Optical Manipulation and Propulsion of Ultralight Macroscopic Objects: A Nanophotonic Design Approach
Abstract
This three year project will investigate the light driven manipulation, levitation, and propulsion of ultralight weight macroscopic objects tailored by nanophotonic design. Specifically, we will combine theoretical and experimental efforts to explore the optical response of ultralight weight metasurface structures to radiation pressure forces. The aim is to identify the required material characteristics, metasurface optical designs, and laser beam profiles that enable stable levitation and controlled acceleration of ultralight weight objects, using radiation pressure forces. While light has long been used for manipulation of small, wavelength scale objects, existing approaches such as optical traps and tweezers often require focused, high intensity light that imposes limitations on the manipulated object shape, material, and size. We seek to expand the regime of self stabilizing optical manipulation to macroscopic—mm, cm, or even meter scale— objects, which can be achieved by tailoring radiation pressure forces through control of the anisotropy and spatial distribution of light scattering along the object surface. Our effort will develop principles for nanoscale control of light scattering that can enable mechanical stability, by engineering the scattered phase at the subwavelength level, without the need to shape or focus the incident light beam, or to excessively constrain the shape, size or material composition of the object. Our approach is expected to lead to new platforms for optical manipulation of macroscopic objects, with applications ranging from contactless levitation based chip assembly and control of lightweight space born object by laser manipulation, to trajectory control for next generation ultralight spacecraft, and even laser propelled lightsails for space exploration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501910279
Entities
People
- Harry Atwater
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- California Institute of Technology
- United States Air Force