A new technique for monitoring real-time dimensional changes in polymeric electromechanical actuators and vaporesistive sensors

Herein we report a laser micrometer-based technique to measure real-time dimensional changes occurring orthogonal to the surface of adsorbed polymer films. With particular regard to electromechanical actuators, this technique compliments the widely used bending beam method (BBM). Advantages of this technique include facile integration of commercially available hardware, minimal restrictions on electrode composition, and detection limits within the micrometer regime. The general utility of this technique to analyze polymers exhibiting stimulus-induced dimensional changes is presented with an emphasis on electromechanical actuators and vaporesistive sensors.