Tractor beam created using light and sound waves - Can push & pull objects on the cm scale

05/06/2014 - 08:06

Charles Q. Choi


Scientists have created a sonic tractor beam. And it's not simply an amazing proof of concept: This beam pulls with a billion times more force and can tow objects a million times larger than previous schemes for tractor beams. 

Tractor beams are staples of science fiction, projected from the Death Star in Star Wars and the Enterprise in Star Trek.

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