Trapping sub-micron size particles in holographic optical tweezers

Abstract

Trapping of sub-micron size particles is of interest to the biological community as well as to nanoelectronic research and industry. We have employed spatially modified Gaussian beam to generate narrow optical traps within diffraction limitation. A spatial light modulator is addressed with the spatial frequencies of the required optical traps. The inverse Fourier transform is obtained at the trap plane of the optical tweezers. We have demonstrated the trapping of sub-micron particles in multiples traps, patterned numerically which is addressed to a spatial light modulator. The trap is vary stable and the particles are trapped for more than 120 seconds.