Traveling waves in a reaction-diffusion system are essential
for
long-range communication in living organisms and inspire biomimetic
materials of similar capabilities. One recent example is the traveling
motion waves among photochemically oscillating, silver (Ag)-containing
colloids. Being able to manipulate these colloidal waves holds the
key for potential applications. Here, we have discovered that these
motion waves can be confined by light patterns and that the chemical
clocks of silver particles are moved forward by reducing local light
intensity. Using these discoveries as design principles, we have applied
structured light technology for the precise and programmable control
of colloidal motion waves, including their origins, propagation directions,
paths, shapes, annihilation, frequency, and speeds. We have also used
the controlled propagation of colloidal waves to guide chemical messages
along a predefined path to activate a population of micromotors located
far from the signal. Our demonstrated capabilities in manipulating
colloidal waves in space and time offer physical insights on their
operation and expand their usefulness in the fundamental study of
reaction-diffusion processes. Moreover, our findings inspire biomimetic
strategies for the directional transport of mass, energy, and information
at micro- or even nanoscales.