Lasers Move Diamond Nanoparticles into Bio Applications

Scientists from Hokkaido University, Osaka Prefecture University, and Osaka University showed the ability to use laser beams of different wavelengths, and from opposing directions, to move diamond nanoparticles that are roughly 50 nm in size in a proof-of-concept experiment. The demonstrated approach builds on the fundamental principles and outcomes of optical trapping and aims to establish a foundation for future and forthcoming applications in biological imaging and quantum computing. Nanodiamonds have carbon atom lattices that can contain an imperfection that results in a nitrogen atom and a fluorescent center, or physical vacancy, replacing two neighboring carbon atoms. The imperfection changes the quantum mechanical properties...