Simulation of novel micromotor using optically induced polarization in semiconductors

We propose a novel type of electrostatic motor using an optically polarized rotor. In order to generate a macroscopic dipole, we employ the Dember effect that is frequently used to describe the photovoltage in semiconductors. Inhomogeneous irradiation on the surface of a semiconductor can generate different distributions between electrons and holes due to the difference in their diffusion constants, thereby resulting in the appearance of a macroscopic dipole inside the semiconductor. This dipole rotates when set in an electrostatic field. We theoretically simulate the dynamics of this rotor and estimate the maximum number of rotations per second.