Micromotors with asymmetric shape that efficiently convert light into work by thermocapillary effects

Claudio Maggi (), Filippo Saglimbeni, Michele Dipalo, Francesco De Angelis and Roberto Di Leonardo
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Claudio Maggi: Università di Roma ‘Sapienza’
Filippo Saglimbeni: Università di Roma ‘Sapienza’
Michele Dipalo: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
Francesco De Angelis: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
Roberto Di Leonardo: Università di Roma ‘Sapienza’

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-5

Abstract: Abstract The direct conversion of light into work allows the driving of micron-sized motors in a contactless, controllable and continuous way. Light-to-work conversion can involve either direct transfer of optical momentum or indirect opto-thermal effects. Both strategies have been implemented using different coupling mechanisms. However, the resulting efficiencies are always very low, and high power densities, generally obtained by focused laser beams, are required. Here we show that microfabricated gears, sitting on a liquid–air interface, can efficiently convert absorbed light into rotational motion through a thermocapillary effect. We demonstrate rotation rates up to 300 r.p.m. under wide-field illumination with incoherent light. Our analysis shows that thermocapillary propulsion is one of the strongest mechanisms for light actuation at the micron- and nanoscale.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8855

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