New research from scientists at the University of Cambridge has shown how low-energy light can be used to bend plastic. The discovery could lead to new ways of manipulating the shape of plastic objects, with potential applications in fields such as optics, robotics, and medical devices.

The team, led by Dr. Stefan Fasold from the Cavendish Laboratory, used a technique called photopatterning to create tiny patterns of light on the surface of a plastic film. When the light was absorbed by the plastic, it caused the material to heat up and expand, which in turn caused the film to bend.

The researchers found that the amount of bending could be controlled by varying the intensity of the light. This means that it is possible to create complex shapes by carefully controlling the pattern of light that is shone onto the plastic.

The team used their technique to create a variety of objects, including a spiral staircase, a heart, and a flower. They also showed that the technique could be used to create complex optical devices, such as lenses and mirrors.

The researchers believe that their discovery could lead to new ways of fabricating plastic objects. For example, it could be used to create flexible electronics, or to build soft robots with complex shapes. The technique could also be used in medical devices, such as stents and catheters, to make them more flexible and easier to use.

Dr. Fasold said: "We are very excited about the potential of this discovery. It opens up new possibilities for manipulating the shape of plastic objects, and we believe that it could have a wide range of applications in different fields."

The research is published in the journal Nature Photonics.