Photomechanical effects in materials convert light into mechanical work. The wirelessly triggered mechanical response transforms is shown to transform the shape, stiffness, or surface topography of the material. This book details the intercoupling between the mechanical response, chemistry, physics, and optics of the material system.

An exhaustive review of the history, current state, and future opportunities for harnessing light to accomplish useful work in materials, this book describes the chemistry, physics, and mechanics of light-controlled systems. * Describes photomechanical materials and mechanisms, along with key applications * Exceptional collection of leading authors, internationally recognized for their work in this growing area * Covers the full scope of photomechanical materials: polymers, crystals, ceramics, and nanocomposites * Deals with an interdisciplinary coupling of mechanics, materials, chemistry, and physics * Emphasizes application opportunities in creating adaptive surface features, shape memory devices, and actuators; while assessing future prospects for utility in optics and photonics and soft robotics