Optical tweezers: from space to the nanoscale… and back

Giovedì 28 ottobre 2021, ore 17:00
Modalità mista: Aula Magna Villa San Saverio e Piattaforma Microsoft Teams: Fai clic qui per partecipare alla riunione

Classe delle Scienze Sperimentali

 
 
 
Relatore: Dott. Onofrio M. Maragò
 
Istituto per i Processi Chimico Fisici, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Messina

 

 

 

 
 
ABSTRACT: Optical tweezers are powerful tools based on focused laser beams. They are able to trap, manipulate and investigate a wide range of nanoscopic particles in different media, such as liquids, air, and vacuum. After an introduction to optical forces, we will give an overview of results on optical trapping, optical binding, and characterization of particles at the nanoscale. Thus, we will describe how optical tweezers can be used to trap and characterize extraterrestrial particulate matter. Our results open perspectives for non-destructive, non-contact and non-contaminating investigation of extraterrestrial particles, aiming for space tweezers applications. We acknowledge financial contribution from the agreement ASI-INAF n. 2018-16-HH.0, project “SPACE Tweezers” and the MSCA ITN (ETN) project “Active Matter”.
 
Pubblicazioni rappresentative:
  1. https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2018/10/advanced-physicsprize2018.pdf
  2. Polimeno, P., et al. (Space tweezers collaboration), “Optical tweezers in a dusty universe”, (2021) EPJ Plus 136, art. 339.
  3. Polimeno, P., et al. “Optical tweezers and their applications” (2018) JQSRT 218,131-150.
  4. Volpe, G., et al.  “Step-by-step guide to the realization of advanced optical tweezers” (2015) JOSA B, 32 (5), pp. B84-B98.
  5. Maragò, O.M., et al. “Optical trapping and manipulation of nanostructures” (2013) Nature Nanotechnology, 8 (11), pp. 807-819.