Nano-Radiometric Effect Possible? *

sanman

30th May 2004 - 10:53 PM

Would there be any way to create a "nano-radiometric" effect, by
covering the surface of an object (eg. airship) with many nano-sized
radiometric structures?
Suppose you had a surface covered in a nano-sized triangular or
sawtooth pattern, with the front face of each tooth reflecting more
light and the back face of each tooth absorbing more light. Could this
generate a net thrust in the rearward direction, to propel an object
forward?

http://www.globalwarmingsolutions.co.uk/cr..._otheoscope.htm

Comments?

Jim Logajan

31st May 2004 - 08:19 PM

The absorbing side will heat the object, which will be a real concern since
the amount of light needed to generate any thrust of interest will be quite
intense. At some point (rather quickly I suspect) your object will be
radiating itself - about the time it turns to ash.

I'm not sure for what environment your proposal is intended, since I can't
think of anywhere on Earth where you'd find omnidirectional high intensity
light.

Chris Phoenix

16th June 2004 - 06:59 PM

Hm... this sounds a bit like a light sail. Not too useful on earth, but
very useful in space. I don't think you need discrete nano-sized
structures, but nanotech would help build much lighter light sails.

Chris

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