Optically induced propulsion of small particles in an evenescent field of higher propagation mode in a multimode, channeled waveguide

We report experimental results in which Mie particles were optically propelled in an evanescent field generated in a multimode, channeled waveguide. Polystyrene latex spheres 4 mum in diameter were trapped laterally at the high intensity region of the evanescent field and were driven along the waveguide channel in the evanescent field of either fundamental or higher guided modes. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(00)01246-8].