Abstract
Optically induced mechanical angular alignment of trapped birefringent micrometer-sized objects resulting from the transfer of angular momentum produced by birefringence using linearly polarized light has been experimentally demonstrated. Fluorinated polyimide (PMDA/TFDB) micro-objects having a large birefringence of [Formula Presented] (refractive indices [Formula Presented] [Formula Presented] which were fabricated by micromachining (reactive ion etching) and suspended in water [Formula Presented] were trapped and manipulated by radiation pressure from a single focused Gaussian beam (wavelength [Formula Presented] [Formula Presented] The effect of the linearly polarized light on such micro-objects showed that they were angularly aligned about the laser beam axis and their angular position could be smoothly controlled by rotating the vibration plane of the electric field. We have shown that the retardation of the birefringent micro-object determines which axis (fast or slow) of the micro-object coincides with the vibration plane of the electric field of the incident light.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3676-3681 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Physical Review E - Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics |
Volume | 59 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 1 1999 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
- Mathematical Physics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Physics and Astronomy(all)