Light resonators used to move nano-sized objects

Scientists at Cornell University report they can now use a light beam carrying a single milliwatt of power to move objects and even change the optical properties of silicon from opaque to transparent at the nanometric scale. Such an advancement could prove very useful for the future of micro-electromechanical (MEMS) and micro-optomechanical (MOMS) systems.

As with any other electromagnetic wave, light can be characterized as the union of an electric and a magnetic field oscillating in perpendicular directions that form small but periodic peaks and valleys in potential energy. These oscillations aren't enough to influence massive objects; on a small enough scale, though, particles that are hit by the wave tend to slide towards the "valleys" and distribute evenly on a surface. This is the principle exploited by optical and, more recently, sound tweezers to pattern tiny droplets in a predefined way.

Source: gizmag.comAdded: 26 January 2010