Nanostructured fibre tip for trapping of nanoparticles

We propose to optically trap nanoparticles utilizing a single nanostructured glass-fiber tip. 3D translation of optically trapped nanoparticles - nano tweezers - presents vast application possibilities and has not yet been shown. The input end of the fibre probe is a standard fibre, providing easy coupling to a light source. The output end is tapered down and covered with gold, with a nanoaperture fabricated on the tip. The nanoaperture provides the strong field gradient necessary for trapping of nanoparticles. We discuss probe geometries supported by numerical simulations. The fabrication procedure for the fibre probe, using a focused ion beam, is described. A set-up for the experiments has been made and preliminary trapping results are presented.

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