Ring-shaped optical trap based on an acousto-optic tunable spatial filter

We report on a novel, to the best of our knowledge, optical scheme of an annular optical trap based on an acousto-optic tunable spatial filter. Design of the optical trap is proposed and validated. Experimental demonstration with polystyrene microspheres includes controllable arrangement of freely floating particles into a circular pattern, aggregation, and disaggregation of the particles. Dynamical adjustment of the trapping field potential diameter is achieved by programmable frequency-swept controlling of the acousto-optic filter. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America

Automated summary

This study reports a novel optical scheme of an annular optical trap based on an acousto-optic tunable spatial filter. The design of the optical trap was proposed and validated, with experimental demonstrations showing controllable arrangements of floating particles into circular patterns, aggregation, and disaggregation. The dynamical adjustment of the trapping field potential diameter was achieved through programmable frequency-swept controlling of the acousto-optic filter.