Self-regulated optomechanics achieves ultrabroadband and high-efficiency all-optical devices

Public summary

* Soft waveguides with self-regulated deformation under different illuminations.

* Wavelength and polarization independent all-optical diodes and transistors.

* Modular logic gates implement essential Boolean operations.

Abstract

All-optical logic devices require nonreciprocal wave propagation, which is often achieved by resonance or nonlinear effects at the cost of limited transmitted modes, wavelengths, and overall energy efficiency. By leveraging the inherited feedback loops, the nature-inspired self-regulated soft actuators could act as “gatekeepers” to identify the wave propagation direction to achieve similar logic functions in linear optics. Here, we report an effective design for all-optical diodes, transistors, and logic gates using self-regulated soft waveguides. These soft optomechanical systems, which are fabricated from hydrogels and liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), exhibit direction recognition, autonomous alignment and selective transmission, achieving wavelength- and polarization-independent processing of signals and high overall efficiency. This versatile platform presents extended capabilities of integrated soft robotics and embodied intelligent material systems.