Enhancement of the ‘tractor-beam’ pulling force on an optically bound structure

Damková, Jana; Chvátal, Lukáš; Ježek, Jan; Oulehla, Jindřich; Brzobohatý, Oto; Zemánek, Pavel

doi:10.1038/lsa.2017.135

Cited by 35 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…These results demonstrate that interparticle separation and geometry influence the sign of the optical torque on the arrays. Similarly, it was recently found that the separation and orientation of two optically bound particles could impact the negative forces in a tractor-beam 28 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 73%

Crossover from positive to negative optical torque in mesoscale optical matter

et al. 2018

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The photons in circularly polarized light can transfer their quantized spin angular momentum to micro- and nanostructures via absorption and scattering. This normally exerts positive torque on the objects wher the sign (i.e., handedness or angular direction) follows that of the spin angular momentum. Here we show that the sign of the optical torque can be negative in mesoscopic optical matter arrays of metal nanoparticles (NPs) assembled in circularly polarized optical traps. Crossover from positive to negative optical torque, which occurs for arrays with different number, separation and configuration of the constituent particles, is shown to result from many-body interactions as clarified by electrodynamics simulations. Our results establish that both positive and negative optical torque can be readily realized and controlled in optical matter arrays. This property and reconfigurability of the arrays makes possible programmable materials for optomechanical, microrheological and biological applications.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 73%

Crossover from positive to negative optical torque in mesoscale optical matter

et al. 2018

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“…Therefore, this arrangement seems to be well suited for delivering simultaneously multiple particles in the form of optically bound non-spherical structures [13]. Several theoretical studies have also considered the effect of multiple particles on the tractor beam performance [215,216], typically showing an enhancement of the pulling effect. The wavevectors of the two wide Gaussian beams forming the tractor beam shown in Fig.…”

Section: -D Optical Pulling In Tractor Beamsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As illustrated by the schematics shown on the right, the direction of particles' motion (pushing or pulling) depends on the vertical inter-particle distance along the y-axis. Adapted under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License from[216].…”

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confidence: 99%

Perspective on light-induced transport of particles: from optical forces to phoretic motion

et al. 2019

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Propulsive effects of light, which often remain unnoticed in our daily-life experience, manifest themselves on spatial scales ranging from subatomic to astronomical. Light-mediated forces can indeed confine individual atoms, cooling their effective temperature very close to absolute zero, as well as contribute to cosmological phenomena such as the formation of stellar planetary systems. In this review, we focus on the transport processes that light can initiate on small spatial scales. In particular, we discuss in depth various light-induced mechanisms for the controlled transport of microscopic particles; these mechanisms rely on the direct transfer of momentum between the particles and the incident light waves, on the combination of optical forces with external forces of other nature, and on light-triggered phoretic motion. After a concise theoretical overview of the physical origins of optical forces, we describe how these forces can be harnessed to guide particles either in continuous bulk media or in the proximity of a constraining interface under various configurations of the illuminating light beams (radiative, evanescent, or plasmonics fields). Subsequently, we introduce particle transport techniques that complement optical forces with counteracting forces of non-optical nature. We finally discuss particle actuation schemes where light acts as a fine knob to trigger and/or modulate phoretic motion in spatial gradients of non-optical (e.g., electric, chemical, or temperature) fields. We conclude by outlining possible future fundamental and applied directions for research in light-induced particle transport. We believe that this comprehensive review can inspire diverse, interdisciplinary scientific communities to devise novel, unorthodox ways of assembling and manipulating materials with light.

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“…Optical forces on an object due to the exchange of photon momentum with the object [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] can move nanoswimmers/ microswimmers along the beam direction. Light propulsion has unique advantages like wireless control, high spatial and temporal precision, and instant response 28 .…”

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confidence: 99%

Ballistic supercavitating nanoparticles driven by single Gaussian beam optical pushing and pulling forces

2020

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Directed high-speed motion of nanoscale objects in fluids can have a wide range of applications like molecular machinery, nano robotics, and material assembly. Here, we report ballistic plasmonic Au nanoparticle (NP) swimmers with unprecedented speeds (~336,000 μm s −1) realized by not only optical pushing but also pulling forces from a single Gaussian laser beam. Both the optical pulling and high speeds are made possible by a unique NP-laser interaction. The Au NP excited by the laser at the surface plasmon resonance peak can generate a nanoscale bubble, which can encapsulate the NP (i.e., supercavitation) to create a virtually frictionless environment for it to move, like the Leidenfrost effect. Certain NP-in-bubble configurations can lead to the optical pulling of NP against the photon stream. The demonstrated ultra-fast, light-driven NP movement may benefit a wide range of nanoand bio-applications and provide new insights to the field of optical pulling force.

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Enhancement of the ‘tractor-beam’ pulling force on an optically bound structure

Cited by 35 publications

References 25 publications

Crossover from positive to negative optical torque in mesoscale optical matter

Crossover from positive to negative optical torque in mesoscale optical matter

Perspective on light-induced transport of particles: from optical forces to phoretic motion

Ballistic supercavitating nanoparticles driven by single Gaussian beam optical pushing and pulling forces

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