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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
08:57
Optical Trap Loading of Dielectric Microparticles In Air
Published on: February 5, 2017
Parameter exploration of optically trapped liquid aerosols
D R Burnham1, P J Reece, D McGloin
1SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, Fife KY16 9SS, United Kingdom.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|January 15, 2011
Summary
Inertia is crucial for microsecond optical trapping of aerosol particles in low-viscosity media. A simple harmonic oscillator model, including Faxén
Area of Science:
- Optical trapping
- Brownian motion
- Aerosol science
Background:
- Inertia significantly impacts optically trapped particles in low-viscosity media on microsecond timescales.
- Standard colloidal trapping experiments often neglect inertia, limiting observations of unique behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Brownian motion of optically trapped liquid aerosol droplets.
- To analyze system dynamics around the critically damped regime using power-spectral methods.
- To determine the suitability of a simple harmonic oscillator model for describing aerosol particle motion.
Main Methods:
- Power-spectral analysis was employed to study Brownian motion.
- Parameter studies were conducted on optically trapped liquid aerosol droplets.
- The system was modeled as a simple harmonic oscillator, incorporating Faxén's correction.
Main Results:
- The simple harmonic oscillator model, with Faxén's correction, adequately describes the system's behavior.
- Hydrodynamic corrections to Stokes' law are not necessarily required.
- Experimental control over trap stiffness and damping allows transitions between over- and underdamped motion.
Conclusions:
- Stable aerosol trapping is achievable in underdamped conditions.
- High trapping powers introduce optical forces that limit the exploration of upper stability limits.
- Decoupling parameters influencing observed behavior presents experimental challenges.
