Optical Tweezing Inspires Nanoscopic Trapping Method

Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have deployed the existing principles of optical tweezer technology, which enables the manipulation and assemblage of nanoparticles, as a base for a technique that allows them to manipulate particles possessing the same refractive properties as those of the background environment in a given setting. Optical tweezing relies on a difference in the refractive properties between trapped nanoparticles and the surrounding environment. The new method, shown as a proof of concept, involves doping nanocrystals with rare-earth metal ions and trapping the nanoparticles at low energy levels and with high levels of efficiency. “Traditionally, you need hundreds of milliwatts of...