Actuatable Optical Waveguide With SMP Bending for Light Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical waveguides lack the ability to reversibly change shape in response to external stimuli, limiting their flexibility and adaptability in directing light at different angles or locations.

Innovation Solution

An actuatable optical waveguide is designed with a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) outer cladding, a polymer core, and a shape memory polymer (SMP) layer on the outer surface, allowing the waveguide to change shape reversibly in response to thermal or light stimuli, enabling controlled light propagation at varying angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional optical waveguides are used, then light transmission over large distances is achieved, but the waveguides lack the ability to reversibly change shape in response to external stimuli

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape adaptabilityVSAvoidwaveguide structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide employs a composite structure consisting of a shape memory polymer (SMP) layer integrated with the optical waveguide core and cladding. This composite material approach enables the waveguide to exhibit both optical transmission properties and shape memory functionality, allowing reversible shape changes in response to thermal or optical stimuli while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide utilizes changes in material parameters (temperature, optical intensity) to trigger reversible shape transformations. The SMP layer transitions between different physical states based on external stimuli, enabling the waveguide to dynamically adjust its shape and light propagation path without permanent deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the waveguide shape is fixed, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to direct light at different angles or locations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight direction controlVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide system utilizes self-actuation through the SMP layer that automatically responds to external stimuli (thermal or optical) to change shape and redirect light. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical actuators or manual adjustment mechanisms, as the material itself performs the actuation function in response to environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the SMP layer covers the entire outer surface, then maximum shape control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape control rangeVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The SMP layer is applied selectively to specific regions or portions of the waveguide outer surface rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This local application strategy provides sufficient shape control for the intended application while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing material requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The waveguide achieves reversible bending and light redirection, enhancing its adaptability and flexibility in directing light around obstacles, with controlled bending angles and low attenuation.

Implementation Method 1

a shape memory polymer (SMP) layer disposed on an outer surface of the outer cladding such that the optical fiber is configured to reversibly change shape upon actuation of the SMP layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory polymer effect: Shape Memory Polymer

Implementation Method 2

allowing the waveguide to change shape reversibly in response to thermal or light stimuli

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal stimulus response: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

an optical fiber with a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) outer cladding, a polymer core material disposed within the outer cladding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical waveguide principle: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 4

an actuatable optical waveguide includes an optical fiber with a UV-cured LCE outer cladding, a UV-cured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) core material disposed within the UV-cured outer cladding, and a UV-cured SMP layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV curing: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20260072208A1Actuatable optical waveguide

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 GEORGIA TECH RES CORP

AI summary

An actuatable optical waveguide includes an optical fiber with a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) outer cladding, a polymer core disposed within the outer cladding, and a shape memory polymer (SMP) layer disposed on an outer surface of the outer cladding such that the optical fiber is configured to reversibly change shape upon actuation of the SMP layer. In some variations, the LCE outer cladding is a UV-cured LCE outer cladding, the polymer core is a UV-cured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) core, and the SMP layer is a UV-cured SMP layer.