Quantitative measurement and mechanism analysis of the high efficiency laser propulsion of a graphene sponge.
Laser propulsion of a graphene sponge shows tremendous potential in propellant free flight, photoresponsive actuators and micro opto electro mechanical systems. However, the mechanism is still in dispute and the propulsion force hasn't been accurately measured, seriously hindering its development. This work develops a quantitative method to measure the propulsion force. It is found that the characteristics of the force agree qualitatively with the Knudsen force due to laser induced thermal nonequilibrium in rarefied gas, which might be another possible mechanism of laser propulsion of a graphene sponge. Also, this kind of laser propulsion is highly efficient, stable and sustainable.
Optics express