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Ultrafast photomechanical transduction through thermophoretic implosion
Nikita Kavokine1, Shuangyang Zou2, Ruibin Liu2
1Laboratoire de Physique de l'École Normale Supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.
Nature Communications
|January 4, 2020
Summary
Laser propulsion of nanoparticle solutions was achieved using light, causing millisecond force spikes and bubble explosions. This novel actuation method for soft matter offers new possibilities in laser-driven manipulation.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Soft Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Direct manipulation of matter by light has been a long-standing challenge.
- Historical experiments by Crookes explored light-matter interactions, sparking scientific debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a new method of laser propulsion for nanoparticle solutions.
- To investigate the underlying physical mechanisms of light-induced matter actuation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing laser illumination to displace nanoparticle solutions.
- Employing cantilever-based force measurements to detect force spikes.
- Conducting ultrafast imaging to observe dynamic events in the solution.
Main Results:
- Laser illumination successfully displaced nanoparticle solutions over centimeter-scale distances.
- Millisecond-long force spikes, synchronized with sound emission, were detected.
- Negative thermophoresis of nanoparticles and explosive bubble growth were observed following force spikes.
Conclusions:
- A novel mechanism for laser propulsion based on thermophoretic instability is proposed.
- This study reveals a violent actuation of soft matter, analogous to biological spore propulsion.
- The findings open new avenues for laser-based manipulation and actuation technologies.
