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The Prism   →   NYU Physicists Enterprise to Engage Real-Life Tractor Beam

Tags: International, Interviews, Science, physics, laser, Bessel, david grier, quantum physics
Andrew Hiller
Nov 7, 2012 17:02
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New York University Physicists led by David Grier have developed a tractor beam that can use light to pull objects. To date, the light wave was able to move an object one micrometer. Photo: ©RIA Novosti, Yuri Streletc.
New York University Physicists led by David Grier have developed a tractor beam that can use light to pull objects. To date, the light wave was able to move an object one micrometer. Photo: ©RIA Novosti, Yuri Streletc.
WASHINGTON -- Some might find this look through the Prism as “illogical.” Scientists at New York University have developed for the first time a way to use oscilating beams of light to move an object.

The scientists used something called a Bessel beam which is a type of laser that directs light in concentric circles around a single dot rather than as a single beam. However, unlike most lasers, the light from a Bessel beam is not diffracted if it encounters an object in its path. It's this property that allows for pulling a particle.

This represents one more step into the land of science fiction.  Entering the Prism to explain how physicists are co-opting one of Captain Kirk's favorite tools is NYU professor of physics, David Grier.


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