Light-Activated Micro-Pump

Even the smallest mechanical pumps have limitations, from the micro-fabrication techniques required to make them to the fact that there are limits on their size. A laser-driven photoacoustic microfluidic pump was developed that is capable of moving fluids in any direction without moving parts or electrical contacts. The pump uses a plasmonic quartz plate implanted with gold atoms to move liquids with a laser that generates an ultrasonic wave.