High-resolution 3D direct laser writing for liquid-crystalline elastomer microstructures

Abstract

The paper describes 3D structures made of liquid-crystalline elastomer (LCE) - rings, woodpiles, etc. - fabricated by two-photon absorption direct laser writing with sub-micrometer resolution while maintaining the desired molecular orientation. These results lay the foundations for creating 3D, micrometer-sized, light-controlled LCE structures.

Keywords: alignment; azobenzene; direct laser writing; liquid-crystalline elastomers; smart materials.