'Tractor beam' is possible with lasers, say scientists

[Vendor]

A laser can act as a "tractor beam", drawing small objects back toward the laser's source, scientists have said.

It is known that light can provide a "push", for example in solar sails that propel spacecraft on a "wind of light".

Now, in a paper on the Arxiv server, researchers from Hong Kong and China have calculated the conditions required to create a laser-based "pull".

Rather than a science fiction-style weapon, however, the approach would only work over small distances.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12620560

Note: 3 March 2011 Last updated at 00:27 GMT

[tater]

And moving a tiny particle, not a macroscopic object.