Tractor beams

[ABlipinTime]

http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2011/11/tractors-on-full-the-first-steps-towards-light-based-tractor-beams.ars

Normally, I don't present the science articles I read online, but I thought it might be interesting to see who the real tech nerds are on this site. So have a go at it? Tractor beams: will they be a reality, or will they always be sci fi?

Keep in mind, you science-types, particles can be moved and positioned via beams of photons colliding with them - conservation of momentum.

[Atria35]

I'm gonna go with 'no opinion/data'. After all, some high-speed trains work on magnetism, so I think it could be possible for something similar to be rigged for other objects... maybe it would only work on certain items? I don't know.

[Neane]

Using the principle of converting light energy into kinetic energy in such a way that the kinetic energy can be applied in normally unusual places. So this is what they are doing instead of setting up bases on Mars. I also have the belief that NASA is not the First Group of people that have worked on this.
Anyway, yes. It will be a reality that we will see.

[Neane]

Why Computer are you Double-Posting all the Time. WHY!

[ashfire]

With the secrecy of the military and other government agencies it takes a while to know what is happening out there. For all we know there could be a tractor beam being used until it gets leaked to the public.

[Rusty Claymore]

I didn't read the article, but based on the theory loosly outlined above, a repulsor beam would be the most likely. You'd need a light-vacuum for tractors' to work. And if you can vacuum light like that, then stealth technology is possible, or at least "dark" technology.