Nonlinear opto-electromechanics and photodeformation of optical actuators

Optically driven actuators can introduce remote actuation and control effects without any hard-wire connections. In this study, photostrictive (opto-piezoelectric) characteristics and photodeformation of distributed photostrictive optical actuators are investigated and a parametric study of design parameters is conducted. Photodeformation induced by the photostrictive (opto-piezoelectric) effect (a combination of the photovoltaic effect and the converse piezoelectric effect) is discussed and its two-dimensional (2D) constitutive relations are presented. 2D equivalent control forces and moments induced by the photodeformation effect of distributed actuators are formulated, and system governing equations derived. Static and dynamic applications are discussed, and simulation studies of design parameters are conducted and evaluated.