Manipulation of Micro-particles through Optical Interference Patterns Generated by Integrated Photonic Devices

Li-Chung Hsu , Te-Chang Chen , Yao-Tsu Yang , Chieh-Yang Huang , Da-Wei Shen , Ya-Tsu Chen and Ming-Chang Lee
Micro-particle transport and switch governed by guided-wave optical interference are presented. The optical interference, occurring in a directional coupler and a multi-mode interferometer made by inverted rib waveguides, displays a wavelength-controlled optical field. Through a detailed theoretical analysis, the field of induced optical force shows a correlative pattern as the optical field. Experimental results demonstrate that 10-m polystyrene beads are propelled with a trajectory subjected to the interference pattern accordingly. By launching different wavelengths, the polystyrene beads can be delivered to different output ports. Massive micro-particle manipulation is applicable.

DOI