Scientists create the first tractor beam

[Whitestar]

In Star Trek, we've seen Federation ships using tractor beams for capturing an escaping ship or towing a damaged ship. Now, scientists have created the first tractor beam, at least on the microscopic level, but its a start. Check out the following links:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2001....or_beam

http://cheville.okstate.edu/photoni....ser.htm

 

[Trey Greyjoy]

Something about the links is amiss

 

[Whitestar]

Something about the links is amiss

Thanks for the correction. This should do it:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/05/03/boffins_make_reallife_tractor_beam/

http://www.fsonews.com/pubs/2006/04/13/page324-281166.asp

 

[Ricko]

I'm not sure if it is feasible to 'scale up' to moving large masses with this concept. The energy required may be enormous, compared to what may be achieved with laser beams.

However, I wonder if anyone has thought of using this concept to produce a certain type of superconductor. Take a hollow conductor and use laser beams to guide electrons on the surface. Hollow, to reduce the heating in the core of the material thereby preventing electrons from colliding into each other.

What ya think?

 

[Curt Chiarelli]

Yes, and Congress may provide scientists with the tractor beam's first moving target!