Laser-Driven Micro-Gears Unveiled by Scientists
Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have made a groundbreaking discovery: microscopic gear wheels driven by laser light. These tiny components, measuring just 16 to 20 micrometers in diameter, could revolutionise small-scale machinery and even have medical applications.
Led by researcher Gan Wang, the team developed these minuscule light-driven gear wheels using electron beam lithography. They've managed to create a functional gear train and motor, demonstrating the ability to convert rotational movements into linear ones and control microscopic mirrors.
The secret lies in a special metamaterial structure etched onto the gear wheels. This design allows them to be driven by laser light, with the direction of rotation determined by the light's polarisation. This innovation opens up possibilities for precise control in tiny machines, potentially including medical devices.
Gear wheels, once the size of a human hair, are now smaller than ever. The University of Gothenburg's laser-light-driven micro-gears pave the way for advancements in small-scale machinery and medical technology. The future of miniaturisation looks bright, with these tiny yet powerful light components leading the way.
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