एआई-ऑप्टिमाइज़्ड लाइटसेल्स अंतरिक्षीय यात्रा को वास्तविकता के करीब लाते हैं

क्या होगा अगर आप प्रकाश पर ऐसे सवारी कर सकें जैसे पाल नौका समुद्र में हवाओं पर चलती है? जबकि यह अवधारणा असंभव लग सकती है, यह कई वैज्ञानिक विकासों के कारण संभव है। एआई-ऑप्टिमाइज़्ड लाइटसेल्स में हालिया प्रगति मानव की पहुँच को आकाशगंगा तक विस्तारित करने की कुंजी हो सकती है। यहाँ वह सब कुछ है जो आपको जानना चाहिए

लाइटसेल्स क्या हैं? अंतरिक्ष प्रोपल्शन का भविष्य समझाया गया

जब आप गहरे अंतरिक्ष यात्रा की कल्पना करते हैं, तो संभवतः आप एक अंतरिक्ष यान को थ्रस्टर्स या किसी प्रकार के आयनिक बूस्ट सिस्टम के साथ देखते हैं जैसा कि प्रसिद्ध विज्ञान कथा शो में दिखाया जाता है। जबकि इन विकल्पों को दशकों से विकसित किया जा रहा है, एक अवधारणा सैकड़ों वर्षों से मौजूद है और अब अंततः अपनी धूप: लाइटसेल्स के साथ अपना दिन पा रही है।

प्रकाश की लहरों पर सवारी करके आकाशगंगा को पार करने वाले यान का विचार 1608 तक जाता है। इसी समय दो अब प्रसिद्ध आविष्कारकों, जोहान्स केप्लर और गैलीलियो गैलिली ने इस विचार पर चर्चा की।

According to the history books, Kepler was inspired one night after watching how a comet’s tail pointed away from the Sun. He concluded that it would one day be this tail projecting items through space rather than just following them.

पहला वास्तविक-विश्व लाइटसेल तैनाती: 2019 की मील का पत्थर

2019 तक पहला कार्यशील लाइटसेल अंतरिक्ष यान पर स्थापित नहीं हुआ और सही ढंग से काम नहीं किया। पहले के प्रयासों में पाल खुलने में विफल रहा। इस मामले में, लाइटसेल को तैनात किया गया और कक्षा में दिशा बदलने के लिए उपयोग किया गया। यह क्षण लाइटसेल प्रोपल्शन सिस्टम का प्रयोगशाला के बाहर पहली बार काम करने का संकेत था।

लाइटसेल्स कैसे काम करते हैं? फोटोनिक प्रोपल्शन के पीछे का विज्ञान

लाइटसेल्स कई रूपों में आते हैं, लेकिन सभी में कुछ सामान्य विशेषताएँ होती हैं। सबसे पहले, वे एक अल्ट्रा-पतली परावर्तक झिल्ली को प्रकाश विकिरण द्वारा प्रेरित करते हैं। उल्लेखनीय रूप से, ये पाल असाधारण गति प्राप्त करने में सक्षम हैं, कुछ इंजीनियरों का दावा है कि वे प्रकाश की गति का पाँचवां हिस्सा हासिल करना चाहते हैं। यह गति मानव को दशकों में अन्य सूर्य और आकाशगंगाओं तक ले जा सकती है, जबकि पारंपरिक बूस्ट सिस्टम से हजारों साल लगेंगे।

स्टारशॉट ब्रेकथ्रू पहल: अल्फा सेंटॉरी के लिए लक्ष्य

सूर्य की किरणों पर सवारी करके गहरे अंतरिक्ष में जाने का विचार सबसे बुद्धिमान और रचनात्मक दिमागों से मजबूत समर्थन प्राप्त कर चुका है। स्टारशॉट ब्रेकथ्रू पहल इसका प्रमुख उदाहरण है। इस परियोजना की स्थापना यूरी मिल्नर और भौतिक विज्ञानी स्टीफ़न हॉकिंग ने की थी।
They envisioned utilizing high-powered ground lasers to generate an optical force on a reflective, lightweight sail material. One day, this strategy will propel hundreds of low-mass microchip satellites into deep space. This network of advanced spacecraft will include a host of sensors like cameras, meters, and probes designed to provide real-time data to scientists at home.

पारंपरिक लाइटसेल तकनीक के सामने चुनौतियाँ

लाइटसेल्स की अवधारणा मानव को गहरे अंतरिक्ष में खोज करने के द्वार खोलती है। हालांकि, कई समस्याएँ और चिंताएँ हैं जो इन उपकरणों के उपयोग को दुर्लभ बनाती हैं। सबसे पहले, लाइटसेल्स बनाना अत्यंत महंगा है। पारंपरिक लाइटसेल्स को वर्षों की उन्नत निर्माण तकनीकों की आवश्यकता होती है जो नैनोस्केल वस्तुओं को विशिष्ट सामग्रियों से बनाते हैं जो कक्षा में टिके रह सकें।

आज की उन्नत लाइटसेल्स की एक और समस्या यह है कि वे स्केल अप नहीं हो सकतीं। वे केवल नैनोस्केल पर ही निर्मित की जा सकती हैं, वर्तमान तरीकों के कारण। इसलिए, वे बड़े या यहां तक कि मानवीय मिशनों को समान लाभ प्रदान करने में असमर्थ हैं।

Lightsails also utilize a very specific geometry, including microscopic holes as a way to reduce weight. Like with traditional sails, less weight equals faster travel times and launches. However, the unique geometries and stringent performance requirements of lightsails make them very difficult to utilize on bigger projects.

एआई-ऑप्टिमाइज़्ड लाइटसेल्स: गहरे अंतरिक्ष यात्रा में गेम-चेंजर

Now, a team of researchers from Brown University and Delft University of Technology has unlocked a new AI-optimized lightsails fabrication method that could change everything. “Pentagonal photonic crystal mirrors: scalable lightsails with enhanced acceleration via neural topology optimization“,¹ published in Nature Communications, introduces an AI-assisted lightsail design and creation method that has the potential to upgrade the entire industry.

 एआई-ड्रिवेन लाइटसेल डिजाइन प्रक्रिया के अंदर

The engineers developed a new gas-based etch strategy utilizing ultra-thin, ultra-reflective membranes made of single-layer silicon nitride. This approach delicately removes material under the sail until the desired thickness and shape are achieved.

In this instance, engineers designed a pentagonal lattice-based photonic crystal (PhC) reflector that offered lightweight performance and durability. The lightsail was 2.4 inches long. Insanely, the engineers were able to achieve 200 nanometers in thickness. This measurement means that this sail is much thinner than a strand of human hair, yet capable of handling significant pressure when installed.

Interestingly, the engineers decided to make the holes on the edge of the sail 3% larger than the holes located on the internal parts of the sail. This design causes the reflectivity to increase by shifting the reflectivity spectrum by 10-20 nm.

फोटोनिक क्रिस्टल्स और सिलिकॉन नाइट्राइड: भविष्य की सामग्री

All of the intricate designs are meant to maximize reflectivity in the sail. Reflectivity is what ensures light pressure can build up and project the craft. As such, it’s vital in determining performance, speed, and even start times. Recognizing this fact, the engineers utilized advanced AI to ensure they optimized reflectivity.

Researchers from Brown University and TU Delft created an AI-powered neural topology optimization model that could design and fabricate lightsails in record time and with unmatched performance. Combining recent breakthroughs in materials science, structural engineering, and optics allows engineers to create the largest and most effective lightsail ever.

The team took a unique approach because they utilized their AI system before finite element analyses. This strategy shifts the optimization problem to finding the weights and biases of the neural network, allowing engineers to achieve optimized shape, size, and placement.

Lightsails are intricately patterned with billions of nanoscale holes designed to increase reflectivity and reduce weight. These tiny holes are made to be smaller than the diameter of light rays, allowing them to direct light to generate force. Impressively, this approach improves performance, acceleration, and tolerance to Doppler shifts and reduces launch and manufacturing costs.

ब्रेकथ्रू निर्माण: वर्षों से दिनों में और 9000 गुना सस्ता

The engineers tested their fabricated lightsail using a variety of methods to ensure it performed as planned. Notably,  the team fabricated a 60 × 60 mm2, 200 nm thick reflector. The sail integrated +1B nanoscale features and was manufactured at a price equivalent to 9000-fold cheaper than traditional methods. Additionally, it only took a day to create versus decades using older methods.

एआई-इंजीनियर्ड लाइटसेल का प्रदर्शन परीक्षण

The test results proved that the new and improved lightsails offer better performance and are more affordable. The new fabrication process is scalable and could one day prove an invaluable part of interstellar travel plans. Additional data revealed that the new lightsail design was more rugged and sensitive to the light radiation that propels it.
One cool detail about this lightsail is that it was designed to offer bidirectional capability. Earlier lightsails could only go in the direction they were pointed when the light was applied. This design may offer greater directional flexibility due to its enhanced reflectivity profile.

प्रयोगशाला से लॉन्च तक: लाइटसेल्स के वास्तविक-विश्व अनुप्रयोग

There are a lot of benefits that this lightscale fabrication will bring to the market. For one, it provides a reliable method to create the highest aspect ratio nanophotonic sail ever. This method can complete nanophotonic designs in under 24 hours. This time frame demolished older methods that took many years.

स्पेस सामग्री में क्रांति लाने में एआई की भूमिका

Another benefit of this study is that it opens the door for major innovations in the design, fabrication, and testing of these materials. Already, engineers have succeeded in creating the largest lightsail using this strategy. In the future, AI-optimized fabrication methods could help unlock a new level of innovation.
In the end, it all comes back to costs. This approach to lightsail manufacturing is thousands of times less expensive than alternatives. This manageable price will allow more scientists and researchers to integrate lightsails into their projects, driving adoption and research.

लाइटसेल नवाचार के पीछे के शोधकर्ताओं से मिलें

The AI-optimised lightsail study was led by co-authors Miguel A. Bessa and  Richard A. Norte. They were assisted by colleagues from Brown University and Delft University of Technology. Specifically,  Lucas Norder, Shunyu Yin, Matthijs H. J. de Jong, Francesco Stallone, Hande Aydogmus, and Paolo M. Sberna contributed to the report. Additionally, the experiment received funding from the European Union and a Limitless Space Institute I2 Grant.
In the coming months, Engineers hope to improve their sail design using more AI assistance to brainstorm experimental layouts. This system will allow engineers to leverage simulations to test different configurations of the billions of nanoscale holes designed to enhance reflectivity and reduce mass.

लाइटसेल्स और अंतरिक्षीय संचार: अगला फ्रंटियर

Space travel is the primary application for these devices and the new fabrication methods engineers have developed. This breakthrough dramatically improves the feasibility of laser-driven interstellar space probes, making scalable, ultra-light nanophotonic sails possible. You could also see this manufacturing process used to create other light-powered devices in the future.

उन्नत संचार प्रणाली

Imagine thousands of tiny nanosatellites operating as a relay to send your message across galaxies. This feature isn’t too far off, as these systems will be self-powered and capable of surviving in the harsh outer space environment for decades.

फोटोनिक्स में निवेश

The photonics and nanofabrication markets are filled with companies that continue to drive innovation. These firms have spent significant amounts on R&D, allowing them to continually push the tech into new heights. Here’s one company that has secured a reputation as a leader in the photonics sector and more.

Applied Materials Inc.

Applied Materials Inc (AMAT ) entered the market in 1967 as a chemical supply company. The company’s founder, Michael A. McNeilly, quickly shifted the firm’s focus to providing support to the building semiconductor market after the company had been open for only ten years. Today, Applied Materials is well-positioned to support the manufacturing of photonic crystals and advanced semiconductor materials used in spacecraft components.

Since its launch, Applied Materials has consistently made large-scale acquisitions, which have expanded its networks and offerings. Specifically, the company acquired Etec Systems, Opal Technologies, Baccini, and many others. Each acquisition deepened the firm’s market positioning and influence.

Currently, Applied Materials operates the largest solar tech center in the world. Additionally, it remains a global leader in nanofabrication and photonics. As such, those seeking exposure in a reputable photonics manufacturer should continue their research into Applied Materials.

Applied Materials Inc पर नवीनतम

एआई-ऑप्टिमाइज़्ड लाइटसेल तकनीक के लिए आगे क्या है?

There are still a few details that engineers will need to solve to take this technology from the lab into real-world use. For one, they need to continue to experiment with new and lighter materials to ensure that they can withstand the harsh environment of outer space.
Additionally, these systems have yet to be fully tested in orbit. As such, the next stage of the process will involve launching these tiny devices and monitoring their actions to ensure their performance meets the strict standards required for decades of interstellar flight and communications.

एआई-ऑप्टिमाइज़्ड लाइटसेल्स

If all goes well, AI-optimized lightsails have the potential to give humans a glimpse into other galaxies in as little as 10-20 years. These systems will also one day become the infrastructure for an interstellar communications network, connecting deep space colonies with home. For now, these engineers deserve praise for their forward-looking stance and ingenuity.

यहां अन्य सामग्री विज्ञान की प्रगति के बारे में जानें।

संदर्भित अध्ययन:

^{1. Norder, L., Yin, S., de Jong, M. H. J., Stallone, F., Aydogmus, H., Sberna, P. M., Bessa, M. A., & Norte, R. A. (2025). पेंटागोनल फोटोनिक क्रिस्टल मिरर्स: न्यूरल टोपोलॉजी ऑप्टिमाइज़ेशन द्वारा तेज़ी से बढ़ी हुई त्वरण के साथ स्केलेबल लाइटसेल्स. Nature Communications, 16, Article 2753. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57749-y}