Feasibility of Optical Bearing Fabrication Using Radiation Pressure

A three-dimensional (3D) printer was used to create a model device to discuss the reduction in friction generated by rotation and investigate the possibility of friction reduction in microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs) using light as a future technology. Experiments on this model showed that friction could be reduced using the light radiation pressure. In addition, the possibility of reducing the effect of the friction generated during rotation was demonstrated by adding a mechanism to the rotating rotor mechanism that reduces friction based on the radiation pressure. The effectiveness and associated problems of 3D printers as a fabrication technology for MEMSs were explored.