Directed assembly of optically bound matter

Summers, M.D., Dear, R.D., Taylor, J.M. and Ritchie, G.A.D. (2012) Directed assembly of optically bound matter. Optics Express, 20(2), pp. 1001-1012. (doi: 10.1364/OE.20.001001)

Abstract

We present a study of optically bound matter formation in a counter-propagating evanescent field, exploiting total internal reflection on a prism surface. Small ensembles of silica microspheres are assembled in a controlled manner using optical tweezers. The structures and dynamics of the resulting optically bound chains are interpreted using a simulation implementing generalized Lorentz-Mie theory. In particular, we observe enhancement of the scattering force along the propagation direction of the optically bound colloidal chains leading to a microscopic analogue of a driven pendulum which, at least superficially, resembles Newton’s cradle.

• 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.20.001001. 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: Summers, M.D., Dear, R.D., Taylor, J.M., and Ritchie, G.A.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: 04 January 2012
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2012 Optical Society of America
• First Published: First published in Optics Express 20(12):1001-1012
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher