Multistable nonlinear self-excited oscillation in an optical driven metamaterial structure

The integration of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) with metamaterial structures can enhance the deformation response of LCEs, thereby facilitating dynamic richness of optical driven systems in achieving self-excited oscillation. This paper proposes an optical driven nonlinear system consisting of LCEs and metamaterial structures and investigates its multistable self-excited oscillation behavior. A theoretical model is established, and the corresponding optomechanical coupling governing equations are derived. The results demonstrate that the system has the capacity to achieve multistable self-excited oscillation modes based on disparate nonlinear terms. Furthermore, compared to traditional LCE fiber-driven systems, combining LCE-metamaterial structures with nonlinear spring forces improves functional diversity and provides profound insights into the application of LCE as an active driving element in nonlinear dynamic systems. This work offers diverse design and development ideas for applications in fields such as soft robotics, biosensing, and energy harvesting.