Photo-Piezo-ActUators based on Light SEnsitive COMposite (DFM.AD003.332)
Thematic area
Physical sciences and technologies of matter
Project area
Materiali innovativi (DFM.AD003)Structure responsible for the research project
Istituto di cibernetica "Edoardo Caianiello" (ISASI)
Other structures collaborating in the research project
Project manager
LUCIA PETTI
Phone number: 0818675037
Email: l.petti@isasi.cnr.it
Abstract
PULSE-COM aims to explore technological breakthroughs developing and integrating a new class of Photo-Piezo-Actuators to open a radical new future technology. Our vision is based on the use of low cost photo-mobile polymer (PMP) films and a lead-free piezo-composite (PZL) to target their use in innovative new fields never before considered. Starting from phenomenological and modelling aspects of the composite materials, we will fabricate and experimentally characterize Photo-Piezo-Actuators (PMP-PZL) proof of concept devices. The project will address through an ambitious interdisciplinary research to the employment of proper materials and the appropriate optical strategies to increase and tune the absorption of the light and finally to increase the PMP devices efficiency. With the same target electromechanical models and innovative growth processes will guide the optimization of the piezocomposite to improve its performance, and thus its sensitivity when coupled with the PMP. The PMP-PZL device will be integrated into more complex opto-electronic systems through high-risk incremental research to achieve pioneering industrial implementation.
Goals
Specifically, we target to
1) Meso-scale machines Systems. In this part of the activity, we will develop radically new piezo-switch and piezo-valve devices to control the movement of the actuator by means of remote control without additional mechanical elements and minimizing the electronic structure of the system. These innovative features are fundamental both for miniaturizing the structures and for safety reasons where it is necessary to actuate the systems without touching them.
2) Reconfigurable Optics Systems
In this part of the activity, we will develop new reconfigurable systems that could be employed from diagnostic to telecommunication. We will develop completely new tunable and switchable functionalities by means of optical control. In particular, in this case we will be able to control the directionality of light by a secondary light source (control light by light).
3) Photoenergy Harvesting Systems
Our objective is to use the PMP-PZL device for an energy harvesting system. In particular, PMP-PZL device might be able to convert light from a spectrum wider then accessible for classic PV modules, enabling power supply under nonstandard lighting conditions.
Start date of activity
01/12/2019
Keywords
FOTO-PIEZO Attuatori, photo-activated Meso-scale machines as opto-switches and opto-microvalves, Reconfigurable Optics and Photoenergy Harvesting Systems
Last update: 20/05/2024