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Updated: Sep 26, 2025

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Light-driven microdrones.

Xiaofei Wu1,2, Raphael Ehehalt3, Gary Razinskas3,4

  • 1Nano-Optics and Biophotonics Group, Experimental Physics 5, Institute of Physics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. xiaofei.wu@physik.uni-wuerzburg.de.

Nature Nanotechnology
|April 22, 2022
PubMed
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This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed light-driven microdrones capable of 2D movement in three degrees of freedom. These micro-nanomotors offer precise control, paving the way for advanced applications in nanotechnology.

Area of Science:

  • Optics and Photonics
  • Nanotechnology
  • Microfluidics

Background:

  • Photon momentum transfer generates forces and torques, enabling propulsion of micro- and nano-objects.
  • Controlling micro-objects in multiple degrees of freedom using light has been a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate light-driven microdrones maneuverable in two dimensions across three independent degrees of freedom (2 translational, 1 rotational).
  • To develop a method for precise control of micro-object motion using light, overcoming previous limitations.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized two overlapping unfocused light fields (830 and 980 nm) to actuate microdrones (approx. 2 μm, 2 pg) in an aqueous environment.
  • Employed up to four individually addressable chiral plasmonic nanoantennas as nanomotors, scattering light into specific directions.

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  • Controlled microdrone movement by adjusting optical power of circularly polarized light components for each nanomotor.

    • Main Results:

    • Successfully demonstrated 2D maneuverability of light-driven microdrones in three degrees of freedom.
    • Achieved manual steering of microdrones along complex paths by modulating optical power to nanomotors.
    • Established an actuation concept analogous to macroscopic multirotor drones.

    Conclusions:

    • Light-driven microdrones offer precise, orientation-independent control in aqueous environments.
    • The technology enables independent addressing of all degrees of freedom, allowing for feedback control to mitigate Brownian motion.
    • Potential applications include cargo transport, nanomanipulation, and nanoscale sensing.