Optical trapping and manipulation of nano-objects with an apertureless probe.
We propose a novel way to trap and manipulate nano-objects above a dielectric substrate using an apertureless near-field probe. A combination of evanescent illumination and light scattering at the probe apex is used to shape the optical field into a localized, three-dimensional optical trap. We use the coupled-dipole method and the Maxwell stress tensor to provide a self-consistent description of the optical force, including retardation and the influence of the substrate. We show that small objects can be selectively captured and manipulated under realistic conditions.
Chaumet
Patrick C
PC
Institut Fresnel (UMR 6133), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de St Jérôme, F-13397 Marseille Cedex 20, France.
Rahmani
Adel
A
Nieto-Vesperinas
Manuel
M
D008027:Light; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D010316:Particle Size; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014414:Tungsten / Q000737:chemistry; D014618:Vacuum
D014414:Tungsten