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rootofallworlds t1_j8p7aqi wrote

Yes, by conservation of momentum if light is refracted in a way that's not symmetric, momentum must be imparted to the lens. It doesn't even need to be a single pulse - a prism will refract light asymmetrically, and an off-axis section of a spherical-surfaced lens will do it.

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HellKnightRob t1_j9bht20 wrote

Could this be a potential propulsion system in a vacuum? Like I know solar sails are a thing, but could it be plausible to emit a high lumen light directed through a prism for propulsion from the craft itself?

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rootofallworlds t1_j9bipxw wrote

You don’t need a prism. A directional light source produces a recoil force. For a near-perfect beam like a laser you need 300 megawatts per Newton.

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