On-chip multi-trap optical tweezers based on a guided wave-driven metalens

Area of Science:

• Quantum physics
• Nanotechnology
• Photonics

Background:

• Optical tweezer arrays (OTAs) are crucial for quantum simulation and computation.
• Traditional OTAs rely on bulky, expensive optical components like spatial light modulators (SLMs).
• Integrated, on-chip OTAs are highly desired for compact optical manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically demonstrate a compact, on-chip optical tweezer array.
• To utilize a guided wave-driven metalens for generating multiple optical traps.
• To enable parallel capture of nanospheres using integrated photonics.

Main Methods:

• Numerical demonstration of on-chip optical tweezers.
• Design of a guided wave-driven metalens.
• Development of an analytical method for customized focal point generation.
• Validation of the off-chip emission scheme with various trapping patterns.

Main Results:

• Successful parallel capture of multiple polystyrene nanospheres.
• Demonstration of a compact, integrated photonics chip for optical trapping.
• Validation of a novel analytical design method for focal point control.
• Proof-of-concept for customized emission of guided waves into free-space beams.

Conclusions:

• The proposed guided wave-driven metalens enables compact on-chip optical tweezers.
• This approach offers a promising solution for integrated optical manipulation.
• The developed method facilitates precise control over guided wave emission for versatile applications.