Liu, MingkaiPowell, David A.Shadrivov, Ilya V.2015-09-172015-09-170003-6951http://hdl.handle.net/1885/15523We study the opto-mechanical properties of coupled chiral meta-atoms based on a pair of twisted split-ring resonators. By using a simple analytical model in conjunction with the Maxwell stress tensor, we capture insight into the mechanism and find that this structure can be used as a general prototype of subwavelength light-driven actuators over a wide range of frequencies. This coupled structure can provide a strong and tunable torque, and can support different opto-mechanical modes, including uniform rotation, periodically variable rotation and damped oscillations. Our results suggest that chiral meta-atoms are good candidates for creating sub-wavelength motors or wrenches controlled by light.This work is supported by the Australian Research Council.5 pagesapplication/pdfen-AU© 2012 American Institute of Physics.Keywords: Coupled structures; Damped oscillations; Maxwell stress tensors; Optomechanical; Split-ring resonator; Sub-wavelength; Variable rotation; Mechanical properties; Atoms2012-07-1710.1063/1.47374412016-02-24