Optical trapping and fluorescence control with vectorial structured light

Here we functionalized micro-scaled polymer beads with nano-scaled quantum dots and demonstrate optical trapping and tweezing, with in-situ fluorescence measurement, in an all-digital all-optical configuration. We outline the chemistry required to facilitate this, from deactivating the optical trapping environment to size, adhesion and agglomeration control. We introduce a novel holographic optical trapping set-up that leverages on vectorially structured light, allowing for the delivery of tuneable forms of light from purely scalar to purely vector, including propagation invariant flat-top beams for uniform illumination and tailored intensity gradient landscapes. Finally, we show how this has the potential to quench bleaching in a single wavelength trap by linear (spatial mode) rather than non-linear effects, advancing the nascent field of optics for chemistry.

Automated summary

In this study, micro-scaled polymer beads were functionalized with nano-scaled quantum dots to enable optical trapping and tweezing in an all-digital all-optical configuration, with in-situ fluorescence measurement. The chemistry required for this process, including deactivating the optical trapping environment and controlling size, adhesion, and agglomeration, is outlined. A novel holographic optical trapping set-up utilizing vectorially structured light is introduced, allowing for the delivery of tuneable forms of light and advancing the application of optics in chemistry.