Abstract
We have predicted and observed an optical analogue of aerodynamic lift, in which a cambered refractive object with differently shaped top and bottom surfaces experiences a transverse lift force when placed in a uniform stream of light. A semi-cylindrical rod is found to automatically torque into a stable angle of attack, and then exhibit uniform motion. We have experimentally verified this using a micrometer-scale ‘lightfoil’ which was fabricated using photolithographic techniques, immersed in water and illuminated with milliwatt-scale laser light. Unlike optical tweezers, an intensity gradient is not required to achieve a transverse force. Many rods may therefore be lifted simultaneously in a single quasi-uniform beam of light. We propose using optical lift to power micromachines, transport microscopic particles in a liquid, or to improve the design of solar sails for interstellar space travel.
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Acknowledgements
The authors thank S.J. Martin, Sandia National Laboratories, for useful discussions on the modelling of optical forces. The authors also benefited from conversations about the Abraham–Minkowski controversy with A. Kaplan (Johns Hopkins University) and S. Barnett (University of Strathclyde).
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G.A.S. developed the concept and contributed to the design of the numerical and experimental study. T.J.P. modelled the system in POV-Ray. A.B.A. carried out the experimental measurements. A.D.R. fabricated the lightfoils.
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Swartzlander, G., Peterson, T., Artusio-Glimpse, A. et al. Stable optical lift. Nature Photon 5, 48–51 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2010.266
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2010.266
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