4. Outlook and developments

4.1 Possible applications

These strategies for converting light energy into motion by directly modifying surface tensions can find applications in a variety of fields. They enable small quantities of liquid to be moved and mixed without the need for valves, pumps or channels. By imagining a multi-beam system in which each beam independently controls a drop, it would be possible to manipulate a large number of objects on the surface of a liquid, directing and combining them as required. In addition to existing microfluidic methods, this precise control of the interaction between numerous microreactors offers major prospects in analytical chemistry and biochemistry.

This method also makes it possible to move toxic solvents that are immiscible with water, without...