  Realizing optical manipulation of microscopic objects is crucial in the
research fields of life science, condensed matter physics and physical
chemistry. In non-liquid environments, this task is commonly regarded as
difficult due to strong adhesive surface force ($\sim\mu\rm N$) between solid
interfaces that makes tiny optical driven force ($\sim\rm pN$) insignificant.
Here, by recognizing the microscopic interaction mechanism between friction
force -- the parallel component of surface force on the contact surface -- and
thermoelastic waves induced by pulsed optical absorption, we establish a
general principle enabling the actuation of micro-objects on dry frictional
surfaces based on the opto-thermo-mechanical effects. Theoretically, we predict
that nanosecond pulsed optical absorption with mW-scale peak power is
sufficient to tame $\mu\rm N$-scale friction force. Experimentally, we
demonstrate that two-dimensional spiral motion of gold plates on micro-fibers
driven by a nanosecond pulsed laser, and reveal the specific rules of motion
control. Our results pave the way for future development of micro-scale
actuators in nonliquid environments.
