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Published September 20, 2021 | public
Book Section - Chapter

Metasurface Laser Lightsails

Abstract

Nanophotonic design principles can enable self-stabilizing optical manipulation, levitation and propulsion of ultralight macroscopic-sized (i.e., mm, cm, or even meter-scale) metasurface 'lightsails' via radiation pressure from a high power density pump laser source. Here we examine stringent criteria for the lightsail materials design, thermal management, and dynamical stability, and discuss lightsail design and first experimental steps in characterization of small (<1 mm) microscale lightsails.

Additional Information

© 2021 IEEE. This work is supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under grant FA9550-19-1-0279 and by the Breakthrough Foundation.

Additional details

Created:
August 20, 2023
Modified:
October 23, 2023