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Updated: Dec 25, 2025
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Plasmonic Trapping and Release of Nanoparticles in a Monitoring Environment
Published on: April 4, 2017
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Two-state switchable plasmonic tweezers for dynamic manipulation of nano-objects.
Gabriele C Messina1, Xavier Zambrana-Puyalto, Nicolò Maccaferri
1Plasmon Nanostructures, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova GE, Italy. gabriele.messina@ino.it francesco.deangelis@iit.it.
Nanoscale
|April 6, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a plasmonic platform for trapping nanoparticles in two distinct configurations. Switching between inner and outer trapping states is controlled by laser focusing, enabling applications in nanofluidics.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Plasmonics
- Optics
Background:
- Controlling nanoparticle manipulation at the nanoscale is crucial for advanced applications.
- Plasmonic structures offer unique optical properties for light-matter interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a switchable plasmonic trapping platform for nano-objects.
- To investigate the control of trapping configurations using laser focusing.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a vertical gold nanochannel as a plasmonic platform.
- Modulating laser focusing position to alter electromagnetic field distribution.
- Analyzing trapped particle dynamics and stiffness over time.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated two distinct trapping states: inner (tip) and outer (wall).
- Showcased laser focusing as a method to switch between trapping states.
- Characterized static and dynamic behaviors, measuring stiffness for 40 nm particles.
Conclusions:
- Presented a controllable, two-state trapping system using plasmonics.
- Highlighted potential for studying dynamic trapping and developing nanofluidic devices.
