Optical vortex trap for resonant confinement of metal nanoparticles

Dienerowitz, M., Mazilu, M., Reece, P.J., Krauss, T.F. and Dholakia, K. (2008) Optical vortex trap for resonant confinement of metal nanoparticles. Optics Express, 16(7), pp. 4991-4999. (doi: 10.1364/OE.16.004991)

Abstract

The confinement and controlled movement of metal nanoparticles and nanorods is an emergent area within optical micromanipulation. In this letter we experimentally realise a novel trapping geometry near the plasmon resonance using an annular light field possessing a helical phasefront that confines the nanoparticle to the vortex core (dark) region. We interpret our data with a theoretical framework based upon the Maxwell stress tensor formulation to elucidate the total forces upon nanometric particles near the particle plasmon resonance. Rotation of the particle due to orbital angular momentum transfer is observed. This geometry may have several advantages for advanced manipulation of metal nanoparticles.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dienerowitz, Dr Maria
• Authors: Dienerowitz, M., Mazilu, M., Reece, P.J., Krauss, T.F., and Dholakia, K.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Optics Express
• ISSN: 1094-4087
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 Optical Society of America
• First Published: First published in Optics Express 16(7):4991-4999
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher