Nano-optomechanics with optically levitated nanoparticles

Levi P. Neukirch & A. Nick Vamivakas

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 . 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.

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Generalised phase contrast: microscopy, manipulation and more

Darwin Palima, Jesper Glückstad

Generalised phase contrast (GPC) not only leads to more accurate phase imaging beyond thin biological samples, but serves as an enabling framework in developing tools over a wide spectrum of contemporary applications in optics and photonics, including optical trapping and micromanipulation, optical phase cryptography, light-efficient image projection and parallel laser beam shaping for optical landscapes. In this review, we discuss the fundamental ideas behind generalised phase contrast and present a survey of its exciting applications.

DOI