Macroscopic Laser Propulsion of Graphene Vehicle by Radiometric Force in Low Vacuum Condition*

Known from the Crookes radiometer, radiometric force which originates from unbalanced strike of hot gas molecules in low vacuum condition, is expected as light thruster for space travel and vactrain instead of optical pressure. In the present work, we reported the universal laser launching of various graphene-based materials in rarefied glass tube. The propulsion dependance on vacuum pressure and laser power were systematically investigated to validate the radiometric force and optimize the actuation. By taking advantage of the low density and high diamagnetism of graphene, a maglev graphene boat was rotated constantly with controlled direction by laser illumination on different sides of the sail. We then demonstrated the horizontal propulsion of a maglev graphene train along the magnets track rapidly and smoothly by laser irradiation on the sail back. This work not only demonstrated the effective propulsion of various macroscopic materials with radiometric force, but also exhibited its application potentail on laser launching rockets, and laser-driving of vacuum tube train.