Time: 2024-07-29
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in creating a real - life tractor beam using electromagnetic radiation , similar to what is often depicted in science fiction media such as Star Wars . The innovative technology , detailed in a paper published in the journal ACS Photonics , shows promise for practical applications beyond the realm of sci - fi fantasies.
One of the most exciting prospects for the real - life tractor beam is its potential use in the healthcare industry . By utilizing the tractor beam technology , medical professionals could extract particles from the human body with minimal damage . Unlike traditional methods that rely on needles or invasive procedures , the tractor beam offers a less intrusive approach that could revolutionize medical procedures such as biopsies.
The tractor beam is composed of a triple helix solenoid beam , created by combining three beams of light that form a tube . This unique technology is generated by passing light through a specially designed surface made of thin nanopatterned silicon on a small panel of glass . The beam operates by attracting particles in a manner similar to how a drill bit pulls sawdust , providing a novel approach to particle extraction from the body.
While the current tractor beam technology is limited to extracting small particles , the researchers are optimistic about its potential for future advancements . With further development , the real - life tractor beam could lead to more efficient and less invasive medical procedures , transforming the landscape of healthcare . By combining cutting - edge technologies like the tractor beam with innovative diagnostic tools such as new blood tests for cancer detection , the future of healthcare holds promising possibilities.