Spatiotemporal force-density evolution in resonant structures with ultrafast optics

The temporal evolution of the optical force density in structured membranes under ultrafast optical illumination is investigated for illustrative situations. Based on this work, it appears that it is possible to exert a pulling force on resonant structures using pulsed light. A combination of optical pulse control and nanostructured material design enables optomechanical device paradigms that allow temporal control of mechanical modes. This is of relevance in several existing areas, such as sensing and computation, and could lead to special opportunities for mechanical metamaterial concepts. This work provides insight into interactions between pulsed light and condensed matter, and motivates optomechanics experiments using ultrafast light.