Theoretical Description of Optofluidic Force Induction

Optofluidic force induction (OF2i) is an optical nanoparticle characterization scheme which achieves real-time optical counting with single-particle sensitivity and high throughput. In a recent paper [Simi ' c et al., Phys. Rev. Appl. 18, 024056 (2022)], we have demonstrated the working principle for standardized polystyrene nanoparticles, and have developed a theoretical model to analyze the experimental data. In this paper we give a detailed account of the model ingredients, including the full working equations, provide additional justification for the assumptions underlying OF2i, and discuss directions for further developments and future research.

Automated summary

Optofluidic force induction (OF2i) is an optical nanoparticle characterization scheme that enables real-time optical counting with single-particle sensitivity and high throughput. In a recent paper, we demonstrated the working principle of OF2i for standardized polystyrene nanoparticles and developed a theoretical model to analyze experimental data. This paper provides a detailed account of the model ingredients, including the full working equations, additional justification for the assumptions underlying OF2i, and discusses future directions for further developments and research.