Guiding particles along arbitrary trajectories by circular Pearcey-like vortex beams

A type of circular Pearcey-like vortex beam (CPLVB) is introduced numerically and experimentally, combin-ing the properties of self-acceleration and abruptly autofocusing in the off-axis position. The interplay between the spiral phase and the modulated phase of arbitrary predesigned trajectories assists the beam to present a special shape which is suitable for manipulating and guiding particles along arbitrary trajectories. The beam propagating along the hyperbolic, hyperbolic secant trajectories generates a twisting hollow guide channel, and a parabolic bottlelike structure is constructed when the beam accelerates along the parabolic trajectory. Furthermore, the generation of the CPLVB, stable trapping, and rotation motion of micron-sized particles and transport of light-absorbing particles in air are realized in the experiment. Our results may bring about possibilities for wave front control, optical guidance, and manipulation of particles.

Automated summary

A type of circular Pearcey-like vortex beam is introduced, which combines the properties of self-acceleration and abruptly autofocusing in the off-axis position. The beam, with the interplay between spiral phase and modulated phase of arbitrary predesigned trajectories, presents a special shape suitable for manipulating and guiding particles along any trajectory.