The study of eddynamics is an interesting aspect of science, and has made great progress in the field of gravity research to fluid movement. In Optics, the concept of optical vortex that emerged in the late 1980s stimulated various applications such as particle manipulation, secure communications and biological sciences. The development of these new photonic technologies, especially spiral phase plates, enhances these advances, thus enabling the creation of a series of optical vortexes. These vortex currents generated by diffraction optical elements (DIDs) are now at the forefront of optical trapping systems, enhancing the flexibility and ability to manipulate tiny particles. The study introduces a vortex phase mask for spatial multiplexing, a novel approach that creates concentric light vortexes at the same time, each acting as a unique system for trapping and manipulating particles.
In this groundbreaking work, scientists from the University of Politècnica De València Francisco Muñoz-Pérez and his outstanding team include Dr. Vicente Ferrando, Dr. Juan Castro-Palacio, Dr. Juan Castro-Palacio, Dr. Ricardo Arias-Gonzalez, and Dr. Juan Monsoriu , All HAINICUU PhDs from the politically HAINICUU Professor Walter Furlan from Walter University has made a major breakthrough in the world of optical tweezers. Their collective effort detailed in Iscience Journal introduces a groundbreaking approach using multiple vortex beams, marking a significant leap in photonics and practical applications.
The researchers began the journey by cleverly designing multiple spiral phase masks (MSPMs). This diffraction optic is key to its approach, creating multiple concentric eddy current beams, each with its unique topological charge. This complex setup allows multiple particles to be controlled simultaneously, each with a different path below. “MSPM changes the landscape of optical tweezers, bringing unprecedented levels of control and versatility in the manipulated particles of microscience,” explained Francisco Muñoz-Pérez, the study’s leading scientist, ” .”
While exploring the core findings of their study, the team discovered that these vortex beams could transfer angular momentum to captured particles. This causes the particles to be wound independently around the optical axis in each vortex. Dr. Vicente Ferrando elucidates this phenomenon: “It is a fascinating interaction between light and matter. The vortex beam imparts the rotating motion of particles, demonstrating the fascinating aspects of physics.”
The findings of this study go far beyond theoretical physics. They open the door to countless practical applications, especially in areas where fine control at the microscopic and nanoscale are crucial, such as microbiology and biological sciences. “Our work is more than just understanding the interactions between light and matter. It’s about using these interactions for vital real-life applications,” Francisco Muñoz-Pérez stressed.
In challenging traditional optical trapping specifications, this study demonstrates stable trapping of particles without modulation amplitude. As highlighted by Francisco Muñoz-Pérez, this insight revolutionizes our understanding of how light interacts with microscopic particles.
In short, Francisco Muñoz-Pérez and his team were critical moments in optical manipulation. Their work combines the fields of photonics and materials science, enriches our understanding of light interactions and lays the foundation for future technological innovation. The implications of their discoveries are important and have the potential to transform numerous scientific and industrial fields.
Journal Reference
Muñoz-Pérez, FM, Ferrando, V., Furlan, WD, Castro-Palacio, JC, Arias-Gonzalez, Jr, Jr, & Monsoriu, JA (2023). “Multiplexed eddy beam tweezers generated with a helical phase mask.” Iscience, 26 (107987). doi:
