Optical manipulation of nanoparticles: A review

Dienerowitz, Maria (SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St. Andrews); Mazilu, Michael; Dholakia, Kishan

Source: Journal of Nanophotonics, v 2, n 1, , 2008, p 021875

ISSN: 1934-2608 CODEN: JNOACQ

Publisher: SPIE 

Abstract: Optical trapping is an established field for movement of micron-size objects and cells. However, trapping of metal nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorods and molecules has received little attention. Nanoparticles are more challenging to optically trap and they offer ample new phenomena to explore, for example the plasmon resonance. Resonance and size effects have an impact upon trapping forces that causes nanopartiele trapping to differ from micromanipulation of larger micron-sized objects. There are numerous theoretical approaches to calculate optical forces exerted on trapped nanoparticles. Their combination and comparison gives the reader deeper understanding of the physical processes in an optical trap. A close look into the key experiments to date demonstrates the feasibility of trapping and provides a grasp of the enormous possibilities that remain to be explored. When constructing a single-beam optical trap, particular emphasis has to be placed on the choice of imaging for the trapping and confinement of nanoparticles. © 2008 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (97 refs.)

terms: Nanostructured materials - Electric wire - Nanoparticles - Nanostructures - Resonance