Surface tension mediated conversion of light to work
US8899044B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/46
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for converting light energy to mechanical energy by modification of surface tension on a supporting fluid. The apparatus comprises an object which may be formed as a composite object comprising a support matrix and a highly light absorptive material. The support matrix may comprise a silicon polymer. The highly light absorptive material may comprise vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VANTs) embedded in the support matrix. The composite object is supported on a fluid. By exposing the highly light absorptive material to light, heat is generated, which changes the surface tension of the composite object, causing it to move physically within the fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.