Powered by laser light, this tiny sail lays the groundwork for future advances in lightsail technology and the potential for ...

The idea of a lightsail comes from the fact that radiation pressure represents a mechanical pressure acting on a surface due ...

Knowledge of a laser beam's shape and output-power distribution is critical for optimizing laser performance. Neil Savage summarizes the latest beam-profiling products on the market. People using ...

Caltech researchers develop a platform to characterize ultrathin membranes for lightsails, advancing the quest for ...

Credit: WLADIMIR BULGAR/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images Laser beams powered by the sun are ... we should be able to utilize similar effects in artificial systems." Sunlight-powered lasers ...

The effect was visible to the naked eye, followed the contours of the surface it fell on, and changed shape and position with the laser beam. The idea originated from a casual lunch conversation ...

In a laser system, the Kerr effect can be used to perform Kerr-lens ... Kerr effect when the electric field of the single-cycle THz beam was decreased. This is in direct contrast with the all ...

Achieving practical interstellar travel requires overcoming the immense challenge of reaching extraordinary velocities. To ...

His mind turned to his 60 watt laser cutter, and wondered if the desired effect could be achieved by ... This put the beam out of focus, which not only expanded the area it would cover, but ...

This effect is useful for spectroscopy ... In the case of the MIT project, a 1.9 μm thulium laser produces a beam tuned to water vapor at power levels that are not harmful to your eyes.