Liquid-crystal elastomers are rubbers with liquid-crystal order. They contract along their nematic director when heated or illuminated. The shape changes are large and occur in a relatively narrow temperature interval or at low illumination around the nematic-isotropic transition. We present a conceptual design of a mechanical, turbine-based engine using photoactive liquid-crystal elastomers to extract mechanical work from light. Its efficiency is estimated to be 40%.

• Received 24 June 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.2.044017