Core Insights - Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a biomimetic soft lens that automatically adjusts 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), consists 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, including fine hairs on ant legs and structural details on pollen grains [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 - The innovation represents the latest advancement in the rapidly developing 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 applicable in constructing micro-robots and artificial muscles [2] - Graphene oxide is highlighted for its broad spectral absorption capabilities and efficient photothermal conversion, often used as a "photothermal engine" embedded in polymers or hydrogels for remote, non-contact precision actuation [2]

美国佐治亚理工学院研究人员开发出一种仿生软镜片，能够像人眼一样根据环境光照强度自动调节焦 距。这一成果展示了光驱动软体材料在构建自适应视觉系统、自主运行的软体机器人、智能医疗设备及 下一代可穿戴技术方面的广阔前景。相关研究结果发表在新一期《科学·机器人》杂志上。 这一创新正是近年来快速发展的光驱动软体材料领域的最新成果。这类材料能将光能直接转化为机械形 变，其中水凝胶、液晶弹性体和碳基复合材料是研究热点，可用于构建微型机器人和人工肌肉。而氧化 石墨烯因其宽光谱吸收能力和高效的光热转换性能，常被作为"光热引擎"嵌入聚合物或水凝胶中，实现 远程、非接触式的精准驱动。PHySL正是巧妙结合了氧化石墨烯的光热效应与水凝胶的热响应特性，构 建出一种能自主感知并响应环境光的智能光学系统。 （文章来源：科技日报） 实验还表明，PHySL可在自然光照条件下自动调整焦点，适用于多层样品的动态成像。当被整合进光纤 成像系统时，该透镜能在照明变化的情况下持续保持对目标的清晰聚焦。 这种名为光响应水凝胶软透镜（PHySL）的装置，由嵌入吸光氧化石墨烯的水凝胶构成，中心设有微型 透镜。当光线照射时，氧化石墨烯吸收光能产生热量，导致水凝 ...