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A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference

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Polarization effects in optically bound particle arrays.

Christopher D Mellor, Thomas A Fennerty, Colin D Bain

|June 17, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Sub-micron polystyrene spheres self-assemble into 2D arrays using laser light. Particle arrangement is controlled by laser polarization, leading to diverse array structures like hexagonal and rectangular patterns.

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Area of Science:

Physics, Optics
Materials Science, Nanotechnology

Background:

Sub-micron particles can self-assemble into ordered structures.
Laser light can be used to manipulate and trap particles (optical trapping).
Interactions between trapped particles (optical binding) can influence assembly dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of laser beam polarization on the self-assembly of sub-micron polystyrene spheres.
To characterize the different two-dimensional (2D) array structures formed.
To understand the interplay between optical trapping and optical binding in array formation.

Main Methods:

Utilizing counterpropagating laser beams to create an evanescent field at a silica-water interface.
Employing polystyrene spheres with diameters ranging from 390-520 nm.
Observing and analyzing the self-assembled 2D arrays using optical microscopy.

Main Results:

Observed spontaneous formation of 2D arrays of polystyrene spheres.
Identified diverse array symmetries including rectangular and three types of hexagonal arrays.
Documented a defective array with a missing every-third-row pattern.
Demonstrated that optical binding can dominate optical trapping, leading to incommensurate arrays.

Conclusions:

Laser polarization is a critical parameter controlling the symmetry and dynamics of particle arrays.
Both optical trapping and optical binding forces govern the self-assembly process.
Complex array structures, including those not matching the laser interference pattern, can arise from particle-particle interactions.