Cut Fold a single sheet of paper to metamaterial

Princeton engineers have achieved a remarkable feat by combining insights from two ancient art forms to create 3D structures using a single sheet of material. These structures have adjustable flexibility and can guide sound and light to perform complex tasks. The research team, led by professor Glaucio Paulino, recently published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showcasing the potential of this innovative approach.

By strategically cutting and folding a single sheet of material, the engineers were able to transform it into a metamaterial with unique properties based on form and geometry. This process is akin to the concept of kirigami, a form of paper cutting, combined with origami folding techniques. The result is a three-dimensional structure that can be tailored to respond to external forces, such as pressure, making it versatile and adaptable for various applications.

Xiangxin Dang, the lead author of the article and a postdoctoral researcher in Paulino's lab, emphasized the importance of finding a balance between the cutting and folding techniques. This balance allows designers to create a network effect among shapes connected with hinges, enabling the creation of structures with adjustable properties. For example, a structure could be rigid in one direction and flexible in another, offering a range of possibilities for customization.

One of the key advantages of this approach is the ability to introduce polarity into the structures. Polarity, the ability to guide flow in one direction, is typically associated with electric circuits. However, in this case, the metamaterial uses geometry rather than electromagnetic fields to achieve polarity. This opens up new possibilities for creating geometric circuits that can guide sound and light in specific directions, paving the way for innovative applications in optics and semiconductors.

Paulino highlighted the significance of the underlying mathematics behind the combined patterns of cuts and folds. By developing algorithms that engineers can use to create metamaterials with desired properties, the research team has laid the groundwork for future advancements in the field. With further exploration and refinement, this cutting-edge technology could revolutionize the way we manipulate sound and light for a wide range of practical purposes.