OPTICAL TRAPPING AND OPTICAL BINDING USING CYLINDRICAL VECTOR BEAMS

ABSTRACT. We report on the use of cylindrical vector beams for optical manipulation of micron and sub-micron sized particles using the methods of a single-beam gradient force trap (optical tweezers) and an evanescent-field surface trap (optical binding). We have demonstrated a stable interferometric method for the synthesis of cylindrical vector beams (CVBs), and present measurements demonstrating polarization-controlled focal volume shaping using CVBs in an optical tweezers. Furthermore we show how appropriate com-binations of CVBs corresponding to superpositions of optical fibre modes can be used for controlled trapping and trafficking of micro- and nanoparticles along a tapered optical fibre. 1