Dynamic control of defects in a two-dimensional optically assisted assembly

W. Mu*, G. Wang, L. Luan, G. C. Spalding, J. B. Ketterson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper we demonstrate controlled loading of a closely packed array of optical traps. We also describe the technical advantages of our method of filling the trap array (which makes use of an independent, steerable trap created by a separate objective lens), as well of our specific implementation of array generation by multi-beam interference. Microscopic polystyrene spheres are trapped and subsequently assembled into sites on a two-dimensional optical lattice, which is formed from the interference of two pairs of coherent laser beams via an optical setup that allows for simple, continuous variation of lattice parameters over a very wide range. Individual particles in the initial assembly are dynamically manipulated with the independent laser beam, which offers the freedom to generate either defect-free lattices or a lattice with designer defects. As examples we demonstrate the assembly of a defect-free square lattice and a lattice with a single vacancy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number70
JournalNew Journal of Physics
Volume8
DOIs
StatePublished - May 19 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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