Photomechanical positioning and stabilization method and devices using optical fibers and feedback

A sensor, comprising:

• a photomechanical material for receiving light, the photomechanical material having an optical path length;
• a light source coupled to the photomechanical material;
• and
• a detector coupled to the photomechanical material for detecting changes in the optical path length.

A sensor, comprising:

• a photomechanical fiber for receiving light, the fiber having an optical path length, the fiber also absorbing at least about 50 percent of the light transmitted along its length;
• a light source coupled to the fiber;
• and
• a detector coupled to the fiber for detecting changes in the light energy output from the fiber in response to changes in the optical path length of the fiber.

An optical switch, comprising:

• a polymeric optic fiber having reflective portions, the fiber having an optical path length and absorbing at least a portion of light transmitted along its length;
• a signal light source coupled to the polymeric optic fiber;
• and
• a control light source coupled to the optic fiber for transmitting control light into the optic fiber for controlling the optical path length, thereby also controlling light output by the optic fiber from the signal light source.

A method for providing internal feedback in a photomechanical positioning device, comprising:

• providing a photomechanical material having a first optical path length and reflective end portions or internal reflective regions, the photomechanical material changing from the first optical path length to a second optical path length in response to light and/or mechanical energy inputs;
• transmitting a beam of light through the photomechanical material;
• and
• coupling a movable object to the photomechanical material, the photomechanical material and the object defining a photomechanical transducer so that light energy into the photomechanical transducer is correlated with mechanical energy output to the object and mechanical energy into the photomechanical transducer is correlated with light energy output by the photomechanical material as a result of changing from the first optical path length to the second optical path length.

An associative network, comprising:

• a first photomechanical material having reflective portions and a length, the material also including a dye for absorbing at least a portion of light transmitted along its length;
• at least a second photomechanical material coupled in series with the first photomechanical material, the second photomechanical material having reflective portions and a length, the second photomechanical material also including a dye for absorbing at least a portion of light transmitted along its length;
• and
• a light source for transmitting light into the first or second photomechanical material.