Light-Powered Nanomotors Perform as Ultrasmall Energy Converters

Researchers at the University of Texas (UT) have designed a solid-state, optical nanomotor that uses light to power functional devices at the nanoscale — without the challenges that hinder nanomotors operating in liquid environments. According to the research team, its light-driven nanomotor, which is less than 100 nm in width, is the first such device to operate in a solid state.