The transistor has revolutionized civilization. The photon will enable the next revolution provided that photomechanical materials, which convert light energy into mechanical work, can be made substantially more efficient. This tutorial develops a unified picture of the photomechanical response from its microscopic origins to the bulk response. A statistical model of the relationship between the photomorphon, the smallest photomechanical material unit, and the bulk response provides the context for understanding the various mechanisms that can contribute. We then present experimental details of how the photomechanical response is measured and used to deduce the underlying mechanisms. A figure of merit for the photomechanical efficiency is defined and materials are reviewed. Finally, we describe the photomechanical optical device (POD) and how PODs can be combined to form highly intelligent materials. This tutorial spans the multidisciplinary topics needed to (1) understand the fundamental physics of the response, (2) design and process materials to control the response, and (3) build new devices and integrated photomechanical systems.

中文翻译：

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光机械材料及应用

晶体管彻底改变了文明。如果能够将光能转化为机械功的光机械材料可以变得更加高效，那么光子将推动下一次革命。本教程开发了从微观起源到体响应的光机械响应的统一图片。光子、最小光机械材料单元和体响应之间关系的统计模型为理解可以做出贡献的各种机制提供了背景。然后，我们展示了如何测量光机械响应并用于推断潜在机制的实验细节。定义了光机械效率的品质因数并审查了材料。最后，我们描述了光机械光学器件 (POD) 以及如何将 POD 组合以形成高度智能的材料。本教程涵盖了 (1) 理解响应的基本物理学，(2) 设计和处理材料以控制响应，以及 (3) 构建新设备和集成光机械系统所需的多学科主题。