What this work contributes
Directly detects transverse optical forces driving a suspended waveguide in an integrated silicon photonic circuit. It demonstrates all-optical actuation and readout of a nanomechanical system, showing how geometry and field confinement can produce usable on-chip functions.
Where the evidence stops
The waveguide exchanges forces with optical fields and the surrounding circuit/substrate. A functioning nanoscale actuator is evidence for component engineering, not a claim of propellant-free vehicle performance.
Original source
Mo Li, W. H. P. Pernice, C. Xiong, T. Baehr-Jones, M. Hochberg, H. X. Tang. Harnessing optical forces in integrated photonic circuits. Nature 456, 480–484 (2008).
Source date: 2008-11-27.
DOI: 10.1038/nature07545
How we use it
This record belongs to Geometry & materials. Its evidence label describes the cited work, not the maturity of a Metric Flight device. Follow the original methods, corrections and conditions before transferring a result to a different geometry or scale.
Editorial note reviewed 19 October 2026. AI assisted research discovery and synthesis. Citation metadata and claims were checked against primary publication or institutional records; full-text access varies. Read the source for the complete method.