JP2008019744A - Optically driven type actuator, light receiving element, light gate element, and light reflection element, and method for using optically driven type actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optically driven type actuator which continuously controls a light irradiation quantity, has photoresponsive property in which responsive speed is practical, flexibility and lightweight property, forms complicated structure, and is silently driven, to provide a light receiving element, a light gate element, and a light reflection element implemented by applying the optically driven type actuator, and also to provide a method for using the optically driven type actuator. <P>SOLUTION: To solve the above-described problem, the optically driven type actuator of the invention has a polymer deformed by receiving stimulation of light and utilizes deformation of the polymer as an actuator. The optically driven type actuator has: a polymer layer which contains a light-responsible group causing the change of the structure by light stimulation, and is deformed in response to the structural change of the light-responsible group; and a light impermeable layer absorbing or reflecting the light. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a light-driven actuator that includes a polymer that deforms in response to light stimulation and uses the deformation of the polymer as an actuator, a light-receiving element that is realized by applying the light-driven actuator, and an optical gate The present invention relates to an element, a light reflecting element, and a method of using the light-driven actuator.

  Various actuators have been developed in the mechatronics field. Particularly, polymer actuators have attracted a great deal of attention because they are flexible, lightweight, and silent when driven. Among them, the optically driven actuator that operates in response to light can supply energy without contact, and does not require wiring for driving, and can avoid noise generated from electrical wiring. In particular, it is expected to be applied to micromachines and robots used in the medical / nursing care field and aerospace field. Further, in the fields of medical equipment, industrial robots, personal robots, micromachines, etc., there is an increasing need for actuators that are small, light and flexible.

As a polymer material driven by light, research on a photoresponsive gel has been actively conducted. For example, photo-deformation by a polyacrylamide gel containing a leuco body of triphenylmethane that is photoionized (see Non-Patent Document 1), or a bending action by irradiating the polyacrylamide gel with CO ₂ infrared laser light (Non-Patent Document 2). Reference) is realized. In the former example, an ion dissociation reaction due to light occurs, and as a result, the osmotic pressure in the gel increases and swells. In the latter example, the penetration is based on the volume change of the gel due to heat generated by infrared laser light irradiation. This is due to pressure changes. In addition to polyacrylamide gels, polyimide gels containing azobenzene groups in the main chain as photoresponsive groups are also known (see Patent Document 1).

  However, such a light-responsive gel has a problem that a solvent is indispensable and cannot be used in a dry environment because the driving principle is based on the uptake and discharge of solvent molecules such as water based on changes in osmotic pressure.

  A liquid crystal elastomer has been reported as an optically driven actuator that can be used in a dry environment. For example, it has been reported that a liquid crystal elastomer obtained by crosslinking a polymer having an azobenzene group as a photoresponsive group in a side chain in a liquid crystal alignment state exhibits a stretching behavior when irradiated with ultraviolet light (see Non-Patent Document 3). Further, it is known that a polydomain liquid crystal elastomer obtained by crosslinking a polymerizable liquid crystal composition composed of an azobenzene derivative with light or heat can bend in a free direction by irradiation with polarized light of ultraviolet light (see Non-Patent Document 4).

  By the way, in recent years, in the field of materials, a material whose composition and function change continuously or step by step has been attracting attention. Such a material is generally called a functionally gradient material. As a method of manufacturing the functionally gradient material, for example, the light irradiation amount is continuously changed by using a photo-curing technique in which resin is solidified by irradiating light or a photo-etching technique using a chemical reaction by light irradiation. It is known to manufacture. However, in the method of manufacturing a functionally gradient material, conventionally, a large-scale apparatus is used to continuously change the amount of light irradiation, which causes a problem that the manufacturing cost increases. Therefore, there is a need for a method that can control the amount of light irradiation easily and continuously at a low cost. Development of a light receiving element that continuously changes the amount of light irradiation is also expected.

Also, in recent years, in the field of optoelectronics and the like, an optical circuit that directly performs signal processing with light using an optical waveguide provided on a substrate and an optical wiring that exchanges data with an optical signal between LSIs provided on the substrate Has come to be used. In the technical development of optical circuits and optical wiring, the development of optical elements that change the traveling direction of light according to the amount of light irradiation or light intensity, and optical gate elements that have a function of passing or blocking light are expected.
Macromolecules, Vol. 19, p. 2476 (1986) J. et al. Chem. Phys. 102, 551 (1995) Phys. Rev. Lett. Magazine, 87, 15501 (2001) Nature, Vol. 425, 145 (2003)

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention is capable of continuously controlling the amount of light irradiation, has a response speed that is practically light responsive, flexible, and lightweight, and can form a complex structure and can be silent. A light-driven actuator driven by a light-emitting device, a light-receiving element, an optical gate element, and a light-reflecting element realized by applying the light-driven actuator, and a method of using the light-driven actuator .

The optically driven actuator of the present invention that achieves the above object is as follows.
In a light-driven actuator that has a polymer that deforms in response to light stimulation and uses the deformation of the polymer as an actuator,
A polymer layer containing a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation, and deforms in accordance with the structural change of the photoresponsive group;
And a light-impermeable layer that absorbs or reflects light.

  Here, the “photoresponsive group” is a group that causes at least one of a photoisomerization reaction, a photodimerization reaction, and a photolysis reaction by light irradiation.

  The light-driven actuator of the present invention has a polymer layer that is deformed in accordance with the structural change of the photoresponsive group and a light-impermeable layer that absorbs or reflects light, and thus does not transmit light. It deforms according to the structural change of the photoresponsive group. The light-driven actuator of the present invention can control the irradiation light in accordance with the amount of deformation when receiving light. Therefore, in the production of the functional gradient material described above, a large-scale apparatus is not required for continuously changing the light irradiation amount.

  In addition, the optically driven actuator of the present invention has a practical optical response, flexibility, and lightness in response speed, can form a complex structure, and is driven silently.

  Here, the light-driven actuator of the present invention preferably includes a second polymer layer provided so as to sandwich the light-impermeable layer.

  By irradiating the polymer layer and the second polymer layer with light, the degree of bending is more finely controlled.

  Here, it is preferable that the polymer layer also serves as the light-impermeable layer.

  When the polymer layer also serves as the light-impermeable layer, the light-driven actuator of the present invention can change the structure of the photoresponsive group without transmitting light without laminating the light-impermeable layer. Deforms accordingly.

  Here, the light impermeable layer is preferably a light reflecting layer that reflects light.

  When the light-impermeable layer is a light reflecting layer that reflects light, when the light-driven actuator of the present invention is irradiated with light, the polymer layer is deformed according to the structural change of the photoresponsive group, The light reflecting layer reflects light while being deformed together with the polymer layer. In this case, since the angle at which the light is reflected changes according to the deformation of the optically driven actuator, the optical path of the light can be controlled.

  Here, the light-impermeable layer is preferably a light-absorbing layer that absorbs light.

  When light is applied to the light-driven actuator of the present invention, in which the light-impermeable layer absorbs light, the light-absorbing layer does not transmit light, and the light-driven actuator of the present It deforms according to the structural change of the photoresponsive group. For this reason, the light driving actuator according to the present invention is irradiated with a light beam having a spread that passes through the side of the light driven actuator according to the amount of deformation when the light driving actuator according to the present invention receives light. The mold actuator can continuously control the amount of light passing therethrough.

  Here, the photoresponsive group is preferably an azobenzene group.

  The azobenzene group usually exists as a thermodynamically stable trans isomer, but it becomes a cis isomer by irradiating the azobenzene group with ultraviolet light, and returns to the trans isomer again by irradiating the azobenzene group with visible light. It is a photoresponsive group. Therefore, by using an azobenzene group as a photoisomerization group, it is easy to cause a photoisomerization reaction, and extremely high photoresponsiveness can be obtained.

  Here, the polymer layer having the photoresponsive group is preferably a condensed polymer containing the photoresponsive group in the main chain.

  By including the photoresponsive group in the main chain, the physical properties of the condensation polymer can be appropriately controlled.

  Here, the polymer layer is one polymer or a plurality of polymers selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic polymers, polyester polymers, polyamide polymers, polyurethane polymers, and polycarbonate polymers. It is preferable that it consists of these combinations.

  The optically driven actuator of the present invention can be easily formed into a film shape.

Here, the light receiving element of the present invention that achieves the above object is
A light receiving surface that receives light and causes a photoreaction;
The light-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein the light-driven actuator is disposed so as to cover the light receiving surface and is deformed by light irradiation to change an area covering the light receiving surface.

  The light-driven actuator according to claim 1 is subjected to light irradiation and deforms to change the area covering the light receiving surface, thereby providing a light receiving element that continuously changes the light irradiation amount.

Here, the optical gate element of the present invention that achieves the above object is as follows.
An optically driven actuator according to claim 1;
A frame having a light path that supports the light-driven actuator and has a light passage area that changes according to the amount of deformation when the light-driven actuator receives light. To do.

  The optical gate element of the present invention can easily pass or block light according to the amount of deformation when the light-driven actuator receives light.

Here, the light reflecting element of the present invention that achieves the above object is
An optically driven actuator according to claim 4,
A support for supporting the optically driven actuator,
The light-driven actuator reflects the light in different directions according to the amount of deformation when the light-driven actuator receives light.

  When the light reflecting element of the present invention is irradiated with light, the light reflection path changes according to the deformation of the light-driven actuator, so that the optical path of the light is changed. The light reflecting element of the present invention can easily and continuously change the optical path of light.

  Here, a first method of using the optically driven actuator of the present invention that achieves the above object is that the optically driven actuator according to claim 1 is responsive to a deformation amount when the optically driven actuator receives light. In addition, the present invention is characterized by irradiating light beams having different spread areas passing through the side of the light-driven actuator.

  According to the first method of using the light-driven actuator of the present invention, the light irradiation amount can be controlled easily and continuously at low cost.

  Here, a second method of using the light-driven actuator of the present invention that achieves the above object is that the light-driven actuator according to claim 4 is responsive to a deformation amount when the light-driven actuator receives light. It is characterized by irradiating light beams reflected in different directions.

  According to the second method of using the light-driven actuator of the present invention, for example, in the light reflecting element, the optical path of light can be easily and continuously changed.

  According to the present invention, the irradiation amount of light can be continuously controlled, and the response speed has practical light responsiveness, flexibility, and lightness, and a complex structure can be formed and driven silently. An optically driven actuator, a light receiving element, an optical gate element, and an optical reflecting element realized by applying the optically driven actuator, and a method of using the optically driven actuator are obtained.

  The optically driven actuator of the present invention will be described in detail below.

  The light-driven actuator of the present invention is characterized by having a polymer layer containing a light-responsive group and a light-impermeable layer. The light opaque layer is preferably a light absorbing layer or a light reflecting layer as will be described later.

  Here, the polymer layer containing the photoresponsive group may be formed on the light absorbing layer or the light reflecting layer, and the polymer layer containing the photoresponsive group also serves as the light absorbing layer or the light reflecting layer. It may be.

  In the case where the polymer layer containing the photoresponsive group and the light opaque layer are formed as separate layers, the ratio of the photoresponsive group contributing to the change of the actuator such as bending is increased.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the optically driven actuator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first example of an optically driven actuator.

  This first example is the optically driven actuator 1 of the first embodiment in the optically driven actuator of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the light-driven actuator 1 is obtained by laminating a polymer layer 11 on a light absorbing layer 12 that absorbs light.

  The polymer layer 11 includes a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation, and is deformed according to the structural change of the photoresponsive group.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the optically driven actuator.

  This second example is the optically driven actuator 2 of the second embodiment in the optically driven actuator of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the light-driven actuator 2 is obtained by laminating a polymer layer 11 on a light reflection layer 13 that reflects light.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of the optically driven actuator.

  This third example is the optically driven actuator 3 according to the third embodiment of the optically driven actuator of the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth example of the optically driven actuator.

  This 4th example is the optical drive type actuator 4 of 4th Embodiment in the optical drive type actuator of this invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the light-driven actuator 3 has a structure in which a light absorption layer 12 is sandwiched between a first polymer layer 11 and a second polymer layer 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the light-driven actuator 4 also has a structure in which the light reflecting layer 13 is sandwiched between the first polymer layer 11 and the second polymer layer 11. .

  The light-driven actuator of the present invention may be disposed only on the upper surface of the light absorbing layer 12 or the light reflecting layer 13 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and as shown in FIGS. You may arrange | position on the both surfaces of the absorption layer 12 or the light reflection layer 13. FIG. By disposing on both sides, the light-driven actuator can be changed to both sides.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth example of the optically driven actuator.

  The fifth example is the optically driven actuator 5 of the fifth embodiment in the optically driven actuator of the present invention.

  The light-driven actuator 5 of the fifth example is obtained by laminating the light-driven actuator of the present invention on a support layer 14 that supports the light-driven actuator. Details of the support layer 14 will be described later.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a sixth example of the optically driven actuator.

  This sixth example is the optically driven actuator 6 of the sixth embodiment in the optically driven actuator of the present invention.

  The light-driven actuator 6 of this sixth example is provided with an alignment layer 15 for controlling the alignment of the polymer layer between the polymer layer and the light-impermeable layer of the light-driven actuator of the present invention. is there.

  In FIG. 6, the light absorbing layer 12 is employed as the light impermeable layer, but the light reflecting layer 13 may be used.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a seventh example of the optically driven actuator.

  This seventh example is the optically driven actuator 7 of the seventh embodiment in the optically driven actuator of the present invention.

  In the light-driven actuator 7 of the seventh example, an adhesive layer 16 for improving interlayer adhesion is provided between the polymer layer and the light-impermeable layer of the light-driven actuator of the present invention.

  In FIG. 7, the light absorbing layer 12 is employed as the light impermeable layer, but the light reflecting layer 13 may be used.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an eighth example of the optically driven actuator.

  This eighth example is the optically driven actuator 8 of the eighth embodiment in the optically driven actuator of the present invention.

  The light-driven actuator 8 includes a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation, and has a polymer layer that absorbs or reflects light.

  The light-driven actuator 8 can be deformed according to the structural change of the photoresponsive group without transmitting light without laminating a light-impermeable layer unlike the light-driven actuator 1.

  Hereinafter, in the optically driven actuator of the present invention, the polymer layer containing the photoresponsive group, the light absorbing layer, and the light reflecting layer will be described in detail.

  The light absorption layer used in the present invention preferably has a light transmittance of 20% or less, more preferably 10% or less, and particularly preferably 5% or less. Specifically, a resin obtained by dispersing a metal thin film, a pigment, or the like, or coloring with a dye, or a coating film of a pigment, a dye, or the like can be used. As the metal forming the metal thin film, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, chromium, and the like are preferable, and aluminum and chromium are particularly preferable. Regarding the thickness of the metal thin film, a film of 100 nm to 2 μm is preferable, and a film of 200 nm to 1 μm is more preferable. As the pigment forming the resin in which the pigment is dispersed, a black pigment, a colored pigment having two or more different colors among brown, blue, purple, yellow, red, orange and green, or carbon black is preferably used. be able to. The thickness of the resin is preferably 300 nm to 3 mm, more preferably 1 μm to 500 μm. Regarding the formation method, the pigment may be dispersed in the resin by kneading or the like, or the resin may be dispersed in the photosensitive polymer or monomer and then cured. As a dye used for a polymer resin colored with a dye or the like, it is preferable to use a black dye, a colored dye having two or more different colors among brown, blue, purple, yellow, red, orange and green. The thickness of the polymer resin to be formed is the same as that of the polymer resin obtained by dispersing the pigment. Furthermore, regarding the coating films of pigments and dyes, the pigments and dyes used in the above resins can be used as preferred examples, and a film is formed by applying a coating solution dispersed or dissolved in a solution or the like. be able to. The thickness of the coating film is preferably 100 nm to 500 μm, and more preferably 1 μm to 50 μm.

  For the light reflecting layer used in the present invention, a metal thin film such as aluminum, gold, silver, copper, or nickel having high reflectance is usually used, and aluminum, gold, or silver metal thin films are particularly preferable. The film thickness of the metal thin film is the same as that of the light absorption layer described above.

  Regarding the support layer used in the present invention, various support layers can be used as necessary, but it is preferable to have flexibility. Specifically, various polymer films and elastomers can be used. Preferable examples of the polymer film include cellulose polymer films such as cellulose triacetate, polyester films such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyolefin films such as polyethylene, cycloolefin films such as zeonoa and arton, and the like. These polymer films may be a single polymer or a copolymerized polymer. Elastomers include natural rubber, unvulcanized rubber, vulcanized rubber, chloroprene, silicone, urethane, polyamide, polyester, polyacryl, polyolefin, halogenated polyolefin, polystyrene, fluorine, and chlorosulfone. Elastomers such as modified polyethylene and ethylene / propylene copolymer are preferred. Of these, natural rubber, polyacrylic elastomer, and silicone elastomer are particularly preferable.

  The polymer layer containing a photoresponsive group is formed of a polymer having a photoresponsive group in the main chain, side chain, and / or cross-linked chain, but from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost and ease of orientation in stretching. A polymer having a photoresponsive group in the main chain can be preferably used. As the polymer, a condensation polymer is preferable. In the present invention, the condensation polymer refers to a polymer that can be synthesized by condensation polymerization or polyaddition. Specific examples include polyacrylic polymers, polyamide polymers, polyurethane polymers, polycarbonate polymers, polyester polymers, polyolefin polymers, silicon polymers, and the like. Of these, polyacrylic polymers, polyamide polymers, polyurethane polymers, polycarbonate polymers, and polyester polymers are preferred examples. Polyacrylic polymers and polyester polymers are particularly preferred.

  As described above, the photoresponsive group is a group that causes at least one of a photoisomerization reaction, a photodimerization reaction, and a photolysis reaction by light irradiation. The photoresponsive group is particularly preferably a group that undergoes a photoisomerization reaction by light irradiation from the viewpoint of reversibility. Specifically, an azobenzene group can be mentioned as a particularly preferred example of such a photoresponsive group.

  Specific examples are given below. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these.

  Here, the copolymer P1 has a weight average molecular weight of 11500 and a number average molecular weight of 6400, and the copolymer P2 has a weight average molecular weight of 10500 and a number average molecular weight of 5700. Moreover, the ratio of the monomer containing the photoresponsive group in the copolymer P1 is m: n = 8: 2, and the ratio of the monomer containing the photoresponsive group in the copolymer P2 is m: n = 9: 1.

  In P-1 to P-4, the weight average molecular weight is preferably 1000 to 1000000, more preferably 5000 to 300000, and most preferably 5000 to 150,000, and the monomer ratio (m: n) is preferably 99.000. 9: 0.1 to 0.1: 99.9, more preferably 99: 1 to 1:99, and most preferably 97: 3 to 40:60.

  Here, the copolymer P3 has a weight average molecular weight = 9400 and a number average molecular weight = 4800, and the copolymer P4 has a weight average molecular weight = 8700 and a number average molecular weight = 4300. The ratio of the monomer containing a photoresponsive group in the copolymer P3 is m: n = 8: 2, and the ratio of the monomer containing a photoresponsive group in the copolymer P4 is m: n = 7: 3.

  Here, the copolymer P5 has a weight average molecular weight of 18500 and a number average molecular weight of 12200, and the copolymer P6 has a weight average molecular weight of 13500 and a number average molecular weight of 9700. Moreover, the ratio of the monomer containing the photoresponsive group in the copolymer P5 is m: n: l = 7: 2: 1, and the ratio of the monomer containing the photoresponsive group in the copolymer P6 is m: n: n: l = 4: 3: 3.

  Here, the copolymer P7 has a weight average molecular weight = 7700 and a number average molecular weight = 4100. Moreover, the ratio of the monomer containing the photoresponsive group in the copolymer P7 is m: n: l = 4: 3: 3.

  Here, the copolymer P8 has a weight average molecular weight = 82300 and a number average molecular weight = 30100, and the copolymer P9 has a weight average molecular weight = 71400 and a number average molecular weight = 20400.

  The polymer layer containing a photoresponsive group can also be formed by coating a polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group on a light absorbing layer or a light reflecting layer and polymerizing the polymerizable molecule. . Specific examples of the polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group are given below. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these.

  These photopolymerizable molecules can also be used in combination with various monofunctional monomers. Examples of monofunctional monomers are shown below, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these.

  The photoresponsive group may or may not be oriented in the polymer layer, and which one is selected depends on the usage form of the light-driven actuator. For example, when a material that selectively bends or stretches only in one direction is required, it is preferable that the photoresponsive groups are uniaxially arranged in the polymer layer. In addition, when a material that can be bent or stretched in a free direction is required, it is preferable that the photoresponsive group is not oriented in the polymer layer.

  When an alignment layer is disposed between the light absorption layer or the light reflection layer and the polymer layer, for example, a known alignment film generally used in the liquid crystal field can be adopted as the alignment layer. As specific examples, an alignment film such as polyimide or polyvinyl alcohol subjected to rubbing alignment treatment, an azobenzene derivative, cinnamic acid derivative, or coumarin derivative subjected to photo-alignment treatment can be employed.

  When an adhesive layer is disposed between the light absorbing layer or the light reflecting layer and the polymer layer, a known adhesive can be used for the adhesive layer. Specific examples include rubber-based, acrylic-based, silicon-based, and vinyl ether-based pressure-sensitive adhesives. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is preferably a synthetic polymer from the viewpoint of imparting pressure-sensitive adhesive properties according to the purpose, and particularly preferably has a chemical or mechanical property close to that of the light absorbing layer or light reflecting layer used.

  Below, the manufacturing method of the optically driven actuator of this invention is demonstrated in detail.

  The light-driven actuator of the present invention can be molded, for example, from the composition containing the above light-responsive condensation polymer by the following method. Examples of means for forming a film include a method of forming a film from a solution state or a method of forming a film from a molten state.

  As a method for forming a film from a solution state, for example, a curtain coating method, an extrusion coating method, a roll coating method, a spin coating method, a dip coating method, a bar coating method, a spray coating method, a slide coating method, a printing coating method, etc. are used. be able to.

  As the solvent of the coating solution used in the method for forming a film from a solution state, a known solvent that can dissolve or disperse the composition containing the photoresponsive condensation polymer can be used. Specific examples of the solvent include halogen solvents such as chloroform and dichloromethane, ketone solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone and cyclohexanone, amide solvents such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide, and chloroform, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone and dimethylacetamide are preferable. , Chloroform, methyl ethyl ketone, and dimethylacetamide are particularly preferable. Moreover, you may use combining these solvents.

  The substrate used in the method for forming a film from a solution state is not particularly limited, but a substrate that does not swell or dissolve with a coating solvent is preferable. Moreover, a well-known drying method can be used for drying of a coated material. Specifically, room temperature drying, warming drying, blow drying, and reduced pressure drying are mentioned, and these may be combined.

  The dried coated material is peeled off from the substrate and transferred onto the light absorbing layer or the light reflecting layer. At this time, it is preferable to have an adhesive layer on the surface of the light absorption layer or the light reflection layer. Alternatively, the base material itself can be used as a support layer having a light absorption layer or a light reflection layer and used as a light-driven actuator. Furthermore, a light absorbing layer or a light reflecting layer may be provided on the obtained coated material by coating or vapor deposition, and used as a light-driven actuator.

  As a method for forming a film from a molten state, a hot melt press method or a melt extrusion method can be used. Among these, examples of the hot melt press method include a batch method such as a flat plate press and a vacuum press, and a continuous method such as a continuous roll press method. As a first step, a composition containing a condensation polymer having a photoisomerizable group in the main chain is formed into a film. The light-driven actuator of the present invention is preferably stretched uniaxially or biaxially under stress after being formed into a film or when it is formed. Therefore, subsequently, as a second step, a composition containing a condensation polymer having a photoisomerizable group in the main chain, which is formed into the film shape, is stretched. For the stretching, a heating stretching method, a humidity conditioning stretching method, a heating stretching method under humidity control, or the like can be used, but a heating stretching method or a heating stretching method under humidity conditioning is preferable. The draw ratio is preferably 1.01 to 10, and more preferably 1.1 to 5.

  The film obtained by the above method is transferred onto the light absorbing layer or the light reflecting layer. At this time, it is preferable to have an adhesive layer on the surface of the light absorption layer or the light reflection layer. Alternatively, a light-absorbing layer or a light-reflecting layer may be provided on the film obtained by the above method by coating or vapor deposition to serve as a light-driven actuator. With the above, one mode of the optically driven actuator of the present invention can be manufactured.

  The light-driven actuator of the present invention first prepares a coating solution of a polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group on a light absorption layer or a light reflection layer, applies the coating solution, It can also be produced by polymerization.

  The polymerizable molecule having the light absorbing layer or the light reflecting layer and the photoresponsive group is as described above. As the solvent for the coating solution, a known solvent capable of dissolving or dispersing the polymerizable molecule having the photoresponsive group can be used. Specific examples of the solvent include halogen solvents such as chloroform and dichloromethane, ketone solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone and cyclohexanone, amide solvents such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide, and aromatic solvents such as pyridine, toluene and phenol. Chloroform, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone and dimethylacetamide are preferable, and chloroform, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethylacetamide, pyridine and phenol are particularly preferable. Moreover, you may use combining these solvents.

  If necessary, additives such as a polymerization initiator, a polymerization inhibitor, a photosensitizer, a crosslinking agent, and a coating aid may be added to the coating solution. Regarding the polymerization initiator, a known polymerization initiator can be appropriately selected according to the polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group to be used and the polymerization method. Specifically, an azo polymerization initiator, a cationic photopolymerization initiator, a radical photopolymerization initiator, or the like can be employed. As the polymerization inhibitor, for example, a known hydroquinone polymerization inhibitor can be used. As a photosensitizer, it is used in order to use together with a photoinitiator, and it can select suitably according to the photoinitiator to be used and the wavelength of the light to be used. Specific examples include diethylthioxanthone and isopropylthioxanthone used together with Irgacure 907 (manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals). The crosslinking agent is used for fixing the structure of the crosslinked film. Specifically, it is a compound having a plurality of polymerizable groups, and can be appropriately selected according to the polymerizable molecule to be used. Specific examples of the acrylate include trimethylolpropane triacrylate and dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate. With respect to the coating aid, for example, a known surfactant or high viscosity agent can be used to improve coating properties.

  The optimum amount of the solvent added is determined within a range that does not impair the applicability, but the concentration of the polymer is preferably in the range of 1 to 75% in the coating solvent, and in the range of 5 to 50%. It is particularly preferred. The application and drying methods are the same as described above.

  Subsequently, the polymerizable molecule is polymerized to form a polymer layer containing a photoresponsive group on the light absorbing layer or the light reflecting layer. For the polymerization reaction, various known polymerization methods using heat or electromagnetic waves can be employed, but radical polymerization using an azo polymerization initiator or a photopolymerization initiator is particularly preferred. In the case of photopolymerization using ultraviolet light, a known light source can be used without limitation, but a light source suitable for the photopolymerization initiator used is preferable. The wavelength of the light source is 220 nm to 740 nm, although it depends on the type of photoresponsive group used and the photopolymerization initiator used. When employing an azobenzene group as the photoresponsive group, specifically, a light source having a longer wave than 450 nm is preferable, and when employing an azobenzene group as the photoresponsive group, a light source having a longer wave than 500 nm is specifically preferable. Among these, a wavelength of 520 nm to 600 nm is preferably used. The form, shape, thickness, and the like of the crosslinked body are not particularly limited, and can be various forms, shapes, and thicknesses depending on the site of the optical element having the crosslinked body. The polymerization reaction is preferably performed in a nitrogen atmosphere. With the above, one mode of the optically driven actuator of the present invention can be manufactured.

  Further, in the above method, a polymer layer is formed in the same manner as in the above method except that a support layer is used instead of the light absorbing layer or the light reflecting layer. Then, a light absorption layer or a light reflection layer can be provided on the obtained polymer film by coating or vapor deposition, and used as a light-driven actuator. Further, the obtained polymer film can be peeled off and transferred to a light absorption layer or a light reflection layer for use. At this time, an adhesive layer is preferably provided on the light absorption layer or the light reflection layer.

  As an example of the form in which the polymer layer also serves as the light-impermeable layer, for example, a polymer layer formed of a polymer composed of a plurality of photoresponsive groups having different absorption wavelengths can be used. At this time, as the photoresponsive group having a plurality of different absorption wavelengths, dye groups having various azo groups such as the azobenzene can be employed.

  Next, the light receiving element of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of the light receiving element of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the light receiving element 20 includes a light-driven actuator 1 and a base 21 having a light receiving surface 201 that receives light and causes a light reaction. In this case, the light receiving element is the first embodiment of the light receiving element of the present invention. Further, when the light-driven actuator 1 is replaced with the light-driven actuator 8, a light receiving element that is the second embodiment of the light receiving element of the present invention is obtained.

  The light receiving surface 201 is coated with a photopolymer.

  The substrate is not limited to the substrate on which the photopolymer is applied to the light receiving surface 201. For example, a substrate on which various resists are applied to the light receiving surface 201 may be used.

  The light receiving element which is 1st Embodiment of the light receiving element of this invention is demonstrated.

  As described above, the light-driven actuator 1 has the property of being bent in the light irradiation direction by irradiating light of an appropriate wavelength with an appropriate intensity. The optically driven actuator 1 has an absorption layer.

  Next, the case where the light receiving element 20 is irradiated with light will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 9A, the light 30 is irradiated toward the light-driven actuator 1.

  This light is a light flux having a spread that passes through the sides of the light-driven actuator 1 according to the deformation amount when the light-driven actuator 1 receives light.

  At the start of light irradiation, the light-driven actuator maintains a horizontal shape, and the light is absorbed (FIG. 9A).

  Next, as the light-driven actuator bends with the light irradiation, the light receiving element 20 changes the area covering the light receiving surface 201. As a result, light reaches from one end of the light receiving surface 201, and the place where the light reaches increases as the degree of bending increases (FIGS. 9B and 9C). Since this bending operation occurs continuously by light irradiation, the light-driven actuator 1 can be used to make a light receiving element that continuously changes the light irradiation amount. Moreover, this light receiving element can be utilized for the manufacturing apparatus etc. of a functionally gradient material.

  As described above, the light-driven actuator 1 that is a constituent element of the light-receiving element 20 has a different passing area passing through the side of the light-driven actuator 1 depending on the amount of deformation when the light-driven actuator 1 receives light. By irradiating a light beam having a light beam, a preferred method of using an optically driven actuator is obtained.

  The light receiving element according to the second embodiment of the light receiving element of the present invention is realized by replacing the light driven actuator 1 with the light driven actuator 8. Since the effect is the same as that of the light receiving element according to the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the light reflecting element of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of the light reflecting element of the present invention.

  The light reflecting element 40 according to the first embodiment of the light reflecting element of the present invention includes the light driven actuator 2 and a support 22 that supports the light driven actuator 2. Further, by replacing the light-driven actuator 2 with the light-driven actuator 8, a light reflecting element that is the second embodiment of the light reflecting element of the present invention is obtained.

  The light reflecting element of the present invention has the same effect regardless of whether the light reflecting element of the first embodiment or the light reflecting element of the second embodiment is used. Therefore, here, the light reflecting element of the first embodiment is used. This will be described using elements.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10A, the light 30 is irradiated toward the light-driven actuator 2 of the light reflecting element 40 of the first embodiment.

  At the start of light irradiation, the light-driven actuator 2 maintains a horizontal shape, and the light incident angle and reflection angle are the same.

  Next, as the light-driven actuator 2 bends with light irradiation, the light-driven actuator 2 reflects the light 30 in different directions depending on the amount of deformation when the light-driven actuator 2 receives light. (FIGS. 10B and 10C).

  As described above, the light reflecting element 40 can be used as an optical element such as an optical circuit or an optical wiring.

  Further, it is preferable that the light-driven actuator 2 shown in FIG. 10 is irradiated with a light beam reflected in different directions according to the deformation amount when the light-driven actuator 2 receives light. This is a method of using a light-driven actuator.

  Next, the optical gate element of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an example of the optical gate element of the present invention.

  The optical gate device of the present invention shown in FIG. 11 is the optical gate device of the first embodiment of the optical gate device of the present invention.

  The optical gate element 50 of the first embodiment supports the optically driven actuator 1 and the optically driven actuator 1 and allows light to pass according to the amount of deformation when the optically driven actuator 1 receives light. It is characterized by having frame bodies 23a and 23b having light paths in which the area of the region changes.

  The optical gate element of the first embodiment employs an optically driven actuator 1, and the optical gate element of the second embodiment employs an optically driven actuator 8.

  Since the optical gate device of the present invention has the same effect regardless of whether the optical gate device of the first embodiment or the optical gate device of the second embodiment is used, here, the optical gate of the first embodiment is used. This will be described using the element 50.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11A, the optical gate element 50 is irradiated with light.

  This light is a light flux having a spread that passes through the sides of the light-driven actuator 1 according to the deformation amount when the light-driven actuator 1 receives light.

  At the start of light irradiation, the light-driven actuator 1 maintains a horizontal form, and light is absorbed.

  Next, as the light-driven actuator 1 bends with light irradiation, light is allowed to pass as shown in FIG.

  By doing so, the optical gate element 50 can control the passage or blocking of light.

  As described above, the light-driven actuator 1 shown in FIG. 11 has a light flux having a spread that passes through the side of the light-driven actuator 1 according to the deformation amount when the light-driven actuator 1 receives light. , It becomes a preferred method of using a light-driven actuator.

  Next, the effects of the optically driven actuator of the present invention will be confirmed using the following examples.

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.
(Example 1)
(Synthesis of photoresponsive condensation polymer P-12)

  M-1 (10.91 g, 0.100 mol) was added to an aqueous solution obtained by adding 90 ml of water to 22 ml of a 37 wt% hydrochloric acid aqueous solution, and cooled to 5 ° C. or lower. An aqueous solution in which 7.59 g of sodium nitrite was dissolved in 22 ml of water was added dropwise thereto (internal temperature was 5 ° C. or lower). The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at an internal temperature of 5 ° C to 10 ° C. The obtained solution was added dropwise to an M-2 (15.02 g, 0.100 mol) aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (sodium hydroxide: 16.12 g, water: 90 ml) while keeping the internal temperature at 5 ° C. or lower. And stirred for 30 minutes. The resulting reaction product was added to a 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (1.5 L), and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration and washed with an aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and water. After drying, the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (solvent: hexane / ethyl acetate (3/1 (v / v))) to obtain M-3 (20.67 g, 76.5 mmol).

  M-3 (2.703 g, 10 mmol) was dissolved in an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (sodium hydroxide: 0.81 g, water: 100 ml), and tetra n-butylammonium chloride (1.60 g, 5.76 mmol) was added thereto. added. While the solution was vigorously stirred, a solution of M-4 (2.111 g, 10 mmol) dissolved in 1,2-dichloroethane (30 ml) was added dropwise over 30 minutes and stirred vigorously for an additional 30 minutes. 20 ml of methylene chloride was added to the resulting reaction product, and the organic layer was separated, washed with a saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, and dried by adding magnesium sulfate. The solvent was distilled off to some extent and concentrated, and added to methanol for reprecipitation. The resulting precipitate was filtered and dried to obtain P-4 (3.5 g). The weight average molecular weight is measured in terms of polystyrene by GTH analyzer using TSK Gel GMHxL, TSK Gel G4000 HxL, TSK Gel G2000 HxL (both trade names of Tosoh Corp.) and solvent THF and differential refractometer detection. As a result, it was 77000.

  The azobenzene group-containing polymer P-12 (100 mg) having the above structure was dissolved in chloroform (50 μL) to prepare a coating solution. Next, the coating liquid is filtered with a microfilter (DISMIC-13 PTFE 0.45 mm: manufactured by ADVANTEC), and on a cellulose triacetate film (thickness 40 μm) having a black resin layer in which carbon black is dispersed as a light absorption layer. And dried at room temperature for 1 hour to prepare a light-driven actuator.

Subsequently, the obtained light-driven actuator was irradiated with ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator (EXECURE 3000, manufactured by HOYA CANDEO OPTRONICS) at room temperature with an intensity of 50 mW / cm ² (365 nm) through a polarizing plate. . As a result, it was confirmed that the horizontal form changed to a bent form in 5 seconds, and it was applicable to an element that is driven by light and that continuously changes the amount of light irradiation.
(Example 2)
The azobenzene group-containing polymer P-12 (0.5 g) used in Example 1 was subjected to hot melt pressing at 160 ° C. and 5 MPa using a press (manufactured by MINI TEST PRESS-10 TOYOSEIKI) to form a film. Molded into. Next, the film obtained by hot pressing was uniaxially stretched at 60 ° C. at a stretching ratio of 2.0 to prepare a stretched film (film thickness 60 μm, size 1.0 cm × 2.0 cm). Aluminum was vapor-deposited as a light absorption layer and a light reflection layer on the obtained stretched film to produce a light-driven actuator.

The obtained actuator was irradiated with ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator (EXECULE 3000, manufactured by HOYA CANDEO OPTRONICS) at an intensity of 100 mW / cm ² (365 nm) at room temperature. It has been confirmed that it can be applied to an element that changes to a bent form, is driven by light, and continuously changes the amount of light irradiation.

Here, the light-driven actuator created in Example 2 is placed on a commercially available UV label H (manufactured by Inner and Outer Corporation), and ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator (EXECURE 3000, manufactured by HOYA CANDEO OPTRONICS) from above. Was irradiated at room temperature for 15 seconds at an intensity of 100 mW / cm ² (365 nm).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the irradiation amount depending on the location from where the color change starts.

From the results shown in FIG. 12, it was confirmed that the color change was continuously changed and the light irradiation amount was continuously changed. In addition, the amount of irradiation depending on the location from where the color change began was determined by chromaticity. Therefore, it was confirmed that the light irradiation amount was continuously changed.
(Example 3)
The following composition was injected into a cell in which a polyimide liquid crystal alignment film (SE-150) was applied and a pair of rubbed glass substrates was prepared using a 40 μ double-sided tape as a spacer, and heated at 150 ° C. for 1 hour to generate molecules. An oriented crosslinked film having a thickness of 30 μm was prepared. Next, the obtained crosslinked film was peeled off, and aluminum was vapor-deposited as a light absorption layer and a light reflection layer, thereby producing a light-driven actuator.

The obtained actuator was irradiated with ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator (EXECULE 3000, manufactured by HOYA CANDEO OPTRONICS) at an intensity of 100 mW / cm ² (365 nm) at room temperature. It has been confirmed that it can be applied to an element that changes to a bent form, is driven by light, and continuously changes the amount of light irradiation.
Monomer composition crosslinking agent C-1 10 parts by weight Monofunctional monomer MA-12 90 parts by weight Azo-based polymerization initiator V-40 2 parts by weight (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)

  As described above, according to the present invention, the amount of light irradiation can be continuously controlled, and the response speed has practical light responsiveness, flexibility, and light weight, and a complex structure can be formed, so that silence can be formed. And a light receiving element, an optical gate element, and a light reflecting element realized by applying the optically driven actuator, and a method of using the optically driven actuator.

  The light-driven actuator of the present invention can be used as a functional photomask or gray scale as an element that continuously changes the amount of light irradiation, for example. Such an element can be used for smooth oblique light etching and photocuring without a step, and can be used for creation of a material having an inclined function. It can also be used as an optical gate element such as an optical circuit or an optical wiring.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st example of a light drive type actuator. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd example of a light drive type actuator. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 3rd example of an optically driven actuator. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 4th example of an optically driven actuator. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 5th example of an optically driven actuator. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 6th example of an optically driven actuator. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 7th example of a light drive type actuator. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 8th example of an optically driven actuator. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the light receiving element of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the light reflection element of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the optical gate element of this invention. It is a figure which shows the irradiation amount by the place from the place where a color change begins.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Light-driven actuator 11 Polymer layer 12 Light absorption layer 13 Light reflection layer 14 Support layer 15 Orientation layer 16 Adhesive layer 20 Light receiving element 201 Light receiving surface 21 Base 22 Support Body 23a, 23b Frame 30 Light 40 Light reflecting element 50 Optical gate element

Claims (13)

In a light-driven actuator that includes a polymer that deforms in response to light stimulation and uses the deformation of the polymer as an actuator,
A polymer layer containing a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation, and deforms in accordance with the structural change of the photoresponsive group;
An optically-driven actuator characterized by having a light-impermeable layer that absorbs or reflects light.   The light-driven actuator according to claim 1, further comprising a second polymer layer provided so as to sandwich the light-impermeable layer.   The light-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein the polymer layer also serves as the light-impermeable layer.   The light-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein the light-impermeable layer is a light reflecting layer that reflects light.   The light-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein the light-impermeable layer is a light-absorbing layer that absorbs light.   The light-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein the photoresponsive group is an azobenzene group.   The optical drive according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the polymer layer having the photoresponsive group is a condensed polymer including the photoresponsive group in a main chain. Type actuator.   The polymer layer is composed of one polymer or a combination of a plurality of polymers selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic polymers, polyester polymers, polyamide polymers, polyurethane polymers, and polycarbonate polymers. The optically driven actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A light receiving surface that receives light and causes a photoreaction;
2. A light receiving element comprising: the optically driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein the light receiving element is disposed so as to cover the light receiving surface, and is deformed by light irradiation to change an area covering the light receiving surface. An optically driven actuator according to claim 1;
A frame having a light path that supports the light-driven actuator and has a light passage area that changes according to a deformation amount when the light-driven actuator receives light. Optical gate element to be used. An optically driven actuator according to claim 4,
A support for supporting the light-driven actuator,
The light-reflecting element, wherein the light-driven actuator reflects the light in different directions according to a deformation amount when the light-driven actuator receives light.   The light-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein the light-driven actuator is irradiated with a light flux having a different spread area passing through the side of the light-driven actuator according to a deformation amount when the light-driven actuator receives light. A method of using a light-driven actuator characterized by the above.   5. A method of using a light-driven actuator according to claim 4, wherein the light-driven actuator according to claim 4 is irradiated with a light beam reflected in different directions according to a deformation amount when the light-driven actuator receives light.

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