Light-driven transport of microparticles with phase-gradient metasurfaces

Optical tweezers have opened numerous possibilities for precise control of microscopic particles for applications in life science and soft matter research and technology. However, traditional optical tweezers employ bulky conventional optics that prevents construction of compact optical manipulation systems. As an alternative, we present an ultra -thin silicon-based metasurface that enables simultaneous confinement and propulsion of microparticles based on a combination of intensity and phase-gradient optical forces. The metasurface is constructed as a water-immersion line -focusing element that enables trapping and transport of 2 mu m particles over a wide area within a thin liquid cell. We envisage that the type of multifunctional metasurfaces reported herein will play a central role in miniaturized optical sensing, driving, and sorting of microscopic objects, such as cells or other biological entities. (C) 2022 Optica Publishing Group

Automated summary

Researchers have proposed an ultra-thin silicon-based metasurface technology that enables simultaneous confinement and propulsion of microparticles, allowing for the trapping and transport of microscopic particles in a thin liquid cell. This technology is expected to play a significant role in areas such as miniaturized optical sensing, driving, and sorting.