Machines made of Machines: Design and mechanical study of an active polymer

It has been previously demonstrated that Janus particles can be optically controlled to self-assemble into micro-gears [Aubret et al., Nature Physics 2018]. By using a spatial light modulator (SLM), we have been able to construct a great number of more complex micro-machines. With a light pattern, it is then possible to configure the dynamical behavior of a structure, such as a translation movement with an arrow’s shape.

Using light patterns controlled by a spatial light modulator, and photoactiveactive microparticles, we design active polymers made of active colloids. We study their mechanical properties and relate their rigidity and fluctuations with the non-equilibrium properties of the constituent building blocks. Such a system shows the potential of active particles to design active materials, powered from within.