Optical trapping and micromanipulation with a photonic lantern-mode multiplexer

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Microparticle Manipulation
• Fiber Optics

Background:

• Optical trapping commonly uses focused laser beams.
• Controlling multiple particles and their rotation optically presents challenges.
• Fiber optic devices offer potential for compact optical manipulation systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a simple fiber-based method for optical trapping and manipulation of multiple microspheres.
• To explore the use of photonic lanterns for generating specific light patterns for particle manipulation.
• To investigate methods for controlling particle rotation using fiber modes and polarization.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a photonic lantern spatial-mode multiplexer.
• Employing a few-mode fiber for light delivery and mode control.
• Generating selectively polarized (LP) fiber modes.
• Implementing polarization rotation of input light.

Main Results:

• Successful optical trapping and manipulation of multiple microspheres demonstrated.
• Selective generation of LP fiber modes created effective light patterns for trapping.
• Particle rotation achieved by switching between degenerate LP modes and input light polarization rotation.
• Photonic lanterns shown to be versatile for creating optical fiber traps.

Conclusions:

• A simple and effective fiber-based optical trapping system for multiple microspheres was developed.
• Photonic lanterns are versatile and compact components for advanced optical fiber traps.
• The demonstrated technique allows for both trapping and controlled rotation of microparticles.