Measurements of Radiation Pressure owing to the Grating Momentum

TL;DR

This study measures the radiation pressure caused by grating momentum on a thin fused silica grating at specific wavelengths, revealing unique force components that differ from traditional reflective surfaces, with potential applications in light-driven propulsion.

Contribution

It provides the first experimental measurement of radiation pressure due to grating momentum on transmissive gratings, highlighting a different force component than on reflective surfaces.

Findings

Significant force parallel to the grating surface was observed.

Normal component of force can vanish under certain conditions.

Results suggest new applications in light-driven propulsion systems.

Abstract

The force from radiation pressure owing to the grating momentum was measured for a thin transmissive fused silica grating near the Littrow angles at wavelengths of 808 nm and 447 nm. A significant magnitude of force was measured in the direction parallel to the grating surface. We also confirmed that the component of force normal to the grating surface may vanish. This forcing law is characteristically different from radiation pressure on a reflective surface, and thus, opens new opportunities for light-driven applications such as solar or laser driven sailcraft, or the transport of objects in liquids.