Cool application of light and energy absorption by atoms:
(I don't have the foggiest what you two are talking about, but this seems related. Poke me if it isn't.)
Scientists have found a reaction between Metal That I Don't Know The Name and water that does a neat trick.
Putting a square 1"x1" sheet of Metal X on the back of a paper airplane and affixing a droplet of water to it, a focused microwave beam then makes the two act as a jet-propulsion unit.
The airplane will shoot out at speeds upwards of 25 mph, but fall short, however, when the neat little trick thingy runs out of water.
Oh and BTW: What exactly is Compton Scattering? You're talking to a High School Sophomore here, so slap me if I'm annoying and I'll go away.
™ Version 4.2
