Computational modeling of optical tweezers

Timo A. Nieminen; Norman Richard Heckenberg; Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop

doi:10.1117/12.557090

18 October 2004 Computational modeling of optical tweezers

Timo A. Nieminen, Norman Richard Heckenberg, Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop

Proceedings Volume 5514, Optical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.557090
Event: Optical Science and Technology, the SPIE 49th Annual Meeting, 2004, Denver, Colorado, United States

Abstract

Computational modelling of optical tweezers offers opportunities for the study of a wide range of parameters such as particle shape and composition and beam profile on the performance of the optical trap, both of which are of particular importance when applying this technique to arbitrarily shaped biological entities. In addition, models offer insight into processes that can be difficult to experimentally measure with sufficient accuracy. This can be invaluable for the proper understanding of novel effects within optical tweezers. In general, we can separate methods for computational modelling of optical tweezers into two groups: approximate methods such as geometric optics or Rayleigh scattering, and exact methods, in which the Maxwell equations are solved. We discuss the regimes of applicability of approximate methods, and consider the relative merits of various exact methods. The T-matrix method, in particular, is an attractive technique due to its efficiency for repeated calculations, and the simplicity of determining the optical force and torque. Some example numerical results are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Timo A. Nieminen, Norman Richard Heckenberg, and Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop "Computational modeling of optical tweezers", Proc. SPIE 5514, Optical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation, (18 October 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.557090

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