Scientists levitate objects by just POINTING at them: Sound waves are used for the first time to control movement of tiny beads through the air

Scientists can now levitate objects by just pointing at them – or so it seems
For the first time they have moved beads through the air in a controlled way
They did this by creating ultrasonic waves, between which the ball floats

The Force is a supernatural power used by Anakin Skywalker and other Jedi to manipulate objects in the fictional universe of Star Wars.

However, scientists can now levitate objects by just pointing at them – or so it seems.

For the first time researchers have moved tiny beads through the air in a controlled manner, reaching speeds of up to 30 inches (80cm) per second.

They did this by creating two beams of ultrasonic waves, between which the ball floats.

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Researchers from the University of Bayreuth in Germany presented their levitating ball at a conference in Tokyo.

The interactive system relies on two horizontal boards, positioned one over the other at a distance of approximately eight inches (20cm) apart.

These produce ultrasonic waves from above and below, meaning that particles located in the space between the two boards are subjected to ultrasound emanating from opposite directions.

Tiny objects – in this case little plastic beads – can be made to float in mid-air under these circumstances.

If the phases of the acoustic waves in this ultrasonic space are modified even slightly, it is possible to put these beads into motion.

The new device, called a LeviCursor makes use of this phenomenon to accurately control the movement of the beads.

Scientists wore an optical marker (or pointer) on one fingertip.

They were able to alter the three-dimensional field of ultrasound waves using this pointer which in turn moved the plastic beads…...more here

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Scientists levitate objects by just POINTING at them: Sound waves are used for the first time to control movement of tiny beads through the air