Giant Forces in Nanomaterials...

Missouri S&T researchers' modeling of stacked nanoscale slot waveguides made of metamaterials shows an optical force 100 to 1,000 times greater than conventional slot waveguides made from silicon.

In a study that could lead to advances in the emerging fields of optical computing and nanomaterials, researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology report that a new class of nanoscale slot waveguides pack 100 to 1,000 times more transverse optical force than conventional silicon slot waveguides.

The findings could lead to advances in developing optical computers, sensors or lasers, say researchers Dr. Jie Gao and Dr. Xiaodong Yang, both assistant professors of mechanical engineering at Missouri S&T.

R & D: Researchers demonstrate "giant" forces in super-strong nanomaterials