Tractor beams, a staple of science fiction, are inching closer to reality thanks to a team of researchers. While the fantastical beams seen in movies like Star Wars and Star Trek may remain in the realm of fiction, these scientists have developed a miniature tractor beam with potential for significant health benefits.
Their research, published in the scientific journal ACS Photonics, details the creation of a tractor beam specifically designed to target cells implicated in health complications. This invention could dramatically reduce the invasiveness of tissue removal, traditionally achieved through physical slicing, thereby minimizing the risk of infection and subsequent complications.
The team achieved this breakthrough by harnessing the power of light. They twisted together three strands of light, resembling a Raspberry Twister, forming a tiny tunnel or tube. This unique light configuration, known as a triple helix solenoid beam, acts as a miniature tractor beam. It’s created by passing ordinary light through a specially designed surface, incorporating a nanopatterned silicon layer on a small glass plane.
The beam functions by gently drawing in particles, effectively cradling them with its individual light strands. This non-invasive approach holds immense potential for various medical applications, particularly in reducing the risks associated with invasive biopsies. The development of this miniature tractor beam represents a significant stride toward utilizing light for precise and safe medical interventions.
