Metasurface Laser Lightsails

Nanophotonic design principles can enable self-stabilizing optical manipulation, levitation and propulsion of ultralight macroscopic-sized (i.e., mm, cm, or even meter-scale) metasurface ‘lightsails’ via radiation pressure from a high power density pump laser source. Here we examine stringent criteria for the lightsail materials design, thermal management, and dynamical stability, and discuss lightsail design and first experimental steps in characterization of small (<1 mm) microscale lightsails.