In this talk, Andy will explore the science of using laser beams to capture and levitate a range of microscopic particles; from mimicking droplets in clouds, studying pollution, sorting through bacteria, tearing apart oil droplets and building microstructures in air. Even though it sounds like the work of science fiction, but Andy will cover, in simple terms, how the photons in a laser beam can exert enough force to hold microdroplets and bacteria. In a world of climate change, pollution and the airborne transmission of virus there are many benefits to this exciting area of research.
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