I have had the idea of using photons to propel a space craft for a long time and I'm sure many other people have also.
I mentioned that some time ago in my reply to Ed where I mentioned the following:

"The ion drive is a reality, magnetic field interaction with solar or Earth's magnetic fields have been envisioned. The imagination is still taxed to the limit in trying to figure out how some mysterious crystal lattice could be used to produce or channel energy for the purpose of propulsion. Sodium chloride "crystal" can be used as the lens of an infrared laser, perhaps other types of crystals can direct or concentrate different types of energies. Or perhaps a powerful laser mounted within the space ship can be used to "push" the said space ship along, such craft might approach the speed of light, after all for every action there is equal and opposite reaction. All of these and other "fanciful" ideas can be the starting point for the development of actual operating devices. By imagining, studying, observing, experimenting, and constructing, we can learn more about nature and how to utilize it for our benefit."

I don't have a link to the site but I seem to remember that NASA has been experimenting with laser created plasma engines. I also have imagined various ways to use electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic energies to propel a space craft. It is a very interesting area of study and well worth the effort. (Even without financial reward.)

Johannes