Nano-Radiometric Effect Possible? *

Would there be any way to create a "nano-radiometric" effect, by
covering the surface of an object (eg. airship) with many nano-sized
radiometric structures?
Suppose you had a surface covered in a nano-sized triangular or
sawtooth pattern, with the front face of each tooth reflecting more
light and the back face of each tooth absorbing more light. Could this
generate a net thrust in the rearward direction, to propel an object
forward?

http://www.globalwarmingsolutions.co.uk/cr..._otheoscope.htm

Comments?

The absorbing side will heat the object, which will be a real concern since
the amount of light needed to generate any thrust of interest will be quite
intense. At some point (rather quickly I suspect) your object will be
radiating itself - about the time it turns to ash.

I'm not sure for what environment your proposal is intended, since I can't
think of anywhere on Earth where you'd find omnidirectional high intensity
light.

Hm... this sounds a bit like a light sail. Not too useful on earth, but
very useful in space. I don't think you need discrete nano-sized
structures, but nanotech would help build much lighter light sails.

Chris

this is not suitable....you have to find another high light intensity.

Hmmmm. Interesting, nanobots could significantly lower the weight of the sail, therefor making it much faster and thus requiring a smaller size. However, unless the nanobots shifted very quickly so that the light-absorbing sides were shifted in a constant pattern that did not damage the overall speed it would overheat.

Ok...I agree with "Chris Phoenix" this sounds a bit like a light sail. Not too useful on earth, but its very useful in space.And I don't think you need discrete nano-sized
structures, but nanotech would help build much lighter light sails.
And due to that this is not very suitable.... I think you have to find another high light intensity.If you ask me I'll say that you shoul find another High light intencity..
:-)