Abstract

An enhanced ray optics model is applied to the study of the optical levitation and trapping properties of a glass cubic object. It is found that for certain highly symmetric orientations simultaneous force and torque equilibrium can exist in the lowest-order TEM₀₀ laser beam profile. For analytical purposes, the square surfaces of the cube are divided into two identical triangular surfaces, and the interaction of the rays with these triangular surfaces simplifies the computation of the total force and torque on the cube. The technique developed can easily be extended to the study of other regular or complex structures.

© 2000 Optical Society of America

Optical levitation particle delivery system for a dual beam fiber optic trap

Robert C. Gauthier and Athanasios Frangioudakis
Appl. Opt. 39(1) 26-33 (2000)

Theoretical investigation of the optical trapping force and torque on cylindrical micro-objects

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J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 14(12) 3323-3333 (1997)

Optical levitation and trapping of a micro-optic inclined end-surface cylindrical spinner

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Appl. Opt. 40(12) 1961-1973 (2001)

Optical selection, manipulation, trapping, and activation of a microgear structure for applications in micro-optical–electromechanical systems

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Experimental confirmation of the optical-trapping properties of cylindrical objects

Robert C. Gauthier, Mike Ashman, and Chander P. Grover
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