Illustration from Scientific Research

Photothermally induced bending: The LCN slab is exposed to light on one side. Photothermal compounds doped into the LCN convert the absorbed light energy into heat. There is conductive heating within the LCN, and the heat generated rapidly dissipates in water. The increased temperature in the LCN causes a reduction in molecular order that causes macroscopic bending. When light exposure is ceased, the LCN rapidly regains its original shape.

DOI