Serial Raman spectroscopy of particles trapped on a waveguide

We demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy can be used to characterize and identify particles that are trapped and propelled along optical waveguides. To accomplish this, microscopic particles on a waveguide are moved along the waveguide and then individually addressed by a focused laser beam to obtain their characteristic Raman signature within 1 second acquisition time. The spectrum is used to distinguish between glass and polystyrene particles. After the characterization, the particles continue to be propelled along the straight waveguide. Alternatively, a waveguide loop with a gap is also investigated, and in this case particles are held in the gap for characterization before they are released. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America