Researchers Build Microscopic Gears Powered by Light in Milestone for Nano-Scale Machines

Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in nanotechnology by etching functional gear trains on a chip, driven solely by photon momentum. Published in Nature, this marks the first successful assembly of micrometer-scale mechanical systems powered by light rather than traditional motors or wiring.

The potential applications span multiple industries. Light-driven micromotors could revolutionize microfluidics, enabling postage-stamp-sized diagnostic labs with battery-free operation. In data centers, swarms of these optomechanical systems might dynamically reconfigure optical circuits, optimizing laser signal routing between chips.

Biomedical applications appear particularly promising. Future iterations could manipulate individual cells or proteins with precision currently requiring bulky laboratory equipment. The technology might also enable advanced drug-delivery implants with light-activated valves and ultra-compact cameras featuring self-adjusting optics.