Creation and Manipulation of Three-Dimensional Optically Trapped Structures

2002500 citationsJournal Article

Authors

Michael P. MacDonald · University of St Andrews

Lynn Paterson · University of St Andrews

Karen Volke-Sepúlveda · National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics

Jochen Arlt · University of Edinburgh

W. Sibbett · University of St Andrews

Kishan Dholakia · University of St Andrews

Abstract

An interferometric pattern between two annular laser beams is used to construct three-dimensional (3D) trapped structures within an optical tweezers setup. In addition to being fully translatable in three dimensions, the trapped structure can be rotated controllably and continuously by introducing a frequency difference between the two laser beams. These interference patterns could play an important role in the creation of extended 3D crystalline structures.

Topics & Keywords

Orbital Angular Momentum in Optics Advanced Fiber Laser Technologies Photonic and Optical Devices

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable cities and communities

Publication Details

Published in: Science

Volume 296, Issue 5570, pp. 1101-1103

DOI: 10.1126/science.1069571

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 21.95