Spatial light modulator-controlled alignment and spinning of birefringent particles optically trapped in an array

Appl Opt. 2003 Sep 1;42(25):5107-11. doi: 10.1364/ao.42.005107.

Abstract

We demonstrate the use of a phase-only liquid-crystal spatial light modulator (SLM) for polarization-controlled rotation and alignment of an array of optically trapped birefringent particles. A collimated beam incident upon a two-dimensional lenslet array yields multiple foci, scaled to produce optical gradient traps with efficient three-dimensional trapping potentials. The state of polarization of each trapping beam is encoded by the SLM, which acts as a matrix of wave plates with computer-controlled phase retardations. Control of the rotation frequency and alignment direction of the particles is achieved by the transfer of tunable photon spin angular momentum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Birefringence
  • Equipment Design
  • Lasers
  • Lenses
  • Microscopy, Polarization* / instrumentation
  • Optics and Photonics*
  • Particle Size