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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Optical Trapping of Nanoparticles
Published on: January 15, 2013
Optical Trapping and Manipulating with a Silica Microring Resonator in a Self-Locked Scheme
Victor W L Ho1, Yao Chang2, Yang Liu2
1Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China.
Abstract:
Based on the gradient force of evanescent waves in silica waveguides and add-drop micro-ring resonators, the optical trapping and manipulation of micro size particles is demonstrated in a self-locked scheme that maintains the on-resonance system even if there is a change in the ambient temperature or environment. The proposed configuration allows the trapping of particles in the high Q resonator without the need for a precise wavelength adjustment of the input signal. On the one hand, a silicon dioxide waveguide having a lower refractive index and relatively larger dimensions facilitates the coupling of the laser with a single-mode fiber. Furthermore, the experimental design of the self-locked scheme reduces the sensitivity of the ring to the environment. This combination can trap the micro size particles with a high stability while manipulating them with high accuracy.

