Abstract: Apparatus and method for dense energy storage is disclosed. The inner tube of a multi-wall nanotube is reversibly withdrawn from the outer tube thereof via a facing electrode that is biased with respect to the nanotube by an external voltage source. As the inner tube is withdrawn, the potential energy of the van der Waals field between the inner tube and the outer tube increases, which manifests as a force that is directed opposite to the electrostatic force of attraction between the electrode and the inner tube. The storage apparatus is discharged by decreasing the applied voltage, which enables the van der Waals force to overcome the electrostatic force. As a consequence, the inner tube is drawn back into the outer tube. The electrode and nanotube define a variable capacitor and, as such, the change in capacitance based on movement of the inner tube results in a flow of charge to a load.

Abstract: A system and method for dispersion-force-based actuation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a light beam is used to change the dispersion force between two spaced apart surfaces. The change in the dispersion force causes a change in the gap between the surfaces. The actuation system can be used in conjunction with a deformable mirror to provide an improved adaptive optics system.

Abstract: A system and method for dispersion-force-based actuation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a light beam is used to change the dispersion force between two spaced apart surfaces. The change in the dispersion force causes a change in the gap between the surfaces. The actuation system can be used in conjunction with a deformable mirror to provide an improved adaptive optics system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dense energy storage is disclosed. The inner tube of a multi-wall nanotube is reversibly withdrawn from the outer tube thereof via a facing electrode that is biased with respect to the nanotube by an external voltage source. As the inner tube is withdrawn, the potential energy of the van der Waals field between the inner tube and the outer tube increases, which manifests as a force that is directed opposite to the electrostatic force of attraction between the electrode and the inner tube. The storage apparatus is discharged by decreasing the applied voltage, which enables the van der Waals force to overcome the electrostatic force. As a consequence, the inner tube is drawn back into the outer tube. The electrode and nanotube define a variable capacitor and, as such, the change in capacitance based on movement of the inner tube results in a flow of charge to a load.

Abstract: A system and method for dispersion-force-based actuation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a light beam is used to change the dispersion force between two spaced apart surfaces. The change in the dispersion force causes a change in the gap between the surfaces. The actuation system can be used in conjunction with a deformable mirror to provide an improved adaptive optics system.

Abstract: A system and method for dispersion-force-based actuation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a light beam is used to change the dispersion force between two spaced apart surfaces. The change in the dispersion force causes a change in the gap between the surfaces. The actuation system can be used in conjunction with a deformable mirror to provide an improved adaptive optics system.

Abstract: A method for propulsion that does not consume fuel. The method involves the modification of the dispersion force (i.e., van der Waals) that arises between particles, such as neutral atoms. The method comprises generating a lifting force by subjecting a plurality of confined particles to a trigger acceleration, exposing the particles to an amount of electromagnetic radiation that is sufficient to induce the lifting force to (1) exhibit relatively long-range interactions and (2) increase the momentum of the particles, and then transferring at least a portion of the increase in momentum to a vehicle.

Abstract: A propulsion system that does not consume fuel. The system operates to modify the dispersion force (i.e., van der Waals) that arises between particles, such as neutral atoms. A lifting force is generated as a result of this modification of the dispersion force. In the illustrative embodiment, the propulsion system includes particles, a particle trap, a source of electromagnetic energy, and a piston.