Controlling solar radiation forces with graphene in plasmonic metasurface

Abstract

Controlling and harvesting solar radiation pressure is a significant challenge, however, there are a few potential solutions, which are suitable for several key applications. In this study, an electrically tunable plasmonic metasurface is designed for the visible spectrum. Moreover, the normal and the tangential optical forces acting on the metasurface are calculated. Whilst presenting high efficiency in the anomalous reflection, the designed active metasurface provides tunability of optical forces acting on the metasurface. The metasurface is composed of tapered silver cells embedded on top of the graphene layer with 20 layers of graphene sheets. Hence, the transferred momentum to the metasurface can be controlled by tuning the Fermi level of graphene sheets. Our results can provide a suitable platform for optical force control desired in tunable radiation pressure harvesting, micro vehicles, solar sailing, and optical tweezers.

Active Metasurfaces for Non‐Rigid Light Sail Interstellar Optical Communication

“…[ 17–21 ] A recent study has also demonstrated the potential to control and harness solar radiation pressure using active graphene in plasmonic metasurfaces. [ 22 ] Metasails can be seamlessly integrated into a single ultralight platform, minimizing the spacecraft's size, weight, and power (SWaP). The meticulous control of wavefront manipulation, facilitated by the metasurface, allows for precise management of the propulsion laser's reflection direction, achieving self‐stabilized beam‐riding.…”