Open AccessTheoretical investigation of the transverse optical force between a silicon nanowire waveguide and a substrate
Author(s) -
Wolfram H. P. Pernice,
Mo Li,
Hong X. Tang
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.17.001806
Subject(s) - optical force , transverse plane , waveguide , nanowire , optics , silicon , materials science , finite element method , dielectric , formalism (music) , silicon nanowires , nanophotonics , optoelectronics , physics , optical tweezers , art , musical , structural engineering , visual arts , thermodynamics , engineering
We present a study of transverse optical forces arising in a free-standing silicon nanowire waveguide. A theoretical framework is provided for the calculation of the optical forces existing between a waveguide and a dielectric substrate. The force is evaluated using a numerical procedure based on finite-element simulations. In addition, an analytical formalism is developed which allows for a simple approximate analysis of the problem. We find that in this configuration optical forces on the order of pN can be obtained, sufficient to actuate nano-mechanical devices.