Improving the trapping capability using radially polarized narrow-width annular beam

Hua-Feng Xu, Wei-Jun Zhang, Jun Quc & Wei Huang

A novel optical-trap method for improving the trapping capability using a radially polarized narrow-width annular beam (NWAB) has been proposed. In this paper, we theoretically study the tight focusing properties of a radially polarized NWAB, formed by subtly blocking the central portion of a radially polarized Bessel–Gaussian beam (the original doughnut beam), through a high-numerical aperture objective. It is shown that a sub-wavelength focal spot () with a quite long depth of focus (about ) can be formed in the vicinity of the focus. Furthermore, the optical trapping forces acting on a metallic Rayleigh particle are calculated for the case where a radially polarized annular beam is applied. Numerical results show that the radially polarized NWAB can largely enhance the transverse trap stiffness and broaden the longitudinal trap range compared with the usage of the original doughnut beam. The influence of the annular factor δ on the focusing properties and the trap stiffness is investigated in detail.

DOI