Potential of Nano-scale Optical Rotor Based on a pn-Junction Wire

Abstract

This paper theoretically investigates how a nano-scale Si pn-junction wire offers the potential to develop rotating motion. Numerical calculation results strongly suggested that a 1-$\mu$m-long Si rod should rotate with the acceleration of $\sim 100\mathrm{m} /\mathrm{s}$2 under the green-light illumination of 1 nW/$\mu m^{2}$. It is demonstrated that the rotator suits various medical test chips without any internal battery.