A tiny disk of graphene can spin at 2,000 RPM using nothing but sunlight and a permanent magnet.
April 29, 2026
Original Paper
A Diamagnetic, Light-Driven Tesla Engine Based on a Mechanically Displaced, Magnetically Levitated Graphene Disk
arXiv · 2604.22803
The Takeaway
This diamagnetic Tesla engine is the first of its kind to be powered entirely by light. A laser or sunlight heats a levitated graphene disk, which then rotates rapidly due to the material's unique magnetic properties. Because the disk is levitated, there is no friction from a physical axle or bearings to slow it down. This creates a functional, fuel-less motor that can operate in extreme environments where traditional lubricants would fail. This technology could eventually power tiny, autonomous vehicles or sensors for space exploration and high-precision manufacturing.
From the abstract
Ferromagnetic materials are widely used in Tesla thermomagnetic engines, whereas diamagnetic counterparts have remained unexplored. Here, we demonstrate the first diamagnetic Tesla engine by exploiting the strong diamagnetism of graphene. A graphene disk, fabricated by stacking graphene sheets, serves as the engine wheel. We first show that the conventional Tesla engine design using a permanent magnet placed near the disk edge to create unbalanced thermomagnetic forces under asymmetric local hea