Sub-10  nm particle trapping enabled by a plasmonic dark mode.

Area of Science:

• Plasmonics
• Optical trapping
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Precisely controlling and positioning nanoparticles is crucial for advanced applications.
• Existing optical trapping methods face challenges with sub-10 nm particles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel plasmonic dark mode for efficient optical trapping of sub-10 nm dielectric nanoparticles.
• To investigate the potential of this mode for high-yield particle manipulation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a quadrupole-bonded radial breathing mode, a plasmonic dark mode with radial symmetry.
• Generating an annular potential well for particle confinement.
• Experimentally trapping 5 nm dielectric nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• The plasmonic dark mode successfully created a deep annular potential well.
• Stable trapping of 5 nm dielectric nanoparticles was achieved at relatively low optical power.
• High yield trapping of sub-10 nm particles was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The quadrupole-bonded radial breathing mode is effective for optically trapping sub-10 nm particles.
• This technique offers a pathway for precise placement of nanoparticles in specific geometric patterns.
• The findings advance the capabilities of nanoscale manipulation and assembly.