Coherent transport and concentration of particles in optical traps using varying transverse beam profiles

Tailored time-dependent variations of the transverse profile together with longitudinal phase shifts of laser beams are studied. It is shown theoretically that a standing wave set-up and real-time beam forming techniques (e.g. by computer-addressed holograms) should make it possible to implement smooth transport across and along the beams employed in optical trapping schemes. Novel modes for the efficient collection, transport, and concentration of trapped particles should thus become realizable in optical trapping set-ups.