Physicists Created an 'Electron Lighthouse' That Steers Current With Light

University of Michigan physicists built an “electron lighthouse” that steers electron flow with light rather than electricity.

The device uses two infrared laser beams, and changing their wavelengths redirects a ballistic current without an external electrical field.

The work demonstrates a new way to control charge flow in semiconductors and could influence future optoelectronic devices and precision detectors.

Researchers say the approach could help technologies that use light to manipulate electrons more directly and precisely.