New Technology Converts Light Directly Into Motion

[Carpe Occasio]

Unlike solar-powered motors that use photovoltaic cells to convert light to electric power (and which require wires and batteries to deliver and store the power), this first-of-a-kind motor converts light directly into mechanical energy, thanks to a belt made from a special elastomer whose molecular structure expands or contracts when illuminated, depending on the wavelength of light.

...the researchers coated a polyethylene film with the shape-shifting plastic to create a 0.08-millimeter thick belt, which they looped around a pair of wheels measuring 10 millimeters and 3 millimeters in diameter. Then, by shining ultraviolet light on the belt near the smaller wheel and visible light near the larger wheel, the belt snapped into action and began turning the wheels. The larger wheel recorded a top speed of 1 rpm.


http://www.pinktentacle.com/2008/07/light-sensitive-shape-shifting-plastic-drives-motor/

 

[Rii]

Solar sails would be an earlier such concept, surely? Although I don't believe they've actually been used for anything yet.

 

[Carpe Occasio]

Solar sails would be an earlier such concept, surely? Although I don't believe they've actually been used for anything yet.

True, but as you say, no one has really used a solar sail yet (if I remember correctly a group did launch one on an Ariane rocket not too long ago but it failed to deploy) and solar sails are passive where as this new technology is active.