Emergent properties in optically bound matter

Taylor, J.M. , Wong, L.Y., Bain, C.D. and Love, G.D. (2008) Emergent properties in optically bound matter. Optics Express, 16(10), pp. 6921-6929. (doi: 10.1364/OE.16.006921)

Abstract

Sub-micron particles have been observed to spontaneously form regular two-dimensional structures in counterpropagating evanescent laser fields. We show that collective properties of large numbers of optically-trapped particles can be qualitatively different to the properties of small numbers. This is demonstrated both with a computer model and with experimental results. As the number of particles in the structure is increased, optical binding forces can be sufficiently large to overcome the optical landscape imposed by the interference fringes of the laser beams and impose a different, competing structure.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This paper was published in Optics Express and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.16.006921. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Taylor, Dr Jonathan
• Authors: Taylor, J.M., Wong, L.Y., Bain, C.D., and Love, G.D.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Optics Express
• Publisher: Optical Society of America
• ISSN: 1094-4087
• Published Online: 30 April 2008
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 Optical Society of America
• First Published: First published in Optics Express 16(10):6921-6929
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher