title: Stochastic localization of microswimmers by photon nudging.
abstract: Force-free trapping and steering of single photophoretically self-propelled Janus-type particles using a feedback mechanism is experimentally demonstrated. Realtime information on particle position and orientation is used to switch the self-propulsion mechanism of the particle optically. The orientational Brownian motion of the particle thereby provides the reorientation mechanism for the microswimmer. The particle size dependence of the photophoretic propulsion velocity reveals that photon nudging provides an increased position accuracy for decreasing particle radius. The explored steering mechanism is suitable for navigation in complex biological environments and in-depth studies of collective swimming effects.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Nanophotonics Group, Institute of Experimental Physics I, University of Leipzig , 04103 Leipzig, Germany .
authors.forename: Andreas P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Bregulla
authors.forename: Haw
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cichos
mesh_terms: D057446:Hydrodynamics; D007834:Lasers; D009038:Motion; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D055620:Optical Phenomena; D010316:Particle Size; D017785:Photons; D013269:Stochastic Processes; D013696:Temperature