Open Access3D interferometric optical tweezers using a single spatial light modulator
Author(s) -
Ethan Schonbrun,
Rafael Piestun,
Pamela Jordan,
Jonathan M. Cooper,
Kurt D. Wulff,
Johannes Courtial,
Miles J. Padgett
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/opex.13.003777
Subject(s) - optical tweezers , spatial light modulator , optics , interferometry , interference (communication) , materials science , talbot effect , fourier transform , trapping , spatial frequency , hexagonal lattice , light intensity , optical lattice , phase modulation , physics , diffraction , superfluidity , ecology , channel (broadcasting) , electrical engineering , condensed matter physics , quantum mechanics , antiferromagnetism , biology , engineering , phase noise
Hexagonal arrays of micron sized silica beads have been trapped in three-dimensions within an optical lattice formed by the interference of multiple plane-waves. The optical lattice design with sharply peaked intensity gradients produces a stronger trapping force than the traditionally sinusoidal intensity distributions of other interferometric systems. The plane waves were generated using a single, phase-only, spatial light modulator (SLM), sited near a Talbot image plane of the traps. Compared to conventional optical tweezers, where the traps are formed in the Fourier-plane of the SLM, this approach may offer an advantage in the creation of large periodic array structures. This method of pattern formation may also be applicable to trapping arrays of atoms.