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Monday, August 12, 2019

Solar “Meta-Sails” for Agile Optical Force Control

Karim Achouri ; Oscar V. Cespedes ; Christophe Caloz

We propose to use metasurfaces as a means of controlling optical forces for increasing the range of motions in spacecraft solar sails. Specifically, we present a theoretical study of metasurface structures that allow one to achieve attractive, lateral and rotational forces, in addition to the conventional repulsive force. Such solar “meta-sails” may facilitate future travels in the solar system and toward exoplanets.

DOI

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