Modelling optical micromachines and birefringent particles

Vincent L. Y. Loke; Timo A. Nieminen; Simon J. Parkin; Agata M. Brańczyk; Norman R. Heckenberg; Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop

doi:10.1117/12.680455

8 September 2006 Modelling optical micromachines and birefringent particles

Vincent L. Y. Loke, Timo A. Nieminen, Simon J. Parkin, Agata M. Brańczyk, Norman R. Heckenberg, Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6310, Photonic Devices and Algorithms for Computing VIII; 63100I (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.680455
Event: SPIE Optics + Photonics, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A strongly focused laser beam can be used to trap, manipulate and exert torque on a microparticle. The torque is the result of transfer of angular momentum from the laser beam. The laser could be used to drive a rotor, impeller, cog wheel, etc. of a few microns in size, perhaps fabricated from a birefringent material. We review our methods of computationally simulating the torque and force imparted by a laser beam. We introduce a method of hybridizing the T-matrix with the finite difference frequency domain (FDFD) method to allow the simulation of materials that are anisotropic and inhomogeneous, and structures that have complex shapes. We also employ an alternative discrete dipole approximation method. The high degree of symmetry of a microrotor, such as rotational periodicity, could be exploited to reduce computational time and memory requirements by orders of magnitude. This is achieved by performing calculations for only a given segment that is repeated across the whole structure. This can demonstrated by modeling the optical trapping and rotation of a cube.

Citation Download Citation

Vincent L. Y. Loke, Timo A. Nieminen, Simon J. Parkin, Agata M. Brańczyk, Norman R. Heckenberg, and Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop "Modelling optical micromachines and birefringent particles", Proc. SPIE 6310, Photonic Devices and Algorithms for Computing VIII, 63100I (8 September 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.680455

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available