journal article·2026-06Open access

Monolithic UV‐Laser Programming of Photothermally Meta‐Morphing SMA Structures: Dual‐Encoded Kirigami Mechanics and Photonic Absorbance

Hyunsoo Kim, Manmatha Mahato, Hunpyo Ju, Ryanda Enggar Anugrah Ardhi, Ji‐Seok Kim, Ashhad Kamal Taseer, Myung‐Joon Lee, Hyunjoon Yoo, Il‐Kwon Oh

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 31

Abstract

ABSTRACT Photothermal shape memory alloys (SMAs) offer a promising pathway toward wireless soft robotic systems, yet their practical implementation remains limited by reliance on heterogeneous coatings and multistep processing to achieve sufficient light absorption and programmed mechanical response. Here, we present a monolithic UV‐laser programming strategy that transforms flat NiTi sheets into photothermal SMA meta‐morphing structures, where kirigami mechanics and photonic absorbance are dual‐encoded within a single SMA metamaterial platform. UV‐laser micromachining defines the kirigami architecture to prescribe 3D morphing amplitude and force output, while laser‐induced oxidation creates micro–nano porous TiO x layers that dramatically enhance near‐infrared absorbance without external coatings. This coupled mechanical–optical encoding provides deterministic control over deformation, heating rate, and temporal actuation dynamics. A comprehensive design map links geometric parameters to mechanical performance, and spatial patterning of oxidation levels enables spatiotemporally sequenced actuation under uniform illumination, demonstrating material‐level photonic logic. Leveraging these capabilities, we construct a multi‐channel 3D morphing and haptic display driven solely by optical inputs. This laser‐encoded platform establishes a scalable and manufacturing‐ready framework for architecting multifunctional SMA morphing systems, opening new opportunities for adaptive surfaces, interactive haptics, and photonic soft robotics.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Materials and Mechanics · Shape Memory Alloy Transformations · Soft Robotics and Applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

National Creative Research Initiative for Functionally Antagonistic Nano‐Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Daejeon Republic of Korea

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) 218 Daejeon Republic of Korea

KAIST InnoCORE PRISM‐AI Center Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Daejeon Republic of Korea

Department of Mechanical Engineering Hanbat National University Daejeon Republic of Korea

Funding

Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea

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