Nature inspired intelligent photonic materials

Speaker: Diederik Sybolt Wiersma (INRIM - Turin, LENS, and Dept. Of Physics, University of Florence)

ABSTRACT

Photonic materials are specialized substances that manipulate light through their unique structures, enabling a wide range of advanced applications in fields such as robotics, medicine, and data security. We will discuss the applications of a new class of photonic materials based on smart polymers that respond to external stimuli. These materials can change shaped and size based on the environmental conditions. Since their photonic properties are also based on their structure, it is possible to create photonic arms and legs with a certain “smart”response. It is for instance possible to create a microscopic hand that  recognises particles of certain colours, grabbing them automatically. We will discuss various applications that range from robotics, to biomedical devices and new materials  for photonic data storage and security.