仿生软镜片可像人眼一样自动调焦 推动光驱动材料及下一代可穿戴技术发展

Core Insights - Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a biomimetic soft lens that can automatically adjust its focus based on ambient light intensity, showcasing the potential of light-driven soft materials in adaptive visual systems, autonomous soft robots, smart medical devices, and next-generation wearable technology [1][2] Group 1: Technology and Innovation - The device, named Photothermal Hydrogel Soft Lens (PHySL), is made of a hydrogel embedded with light-absorbing graphene oxide, featuring a micro-lens at its center [1] - When exposed to light, graphene oxide absorbs energy and generates heat, causing the hydrogel to contract and stretch the central lens, altering its curvature to achieve pupil dilation and extended focus [1] - The design overcomes the limitations of traditional biomimetic optical systems that rely on electronic components or rigid motors, enabling true autonomous adjustment [1][2] Group 2: Applications and Performance - PHySL has been integrated into conventional bright-field microscopes, successfully capturing high-resolution images of various biological samples, with image quality comparable to standard microscope objectives [1] - The lens can automatically adjust its focus under natural lighting conditions, making it suitable for dynamic imaging of multi-layer samples [2] - When incorporated into fiber imaging systems, PHySL maintains clear focus on targets despite changes in illumination [2] Group 3: Material Science - This innovation is part of the rapidly advancing field of light-driven soft materials, which convert light energy into mechanical deformation [2] - Key research areas include hydrogels, liquid crystal elastomers, and carbon-based composites, which are used to create micro-robots and artificial muscles [2] - Graphene oxide is highlighted for its broad-spectrum absorption capabilities and efficient photothermal conversion, often used as a "photothermal engine" embedded in polymers or hydrogels for remote, non-contact precision actuation [2]