Observation of a single-beam gradient force optical trap for dielectric particles
Abstract
Optical trapping of dielectric particles by a single-beam gradient force trap was demonstrated for the first reported time. This confirms the concept of negative light pressure due to the gradient force. Trapping was observed over the entire range of particle size from 10 microns to about 25 nm in water. Use of the new trap extends the size range of macroscopic particles accessible to optical trapping and manipulation well into the Rayleigh size regime. Application of this trapping principle to atom trapping is considered.
- Publication:
-
Optics Letters
- Pub Date:
- May 1986
- DOI:
- 10.1364/OL.11.000288
- Bibcode:
- 1986OptL...11..288A
- Keywords:
-
- Dielectrics;
- Mie Scattering;
- Optical Measurement;
- Radiation Pressure;
- Rayleigh Scattering;
- Trapped Particles;
- Laser Outputs;
- Particle Size Distribution;
- Silicon Dioxide;
- Optics