Multiple Actuation Modes in LCE Films

Liquid crystalline elastomers can undergo controlled, reversible shape deformations in response to thermal or light stimuli, with the deformations determined by anisotropies programmed into the material during fabrication. Small shape changes within a constrained two-dimensional surface can result in large out-of-plane deformations and three-dimensional shapes. Based off of a fabrication scheme that decouples the liquid crystalline director orientation from the material geometry, we present simulations and theoretical results showing how multiple modes of actuation can be obtained from a single LCE device through variation of the light stimulus, with applications for encryption and haptic interfaces. Additionally, the device can exhibit a rapid 'snap through' actuation as it transitions between these modes.