Observation of a single-beam gradient-force optical trap for dielectric particles in air

A single-beam gradient-force optical trap for dielectric particles, which relies solely on the radiation pressure force of a TEM(00)-mode laser light, is demonstrated in air for what is believed to be the first time. It was observed that micrometer-sized glass spheres with a refractive index of n=1.45 remained trapped in the focus region for more than 30 min, and we could transfer them three dimensionally by moving the beam focus and the microscope stage. A laser power of ~40 mW was sufficient to trap a 5- microm -diameter glass sphere. The present method has several distinct advantages over the conventional optical levitation method.     

Optical levitation and manipulation of stuck particles with pulsed optical tweezers

We report on optical levitation and manipulation of microscopic particles that are stuck on a glass surface with pulsed optical tweezers. An infrared pulse laser at 1.06 microm was used to generate a large gradient force (up to 10(-9) N) within a short duration (approximately 45 micros) that overcomes the adhesive interaction between the particles and the glass surface. Then a low-power continuous-wave diode laser at 785 nm was used to capture and manipulate the levitated particle. We have demonstrated that both stuck dielectric and biological micrometer-sized particles, including polystyrene beads, yeast cells, and Bacillus cereus bacteria, can be levitated and manipulated with this technique. We measured the single-pulse levitation efficiency for 2.0 microm polystyrene beads as a function of the pulse energy and of the axial displacement from the stuck particle to the pulsed laser focus, which was as high as 88%.     

Trapping colloidal dielectric microparticles with overlapping evanescent optical waves

We experimentally demonstrate the creation of a stable surface trap for colloidal microparticles in a high-intensity evanescent optical field that is produced by total internal reflection of two counter-propagating and mutually incoherent laser beams. While the particles confined in the trap undergo fast Brownian motion, they never “stick” to the surface – not even at high optical powers – but rather levitate above the surface. If many particles are stored in the trap, they tend to form a well ordered self-organized array. We apply a numerical model based on the general energy-momentum tensor formalism to evaluate the overall optical force acting on a trapped particle. The optical-field parameters are calculated using the finite element method. The simulations show that for small particles a sharp repulsive potential at the surface – required for the levitation – can have neither optical nor light-induced thermal origin. Among the possible non-optical forces, electrostatic double-layer repulsion is often considered to be the origin of the levitation. We find, however, that the experimentally observed levitation of small particles in a high-intensity evanescent-wave trap cannot be explained by this effect.     

Ignition of single nickel-coated aluminum particles

A thin coating of nickel on the surface of aluminum particles can prevent their agglomeration and at the same time facilitate their ignition, thus increasing the efficiency of aluminized propellants. In this work, ignition of single nickel-coated aluminum particles is investigated using an electrodynamic levitation setup (heating by laser) and a tube reactor (heating by high-temperature gas). The levitation experiments are used for measurements of the ignition delay time at different Ni contents in the particles. The high-temperature gas experiments are used to measure the critical ignition temperature. It is reported that the Ni coating dramatically decreases both the ignition delay time of laser-heated Al particles and the critical ignition temperature of gas-heated Al particles. A heat balance analysis of the levitated particles shows that the lower ignition temperature of Ni-coated Al particles is the most probable reason for the observed reduction in the ignition delay time. Exothermic intermetallic reactions between liquid Al and solid Ni are considered as the main reason for the lowered ignition temperature of Ni-coated Al particles.     

Interactions between spherical nanoparticles optically trapped in Laguerre-Gaussian modes

When a Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) laser mode is used to trap nanoparticles, the spatial disposition of the particles about the beam axis is determined by a secondary mechanism that engages the input radiation with the interparticle potential. This analysis, based on the identification of a range-dependent laser-induced energy shift, elicits and details features that arise for spherical nanoparticles irradiated by a LG mode. Calculations of the absolute minima are performed for LG beams of variable topological charge, and the results are displayed graphically. It is shown that more complex ordered structures emerge on extension to three- and four-particle systems and that similar principles will apply to other kinds of radially structured optical mode.     

Method for creating hollow light beams with local intensity minima and possibilities for their application

We propose and experimentally realize methods for forming light beams with local spatial intensity minima of different types (hollow light beams), based on application of specially shaped linear optics phase elements. The fields with local intensity minima, obtained as a result of phase conversion, are comparable with respect to transverse dimensions, power, and intensity gradient to the initial gaussian beam focused by means of a spherical lens. The optical layouts were assembled using photostable optical elements and therefore make it possible to create high-power laser fields suitable not only for manipulation of microparticles but also for laser machining of materials, in particular laser welding of metals. Using a phase element with planar symmetry, we can select the optimal laser beam profile that will ensure no burning on the line of contact between the ends of the parts to be welded for high penetration and will make it possible to achieve the maximum possible strength of the weld joint for a specified laser radiation power.     

A peculiarity of diffraction measurements using a Gaussian laser beam

Numerical modelling of the Gaussian beam diffraction by a wire near the Fraunhofer limit is presented. Two cases are considered: the case of the wire being on the axis of the beam and the case of the wire being off-axis. For the case where the wire is on the axis, the displacements of the diffracted minima are calculated. For the off-axis case, the changes in the positions of the maxima and minima and the power density are calculated. The conditions are determined at which the measurements made using a Gaussian beam can be calculated using the formula for plane waves. This work arises in connection with research being performed into the Doppler spectrum of big particles.     

高功率激光光束经颗粒污染后的近场衍射效应

采用高功率激光驱动器设计软件Laser designer数值研究了激光光束经颗粒污染后的近场衍射特性. 对颗粒污染所产生的调制进行了分类, 并详细分析了真空和石英玻璃中, 振幅调制型和位相调制型颗粒污染对光束近场的影响. 研究结果表明, 无论在真空或石英玻璃中, 位相型颗粒污染对高功率激光光束的近场调制影响较大. 且在石英玻璃中, 位相型硬边颗粒污染所引起的高功率激光光束小尺度自聚焦热像调制现象相当严重. 而由颗粒污染引起光束强区的横向偏移, 却在一定程度对小尺度自聚焦有抑制作用.     

Surface plasmon scattering on polymer-bimetal layer covered fused silica gratings generated by laser induced backside wet etching

Large amplitude fused silica gratings are prepared by combining the UV laser induced backside wet etching technique (LIBWE) and the two-beam interference method. The periodic patterning of fused silica surfaces is realized by s-polarized fourth harmonic beams of a Nd:YAG laser, applying saturated solution of naphthalene in methyl-methacrylate as liquid absorber. Atomic force microscopy is utilized to analyze how the modulation amplitude of the grating can be controlled by the fluence and number of laser pulses. Three types of plasmonic structures are prepared by a bottom-up method, post-evaporating the fused silica gratings by gold-silver bimetal layers, spin-coating the metal structures by thin polycarbonate films, and irradiating the multilayers by UV laser. The effect of the bimetal and polymer-coated bimetal gratings on the surface plasmon resonance is investigated in a modified Kretschmann arrangement allowing polar and azimuthal angle scans. It is demonstrated experimentally that scattering on rotated gratings results in additional minima on the resonance curves of plasmons excited by second harmonic beam of a continuous Nd:YAG laser. The azimuthal angle dependence proves that these additional minima originate from back-scattering. The analogous reflectivity minima were obtained by scattering matrix method calculations realized taking modulation depths measured on bimetal gratings into account.     

Nonlinear Compton scattering of strong laser radiation on channeled particles in a crystal

A version for intense γ-ray radiation based on the multiphoton scattering of strong laser radiation on relativistic particle beam channeled in a crystal is proposed. The incident laser beam and charged particles beam are counter-propagating and the laser radiation is resonant to the energy levels of transversal motion of channeled particles.     

Self-focusing of laser beams in a plasma by ponderomotive forces

Self-focusing of a laser beam in a plasma is treated in terms of the ponderomotive acceleration due to the gradient of the light intensity. The focusing of radiation within the first minima of diffraction sets a lower limit to the laser power which is of the order of 1 MW for the usual lasers if cut-off density and a plasma temperature of about 10 eV are assumed.     

The TEM101 mode laser beam—A powerful tool for optical levitation of various types of spheres

We point out in this paper that a TEM¹₀₁ mode laser beam is convenient to stably levitate either solid or hollow dielectric spheres or metallic ones. Except a sufficient incident flux, there is no stability condition required to levitate solid transparent spheres having a refractive index larger than the one of the surrounding medium. According to the beam and sphere diameters, the equilibrium position will be centered on the beam axis or off-axis. In the case of hollow dielectric or metallic spheres, the lateral stability requires specific conditions on sphere and beam diameters. These conditions are discussed and then experimentally shown by performing optical levitation of these various kinds of spheres either in vertical or in horizontal beams.     

激光捕获技术及其发展

激光捕获技术是利用光辐射力来捕捉、移动和操纵微粒的先进技术。光镊即单光束梯度力光阱是通过在高度会聚的激光束束腰附近所产生的极高的场强梯度来形成皮牛顿量级的力,可以三维地捕获和操纵微小粒子。阐述了激光捕获技术的模型和原理以及系统的基本结构;追踪了激光捕获技术的最新研究进展;介绍了非高斯型光阱、光纤光阱和全息光镊等几种特殊形式,并分析了每种形式的特点。展望了激光捕获技术的发展前景。     

The approach to diamond growth on levitating seed particles

We demonstrate the approach of diamond growth on levitating seed particles in a rf plasma. We introduce a hot filament chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique into the rf plasma chamber in order to obtain improved crystal growth. Firstly, we confirmed diamond nucleation on seed particles placed on a Si substrate using the hot filament CVD. The deposition conditions, namely the total pressure and the rf power, were chosen so that they correspond to particles levitation conditions. We observe that a hydrogen pre-treatment on the seed particles improves the nucleation. Secondly, we confirm the levitation of particles at high temperatures. Fine particles levitated in a plasma are particularly sensitive to thermophoretic effects due to inhomogeneities in the gas heating. Therefore, proper heating procedures are required for successful particles levitation.     

Optical levitation by means of two horizontal laser beams: A theoretical and experimental study

Stable optical levitation of transparent solid glass spheres has been demonstrated using two horizontal TEM00 laser beams. The experimental results agree with a theoretical calculation which gives the value of the lateral force pushing the sphere towards the region of maximum light intensity and maintaining it on the axis of the beam.     

The monochromatization of a beam of charged particles by Cherenkov interaction

The possibility of monochromatization of a real beam of charged particles (possessing energy spread and angle divergence) as a result of Cherenkov interaction with laser radiation in a medium is shown. The refraction index of the medium, the Cherenkov angle and the intensity of the wave, necessary for this effect are determined by the initial parameters of the beam. For the real parameters of the beam of charged particles and the laser radiation the degree of monochromatization reaches several orders. A method of raising the monochromaticy of the charged particles of a beam is suggested.     

Rotational motions of optically trapped microscopic particles by a vortex femtosecond laser

The rotational motions of the optically trapped microscopic particles by the vortex femtosecond laser beam are investigated in this paper.Black particles can be trapped and rotated by a vortex femtosecond laser beam very effectively because the vortex beam carries orbital angular momentum due to the helical wave-front structure in assoication with the central phase singularity.Trapped black particles rotate in the vortex beam due to the absorption of the angular momentum transferred from the vortex beam.The rotating directions of the trapped particles can be modulated by reversing the topological charge of the optical vortex in the vortex femtosecond beam.And the rotating speeds of the trapped microscopic particles greatly depend on the topological charges of the vortex tweezer and the used pulse energies.     

Damage and molecular changes under a laser beam in SEM‐EDX/MRS interface: a case study on iron‐rich particles

The control of damage to individual environmental particles by a laser beam during Raman spectroscopy carried out in ambient air is generally well understood. The nature and control of damage under vacuum conditions (e.g. in the scanning electron microscopy with energy X‐ray detection combined with micro‐Raman spectroscopy—interfaced SEM‐EDX/MRS) are more complex and less well comprehended. The physical and chemical processes that affect the damage caused to small particles by lasers still remain somewhat unclear, but certainly the atmosphere (vacuum/air) and the beam intensity have very significant influences. Furthermore, it has been determined that some particles (e.g. haematite), although stable under an electron beam, are damaged by the laser beam, hampering their analysis. Additionally, when simultaneous analyses by SEM/EDX and MRS are considered, the correct choice of the collection surface plays a crucial role. As a result, the following collection substrates were tested to determine their influence on the laser beam damage process to the particle: silver and aluminium foils and silicon wafers. A test study was performed using artificial examples of haematite (Fe₂O₃) particles. Exposure of Fe₂O₃ particles in vacuum to 514‐ and 785‐nm laser radiation often leads to their melting, transformation and evaporation. The dependence of the damage caused by the laser beam on the particle structure is reported here. Molecular and crystallographic changes have also been revealed. Formation of magnetite (as an effect of re‐crystallisation) and Raman inactive structures was detected. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

General design basis for a final optics assembly to decrease filamentary damage

The high-power laser beam in the final optics assembly of high-power laser facilities is often modulated by contamination particles, which may cause local high light intensity, thereby increasing the filamentary damage probability for optical components. To study the general design basis for a final optics assembly to decrease the risk of filamentary damage,different-sized contamination particles deposited on a component surface are simulated to modulate a 351-nm laser beam based on the optical transmission theory, and the corresponding simulation results are analyzed statistically in terms of the propagation characteristic and the light field intensity distribution of the modulated laser beam. The statistical results show that component thickness and distance between components can to some extent be optimized to reduce the appearance of local high light intensity, and the general design basis of component thickness and arrangement are given for different control levels of particle sizes. Moreover, the statistical results can also predict the laser beam quality approximately under the existing optics design and environmental cleanliness. The optimized design for final optics assembly based on environmental cleanliness level is useful to prolong the lifetime of optics and enhance the output power of high-power laser facilities.     

激光悬浮力计算模型分析

在Ａｓｈｋｉｎ的光学悬浮纯几何光线模型的基础上，采用立体解析几何的方法加以改进，对单光束聚焦俘获透明介质小球的作用力进行了分析和数值计算，得出了不同参数条件下光辐射压力的量级。特别地，给出了光的线偏振方向对悬浮力的影响，以及空间微重力条件下悬浮粒子可能的力学行为。