation point. The actuator should be MRI-safe and usable in vacuum and explosive environments. Ideally, the actuator should be injection moldable or 3D printed. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To gain a more complete understanding of the optical actuator, reference should now be made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an optically actuated photostrictive actuator.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the photostrictive actuator.

[0009] Figure 3 Is with Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic side view of the light source used in conjunction with the photostrictive actuator shown.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a piezoelectric actuator.

[0011] Figure 5 Is with Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of multiple light sources used together in a photostrictive actuator.

[0012] Figure 6 Is with Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic side view of multiple movable light sources used together with the photostrictive actuator shown.

[0013] Figure 7 This is an embodiment of a photostrictive actuator used to transmit vibrations or sound.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a photostrictive actuator.

[0015] Figure 9 It shows that it was passed to Figure 8 The graphs show the pulsed light output modes of the actuator's light generator in two modes.

[0016] Figure 10 The results show that azobenzene LCP deforms when exposed to UV light at a wavelength of 450 nm, but recovers to its undeformed state when exposed to UV light at a wavelength of 365 nm.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a photostrictive actuator.

[0018] Figure 12 It shows that it was passed to Figure 11 The graphs show the pulsed light output modes of the actuator's light generator in two modes.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a rotary electric motor.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a double-sided driven linear motor.

[0021] Figures 15a and 15b are schematic diagrams of embodiments of a multi-directional stack motor in a relaxed state and an activated state, respectively.

[0022] Figure 16 These are schematic diagrams of the light output on the illumination surface of the multidirectional stack motor shown in Figures 15a and 15b.

[0023] Figure 17The graphs show four modes of pulsed light output transmitted to the multidirectional stack motor shown in Figures 15a and 15b.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a device used in an underwater environment.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a device used in a vacuum environment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Certain terms are used herein for convenience only and should not be considered limiting. For example, terms such as “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” describe only the configuration shown in the figures. In reality, components can be oriented in any direction; therefore, the terms should be understood to cover such variations unless otherwise specified. The terms “inner” and “outer” refer to directions toward and away from the geometric center of the core and its designated portion, respectively. Terms include those specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and terms with similar meanings.

[0027] A photostrictive or optomechanical actuator comprises a material that is deformable when exposed to light or other electromagnetic radiation and substantially partially returns to a first undeformed state when the light is removed under hysteresis. The deformable material may be a layer of lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate (PLZT). In alternative embodiments, the deformable material may be another material with photoactivated strain, including but not limited to lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT), BiFeO3, and azobenzene-containing liquid crystal polymers (LCPs). A single ultraviolet (UV) light source will deform PLZT, PMN-PT, and BiFeO3. Controlling the duration of light delivery for exposing the material induces the desired deformation. Various types of light sources can be used, including spectra (including center wavelength and associated FWHM). The light source used to control the actuator or portions thereof may be pulse-switched or controllable with variable intensity.

[0028] In one configuration, at a wavelength of 366nm and 10mW / cm 2Under power density UV light, 0.5% WO3-doped (lead Pb 0.97, lanthanum La 0.03) (zirconium Zr 0.52, titanium Ti 0.48) 1-0.03 / 4O3, [lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate PLZT (3 / 52 / 48)] exhibits photostriction. For example, the response time of PLZT (3 / 52 / 48) is typically slow, ranging from several seconds to one minute. As an alternative, PMN-PT-32% has a larger piezoelectric constant and a faster response time of approximately one second. Compared to optimized PLZT ceramics, BiFeO3 exhibits lower photostriction efficiency; however, due to its faster response time below approximately 100 μs, BiFeO3 single crystals would be more suitable for certain applications. Azobenzene LCPs deform upon exposure to UV light at a wavelength of 450 nm and recover to an undeformed state upon exposure to UV light at a wavelength of 365 nm. Figure 10 Phase-change, pulsed light systems can be applied to any material. Different materials have different contraction and extension timescales, and suitable dynamic parameters can be tuned through material selection and preparation, as well as light source configuration and control. Different materials with different time responses or spectral responses can be combined into a single actuator for motion control, and in some embodiments, the motion of different parts of the actuator is completely or partially decoupled.

[0029] Light from the light source can be controlled, and light patterns can be designed and customized for application to photostrictive materials. In one configuration, the light guide consists of one or more fiber optic cables and can output a desired pattern. In one embodiment, the light output is converted into pulsed light output via a pulsed light generator with a predetermined pattern. The laser will produce light output in the spectrum between 300 nm and 10,000 nm. Suitable lasers can be selected from, but are not limited to, argon (Ar) ion lasers; neodymium (Nd:YAG) lasers; titanium (Ti:Sapphire) lasers; tunable solid-state and dye lasers; semiconductor lasers; and carbon dioxide lasers. As described above, a control system can be applied to generate light output of variable intensity. The desired light output can be extended by an optical system including devices that generate light output in the visible or infrared spectrum, and other waveguides via lenses or another coupler.

[0030] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 An embodiment of a photostrictive or optomechanical actuator is illustrated and is generally indicated by 100. The actuator includes a material 101 that deforms upon exposure to light or other electromagnetic radiation and substantially partially returns to its first undeformed state when the light is removed under hysteresis. In one embodiment, material 101 may be a discrete component incorporated into other layers of the actuator 100, or material 101 may be directly coated onto another material.

[0031] like Figure 1 The embodiment of the actuator shown also includes a stator 102. An optical actuation material 101 is bonded to the stator 102, which is used to transmit the deformation of the material 101.

[0032] Deformation of material 101 is caused by one or more light sources 103, 104, including a light source irradiating material 101. Light sources 103, 104 can be fully integrated into a mounting device such as, but not limited to, an LED or laser. The light source can be disposed within the motor housing having actuator 100. Alternatively, a light generator can be located remotely from actuator 100 or the actuation part and optically coupled to light sources 103, 104, for example, via optical fibers or other light guides. In this configuration, one or more lenses can be disposed within the body of the motor housing.

[0033] The stator 102 is frictionally coupled to the moving element 105. Deformation is transmitted from the stator 102 to the moving element 105, which converts the deformation transmitted by the stator 102 into motion. In one embodiment, the stator 102 has a predetermined periodic deformation pattern.

[0034] In one embodiment, the actuator 100 is a rotary motor. The light-braking material 101, bonded to the stator 102, deforms upon exposure to light sources 103, 104, thereby causing rotation of the moving element 105. Thus, the moving element 105 functions as a rotor. In this rotary motor embodiment, the motor is mechanically coupled in the form of an accessory, such as a rotating shaft 106 or a mounting hole pattern, so that the motion can be used by an external device.

[0035] In one application, material 101 and stator 102 are fixed in space, and rotor 105 is movable relative to material 101 and stator 102. This arrangement has the advantage of allowing light sources 103 and 104 to also remain fixed. However, it should be understood that material 101 and stator 102 can move relative to rotor 105, which is held as a fixed element.

[0036] Figure 2Another embodiment of a photostrictive actuator is shown, comprising a material 201 that deforms upon exposure to light or other electromagnetic radiation and substantially returns to its undeformed state when the light is removed. The material 201 is disposed on a stator 202. The stator 202 can be used to generate translational motion along one or more degrees of freedom to an adjacent planar or spherical moving body 205. The moving body 205 can be loaded onto the stator 202 against gravity via a spring or weight 207. The moving body 205 can be attached via protrusions, mounting hole patterns 206, or can be directly used to push or pull another object. It should be understood that this arrangement does not preclude the possibility that the moving body 205 may be part of another object being actuated. This arrangement also does not preclude configurations in which the moving body 205 may rotate in addition to or instead of translation.

[0037] Reference Figure 3 The light source 301 can be used to generate light or other electromagnetic radiation. The light source 301 can be coupled to an optical demultiplexer 303. This demultiplexer may include a beam splitter and an acoustic shutter to time or guide the generated light or other electromagnetic radiation into an optical fiber 304 or other waveguides directed to materials 101, 201 that deform upon exposure to light. However, it should be understood that the output from the acoustic demultiplexer 303 can be directly coupled to a target component. Figure 5 In another embodiment shown, multiple light sources 501 are each coupled 504 to a lens 503 or another coupler via an optical fiber or other waveguide.

[0038] By adding a photoelectric converter 403, the conventional piezoelectric actuator 400 ( Figure 4 The photoelectric converter 403 can be directly attached to the piezoelectric material 401 or another material with electrically dependent strain properties.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, the optical terminal 602 may be coupled to or spaced apart from the material 603, which deforms upon exposure to light or other electromagnetic radiation and substantially returns to its undeformed state when the light is removed. It should be understood that the optical terminal 602 may be movable relative to the material 603.

[0040] Figure 7The illustrated embodiment of the actuator can be used to generate varying pressure in a medium, such as the pressure required to produce sound. This embodiment of the actuator includes a material 701 that deforms upon exposure to light or other electromagnetic radiation. This material is bonded to a layer 702, which transmits, couples, or amplifies vibrations to an element 703, which in turn couples to or moves the medium. The element 703 can be conical, flat, circular, or other designs intended to displace the medium in which the element 703 resides. However, it should be understood that the actuator can also generate pressure in a medium in which the actuator is not fully or not present at all.

[0041] Another embodiment of the actuator is in Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, and generally designated 800. In this embodiment, actuator 800 includes photoactuating material 801, which may be a discrete component bonded to other layers, or may be directly coated onto another material used as the stator. Rotor 802 is positioned in the direction towards the stator with the surface of the material having high pressure (e.g., ...). Figure 8 Paired on (as indicated by arrow 809 in the diagram). Light source 805 generates light output through light guide 808. In one embodiment, light guide 808 includes one or more optical fibers. In one configuration, light guide 808 is a multimode fiber optic cable. The light output is transmitted via fiber optic cable 808 to an optical system 803, 804 that guides the light output onto the illumination surface of material 801 and excites the illumination area. In one embodiment, the light output is converted into pulsed light output via pulsed light generators 806, 807. Figure 9 As shown, a first pulsed light generator 806 delivers mode 901, while a second pulsed light generator 807 delivers another mode 902. Using these modes, the shape of the stimulated region deforms and generates a traveling wave in the direction indicated by arrow 810. The traveling wave engages the surface of rotor 802 at each individual crest of the elliptical trajectory 811 that generates the motion, which is frictionally coupled to the material 801 by the rotor. The direction of motion 812 of rotor 802, as indicated by arrow 812, is opposite to the direction 810 followed by the traveling wave.

[0042] exist Figure 11 In another embodiment shown, the photoactuating material 1101 comprises azobenzene LCP. The photoactuating material 1101 can be a discrete component bonded to other layers, or it can be directly coated onto another material serving as the stator. The rotor 1102 is positioned in the direction toward the stator (e.g., Figure 11(Indicated by arrow 1110) is paired with a stator surface having high voltage. Light sources 905 and 906 generate various optical outputs through light guide 1109. In one embodiment, light guide 1109 includes one or more optical fibers. In this configuration, UV light with wavelengths of 365 nm and 450 nm enters the multimode fiber cable 1109, respectively. In one embodiment, each optical output is converted into a pulsed light output via pulsed light generators 1107 and 1108. The pulsed light will follow... Figure 12 The pattern shown. In one configuration, one optical output 1107 has two pulse modes 1001 and 1003, while another optical output 1108 has two additional pulse modes 1202 and 1204.

[0043] Two configurations of optical systems 1103 and 1104 transmit light output via fiber optic cables. Each system is designed to guide the light output onto the irradiated surface of material 1101 and excite the illuminated area. The excited area deforms and generates a traveling wave in the direction indicated by arrow 1112. The traveling wave engages the surface of rotor 1102 at each individual crest of its elliptical trajectory, whereby the rotor is frictionally coupled to material 1101 for output-generated motion. The direction of motion of rotor 1102, as shown by arrow 1113, is opposite to the direction 1112 followed by the traveling wave. The rotor rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 1113, opposite to the direction of the traveling wave 1112.

[0044] Figure 13 An embodiment of a rotary electric motor is shown, and is generally indicated by 1300. The rotary electric motor 1300 includes a photostrictive material 1301 serving as a stator. A rotor 1302 is paired with a high-voltage stator surface in the direction indicated by arrow 1306. In one configuration, light output is transmitted via fiber optic cable 1305 to an optical system 1303, 1304 designed to guide the light output onto an illuminating surface of the material 1301. As described above, the transmitted light can follow an excitation mode. The shape of the excited region of the material deforms and generates a traveling wave in the direction indicated by arrow 1308. The rotor 1302 engages the stator only at each individual peak of the elliptical trajectory, where the rotor is frictionally coupled to the material 1301 for output generating motion. The direction of motion 1309 of the rotor 1302 is opposite to the direction followed by the traveling wave indicated by arrow 1308. The rotor 1302 rotates in the direction 1309 opposite to the direction of the traveling wave 1308.

[0045] Reference Figure 14An embodiment of a dual-sided driven linear motor is shown, and is generally indicated as 1400. The linear motor 1400 includes a pair of photostrictive material layers 1401 serving as a stator. A slider 1402 is sandwiched between the top and bottom layers of the stator. High voltage is applied to the layers in the direction indicated by arrow 1405. In one configuration, light output is transmitted via fiber optic cable 1404 to an optical array system 1403 designed to direct the light output onto the illuminated surface of the material 1401. The light is transmitted in the manner described above. The stimulated region of the material 1401 undergoes T-shaped deformation and generates traveling waves 1407. The slider 1402 contacts the stator only at each crest on the top and bottom surfaces. The crests perform orbital (e.g., elliptical) motion 1407 of surface particles 1406. The direction of this orbital motion of the surface particles 1406 is opposite to the direction of the traveling waves 1407. The slider moves in a direction 1408 opposite to the traveling waves 1407.

[0046] Reference Figure 15A and Figure 15B An embodiment of a multidirectional stacked motor, generally designated 1500, is shown. In one embodiment, the stacked motor 1500 comprises a bicrystalline polymeric photostrictive material stacked together in a desired array structure. In one configuration, a 2×2×5 array of bicrystalline material is stacked. An output element 1502 is located at the center of the top surface of the array 1501. A light source 1503 generates light output through a light guide. In one embodiment, the light output is transmitted via a pulsed light generator 1504 according to... Figure 17 The exemplary phase-shifting modes 1701 to 1704 shown are converted into pulsed light output. One light source will follow one pulse mode 1701. Two light sources will follow a second pulse mode 1702. Three light sources will follow a third pulse mode 1703. Four light sources will follow a fourth pulse mode 1704. The light output is transmitted to a multimode fiber optic cable 1505, and then reflected and propagated on the illuminated surface of the material. Figure 16 Another embodiment could be a fiber optic sensor connector or fiber optic termination connection and propagation method. One configuration transmits output light from fiber optic cable 1603 to optical system 1602. In one embodiment, a two-layer array of 45° reflective micromirrors 1607, 1608 is disposed between two layers of bicrystalline polymeric photostrictive material 1601. When light output 1606 illuminates, the light is reflected by the micromirror array and illuminates the surface of material 1601. In one configuration, the light output can pass through the front mirror to reach the end mirror. Optical power loss and reflectivity need to be considered. Figure 17In the arrangement shown, the entire stacked array is twisted, and the output element rotates on a surface parallel to the ground. In another embodiment, the mode can be different phase shift settings, for example, with overlapping 30° phase shifts, such that the output element rotates on a surface parallel to the ground but in a smaller circle. Alternating switchable operating pulse modes, such as outputting pulses only 1 and 3 while not outputting pulses 2 and 4, cause the output element to rotate on a surface perpendicular to the ground.

[0047] Figure 18 An embodiment of the device for an aquatic environment application is illustrated and is generally indicated by 1800. In one embodiment, the device 1800 includes a motor 1801 located in a water tank 1803 and below the surface of water 1804. In one configuration, a pulsed light output is transmitted via fiber optic cable 1806 to an optical system 1805 designed to guide the light output. The light output 1807 illuminates water 1808, is reflected, and refracted at an angle 1809 primarily through the water, and illuminates the surface of a photostrictive material 1802 to excite and deform the material. Due to reflection, refraction, and penetration through the water, the light output power loss needs to be carefully considered. The position of the actuator 1800 and the light output also need to be aligned to deliver maximum light power density. It should be understood that different liquids with different refractive indices and multilayer liquids can be used. The angle of refraction needs to be precise.

[0048] Figure 19 An embodiment of a device for use in a vacuum chamber environment is shown, and the device is generally indicated as 1900. In one embodiment, device 1900 includes an actuator 1901 located inside a vacuum chamber 1903. In one configuration, chamber 1903 has an upper surface comprising a glass window 1904 or other transparent material with a sufficient light absorption index. An external pump 1905 maintains a vacuum state 1911 within chamber 1903. In use, a pulsed light output is transmitted via fiber optic cable 1907 to an optical system 1906 designed to guide the light output. The light output 1908 illuminates a glass at 1909. The light output is reflected and passes primarily through the glass 1910, illuminating the surface of a photostrictive material 1902 to excite and deform it. In one configuration, light output power loss needs to be considered due to the absorption index of the transparent material. The position of actuator 1901 and the light output also need to be aligned to deliver maximum light power density. In another embodiment, a nested vacuum chamber configuration may also be applied. In this configuration, absorption by the two transparent materials needs to be considered. In another embodiment, a superconducting environment with ultra-low temperature and ultra-high pressure can also be applied to this configuration.

[0049] The photostrictive actuator described herein offers numerous advantages, including providing an optical motor compatible with unique environments such as MRI machines, vacuum environments, and explosive atmospheres. This actuator can operate safely in the strong magnetic fields of MRI machines, magnetoencephalography (MEG) devices, or other NMR devices. The actuator thus achieves the highest level of interoperability, ensuring “MRI safety.” In a vacuum environment, the drive signal to the actuator can be transmitted through a transparent window, typically available in vacuum chambers. Optical coupling allows the motor to be actuated without wires breaking the vacuum seal. This also allows for underwater applications. The actuator can operate without battery life limitations. In explosive atmospheres, the actuator operates without any electronic components, eliminating the risk associated with sparks from the motor.

[0050] The actuators will also operate in other highly sensitive environments, such as those used in instruments, where electronics must be removed from the actuator to minimize the chance of interference. This can be applied to scientific instruments in terrestrial laboratories as well as space applications. Furthermore, the optical "back end" of the motor can be a large, complex device. However, at the actuation point, the optical back end can be coupled to a very low-cost piezoelectric crystal (essentially just a ceramic disk) without the need for physical contact (e.g., across sterile boundaries). This arrangement could be ideal for actuation modules in disposable sterile surgical kits. Micro-actuation techniques are possible by remotely placing the optical units and placing highly focused small optical fibers or light guides at the actuator.

[0051] If fabricated into a vibrating device or loudspeaker, and made from non-corrosive components, and because no wires lose their conductivity in an ionic environment, a resonant motor can operate as an underwater ultrasonic module. In aerospace applications, optical coupling allows for motor actuation without a wired control setup, for example, for rolling reaction wheels during the Hubble Space Telescope's rotation. Other, more direct solutions are possible, without requiring tangential solutions as described in the aforementioned industrial applications, such as batteries, shielding, etc.

[0052] Although optical actuators have been shown and described in considerable detail with reference to only a few exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that we do not intend to limit the invention to these embodiments, as various modifications, omissions, and additions can be made to the disclosed embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the apparatus, particularly in accordance with the foregoing teachings. Therefore, we intend to cover all such modifications, omissions, additions, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the apparatus, system, and method defined by the appended claims. In the claims, the clauses for "appendage plus function" are intended to attach the structure described herein to perform the function, and not only attach structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, although nails and screws may not be structural equivalents, since nails have cylindrical surfaces for securing wooden parts together and screws have helical surfaces, in the context of fastening wooden parts, nails and screws can be equivalent structures.

Claims

1. An actuator powered by photon energy, the actuator comprising: The body comprises a material that deforms from a first undeformed state to a second deformed state when exposed to electromagnetic radiation, and begins to return to the first undeformed state when the electromagnetic radiation is removed. Optical demultiplexer; An electromagnetic radiation source adapted to generate an output, the electromagnetic radiation source being coupled to the optical demultiplexer and configured to irradiate the surface of the body with the output; A fixing element attached to the main body; as well as The movable element engages the fixed element, at least when the body is in the second deformed state. The deformation of the deformable material in response to the applied electromagnetic radiation is transmitted from the fixed element to the moving element through friction between the fixed element and the moving element, thereby causing the moving element to move.

2. The actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The deformable material is selected from lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate (PLZT), lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT), BiFeO3, and liquid crystal polymers containing azobenzene.

3. The actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The deformation includes changes in the elastic volumetric dimensions of the deformable material of the main body.

4. The actuator of claim 1, further comprising a light guide for optically coupling the electromagnetic radiation source to the deformable material.

5. The actuator according to claim 4, wherein, The optical guide is an optical fiber.

6. The actuator as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The electromagnetic radiation source is a light source used to generate the output.

7. The actuator of claim 6, wherein, The light source includes a light-shaping optics device suitable for focused light output.

8. The actuator of claim 7, wherein, The light-forming optical device includes an optical lens.

9. The actuator of claim 6, wherein, The light source is suitable for generating pulsed light output.

10. The actuator of claim 6, wherein, The light source includes a laser.

11. The actuator of claim 1, further comprising a spring or weight to overcome gravity for loading the moving element onto the stationary element.

12. The actuator of claim 1, wherein, The motion is rotation, and the moving element includes a rotor and a rotatable output shaft coupled to the rotor.

13. The actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The motion is a translation along one or more degrees of freedom.

14. The actuator of claim 1, further comprising an object operatively connected to move together with the moving element.

15. The actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The optical demultiplexer is a beam splitter adapted to separate the output transmitted from the electromagnetic radiation source so as to transmit it to multiple surfaces on the body.

16. The actuator of claim 12, wherein, The fixing element is a shape selected from conical, planar, and circular planes.

17. The actuator of claim 1, wherein, The output from the electromagnetic radiation source is controlled in a coordinated manner to induce periodic deformation in the body, enabling the moving element to move continuously.

18. The actuator of claim 17, wherein, The resulting continuous motion is rotational motion.

19. The actuator of claim 17, wherein, The resulting continuous motion is linear motion.

20. The actuator of claim 9, wherein, The pulsed light output causes the main body to undergo reciprocating deformation.