Abstract

An enhanced photon propagation method is used to calculate the forces and torque present on each sphere of a system of particles located in the vicinity of focused laser-trapping beams. Infinitesimal trajectory displacements are computed through classical mechanics and the new particle position used to define the next trapping system geometry considered. Repeated applications of the process, implemented as a computer program, enables full trajectory plotting and the dynamic behavior of the systems to be explored as a function of time.

© 1998 Optical Society of America

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