With a multidisciplinary, multiple author perspective, this book provides essential background for understanding light-driven systems. It also introduces new ideas of optical actuator design and the leading-edge technologies used for realizing solutions in a wide variety of applications. The chapters include introductory topics such as principles of control-by-light systems and thermodynamic properties of light-material interaction. This volume also presents applications of smart optically driven nano and micro actuators, including development of consumer products, microrobotics, microassembly tools and systems, and integrated devices for environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics.

Overview and Fundamentals. Material Design and Fabrication. Micro Actuation - Direct and Indirect Optical Methods. Nano Actuation - Harnessing Optical Forces. Development of Nano- and Micro-Machines. Future Prospects for Optically Driven Actuators and Systems.