High-Power Laser Drives Motion in Ultra-thin Photonic Crystal Lightsails via Radiation Pressure (opens in new tab)

Laser-driven lightsails have emerged as a promising route for accelerating ultralight spacecraft to high speeds using beamed optical energy. Realizing this concept pushes the limits of light-matter interaction, materials science, structural engineering, and nanomechanical design. A central challenge is to create nanophotonic reflectors that combine ultralow mass, large illuminated area, and survival under high optical power densities. No previ...