The proposed lightsails can leverage laser-driven radiation pressure to accelerate rapidly, potentially allowing probes to reach Mars in the time it takes for international mail to arrive.

The Breakthrough Starshot Initiative aims to utilize similar technologies to reduce the time needed for spacecraft to reach the nearest star from 10,000 years to 20 years, representing a significant leap in space exploration capabilities.

These materials not only benefit space exploration but also present opportunities for experimental physics, enabling the study of light-matter interactions and relativistic physics at larger scales.

Unlike traditional nanotechnology, which reduces dimensions, these lightsails maintain nanoscale thickness while expanding to large areas, enabling novel propulsion methods.

Dr. Richard Norte emphasizes that this research represents a paradigm shift in nanotechnology, allowing for high-aspect-ratio devices that can scale up to structures the size of seven football fields while remaining millimeter-thin.

Researchers at TU Delft and Brown University have developed ultrathin lightsails for laser propulsion, marking a significant advancement in nanotechnology and space travel.

The team’s work combines neural topology optimization techniques with advanced fabrication methods to produce designs that balance large-scale structures with nanoscale precision manufacturing.

The prototype lightsail measures 60mm by 60mm and is only 200 nanometers thick, showcasing a unique combination of large dimensions and nanoscale features that contribute to its lightweight and reflective nature.

This research is part of an EU-funded initiative that positions Delft University as a leader in nanoscale material science, exploring applications in light-matter interactions and relativistic phenomena.

Traditional fabrication of lightsails would take approximately 15 years, but the new techniques introduced by the researchers can produce them in just one day.

Their innovative gas-based etching technique allows for delicate removal of material, enhancing the robustness of the lightsails once manufactured, despite potential fragility during production.

Current prototypes have demonstrated propulsion over picometer distances, with the goal of achieving centimeter movements on Earth, a significant leap from previous laser propulsion experiments.