Acceleration and trapping of particles by radiation pressure

TLDR: In this paper, it is hypothesized that similar acceleration and trapping are possible with atoms and molecules using laser light tuned to specific optical transitions, and the implications for isotope separation and other applications of physical interest are discussed.

Abstract: Micron-sized particles have been accelerated and trapped in stable optical potential wells using only the force of radiation pressure from a continuous laser. It is hypothesized that similar accelerations and trapping are possible with atoms and molecules using laser light tuned to specific optical transitions. The implications for isotope separation and other applications of physical interest are discussed.