Laser-Induced Rotation of a Levitated Sample in a Vacuum

A high-power laser beam can be used to apply a torque to a sample of material that is electromagnetically and/or electrostatically levitated in a vacuum. The torque can be used to alter the state of rotation of the sample; this is an important capability because control of the state of rotation (or lack of rotation) can be necessary for processing the sample and/or measuring its properties.