Gaussian-preserved, non-volatile shape morphing in three-dimensional microstructures for dual-functional electronic devices

Motile plant structures such as Mimosa pudica leaves, Impatiens glandulifera seedpods, and Dionaea muscipula leaves exhibit fast nastic movements in a few seconds or less. This motion is stimuli-independent mechanical movement following theorema egregium rules. Artificial analogs of tropistic motion in plants are exemplified by shape-morphing systems, which are characterized by high functional robustness and resilience for creating 3D structures. However, all shape-morphing systems developed so far rely exclusively on continuous external stimuli and result in slow response. Here, we report a Gaussian-preserved shape-morphing system to realize ultrafast shape morphing and non-volatile reconfiguration. Relying on the Gaussian-preserved rules, the transformation can be triggered by mechanical or thermal stimuli within a microsecond. Moreover, as localized energy minima are encountered during shape morphing, non-volatile configuration is preserved by geometrically enhanced rigidity. Using this system, we demonstrate a suite of electronic devices that are reconfigurable, and therefore, expand functional diversification. Designing the functional diversification of electronic devices with morphable 3D structures in multistable states remains a challenge. Here, the authors present a Gaussian-preserved shape-morphing system to realize ultrafast shape morphing and non-volatile reconfiguration developing dual-functional electronic devices, such as switch, actuator, and antenna on microscale.

Automated summary

The study introduces a Gaussian-preserved shape-morphing system for ultrafast shape morphing and non-volatile reconfiguration to develop dual-functional electronic devices at the microscale. This system allows transformation triggered by mechanical or thermal stimuli within a microsecond, and preserves non-volatile configuration during shape morphing process.