# Fabrication of Smart Materials Using Laser Processing: Analysis and Prospects
## 1 Introduction  
Smart materials, alternatively referred to as intelligent materials or materials with adaptive properties, constitute a fascinating class of materials endowed with the capability to respond dynamically to changing environmental conditions. These materials exhibit distinctive properties that empower them to undergo adjustments in their physical or chemical structure when subjected to external stimuli. Among the impressive array of smart materials, shape memory materials [1; 2; 3; 4] stand out, with their unique ability to \"remember\" and seamlessly revert to their original shape after deformation. Applications of these materials span a wide spectrum, from medical implants to the aerospace industry. Magnetic shape memory materials [5; 6; 7] demonstrate a distinctive characteristic of changing shape under the influence of a magnetic field, making them highly relevant in microelectronics and other innovative applications. Thermoresponsive materials [8; 9; 10], which adapt their properties in response to temperature fluctuations, have found applications in a wide range of fields, including medicine, biotechnology, and optoelectronics. Electroactive polymers [11; 12], on the other hand, exhibit promising potential in areas such as robotics, sensor technology, and biomedical applications, as they transform their shape and dimensions when exposed to an electric field. The photonic interaction of light with electroactive materials even enables the conversion of light energy into mechanical energy [13]. Another aspect of adaptability is the development of electronically controlled smart windows [14] for use in buildings andautomobiles, boasting the ability to adjust their transparency as required. As a whole, smart materials constitute a dynamic and pivotal domain of modern scientific and technological exploration, offering a broad spectrum of applications across various industries [15]. Laser processing, recognized for its high precision, has become indispensable in various areas of industry [16]. Laser technology is widely employed for cutting metallic and non-metallic materials with exceptional precision, finding applications in diverse sectors, from automobile manufacturing to the aerospace sector [17; 18]. For instance, laser cutting plays a pivotal role in shaping shape memory alloys, allowing for the production of intricate miniaturized devices used across a spectrum of applications [19; 20; 21]. At the same time, laser technologies facilitate the production of high-quality engravings and markings on various materials, serving industries like jewelry, electronics manufacturing, and the production of medical devices [22; 23]. Laser welding, on the other hand, allows for the creation of strong joints without the need for additional materials, making it a valuable process in the production of aviation and aerospace systems [24; 25; 26]. The application of lasers in interaction with smart materials opens the door to more innovative and adaptable technologies, such as the development of intelligent products capable of modifying their properties through laser manipulation [27; 28; 29]. These fields are continuously advancing, and forthcoming progress in these areas could result in a broad spectrum of practical applications. Enhancing the intelligence of materials using laser processing stands as a modern approach, offering the development of adaptive materials. Laser processing makes it possible to modify the structure and properties of materials, thus endowing them with \"smart\" attributes. This versatile technique allows to modify the surface [30], to synthesize and process of atomically thin two-dimensional materials [31]. Moreover, laser processing permits the creation of micro- and nanostructures on material surfaces, enabling the modification of properties such as adhesion, hydrophobicity, and others. Notably, it facilitates the creation of self-cleaning surfaces [32; 33; 34].