Nano-optomechanics with optically levitated nanoparticles

Abstract

Nano-optomechanics is a vibrant area of research that continues to push the boundary of quantum science and measurement technology. Recently, it has been realised that the optical forces experienced by polarisable nanoparticles can provide a novel platform for nano-optomechanics with untethered mechanical oscillators. Remarkably, these oscillators are expected to exhibit quality factors approaching ${10}^{11}$. The pronounced quality factors are a direct result of the mechanical oscillator being freed from a supporting substrate. This review provides an overview of the basic optical physics underpinning optical trapping and optical levitation experiments, it discusses a number of experimental approaches to optical trapping and finally outlines possible applications of this nano-optomechanics modality in hybrid quantum systems and nanoscale optical metrology.

Keywords:

• optical tweezer
• optical levitation
• optical trap
• gradient-force dipole trap
• optomechanics

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Lukas Novotny and Jan Gieseler for helpful discussions and advice. This work was supported by The Institute of Optics and the department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester, the University of Rochester Messersmith Fellowship, and by the Office of Naval Research [grant number N000141410442].