Abstract

Basic concepts in Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and the doppler factor were applied to laser-driven light sailing, where this combination was not considered before. QED indicates that a reflection is an absorption and an emission of discreet energy, and the doppler factor indicates a change in velocity of a reflector would result in the reflector observing a change in wavelength from a source. Applying these concepts results in the reflectors available discrete energy states not being filled, after the reflector changes its velocity. Changes in the apparatus of the laser-driven light sail and changes in the current understanding of the transfer of momentum from light to matter for effective laser-driven light sailing are suggested.