Investigations of fundamental optical forces in near field
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
The aim of this project is to investigate optical forces, induced by an
evanescent field. Studies will be carried out using the Lateral Molecular Force
Microscope which is a type of a SPM that uses frustrated total internal reflection
as a detection method. First part of the project will concentrate on the final
stages of the development of a new microscope as well as its subsequent
characterisation and calibration. The new microscope will allow for more
precise measurements of forces such as the recently observed, chirality
dependent, Belinfante's spin momentum. One of the main points of interest will
be investigations of the optically induced interactions between the probe and
the surface and how it varies depending on the type of materials of both the
probe and the surface.
evanescent field. Studies will be carried out using the Lateral Molecular Force
Microscope which is a type of a SPM that uses frustrated total internal reflection
as a detection method. First part of the project will concentrate on the final
stages of the development of a new microscope as well as its subsequent
characterisation and calibration. The new microscope will allow for more
precise measurements of forces such as the recently observed, chirality
dependent, Belinfante's spin momentum. One of the main points of interest will
be investigations of the optically induced interactions between the probe and
the surface and how it varies depending on the type of materials of both the
probe and the surface.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Massimo Antognozzi (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Witold Szeremeta (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509619/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1794057 | Studentship | EP/N509619/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2020 | Witold Szeremeta |
| Description | The new generation of Lateral Molecular Force Microscope was finalised. With 7 motorised degrees of freedom, the microscope has an improved stability, usability and precision which was determined to be sub-fN. Using the new LMFM, fundamental optical forces in the evanescent field were observed (that includes the Canonical Momentum and Belinfante Spin Momentum). Commercially available probes, used for the investigation suffered from a unidirectional bias bending, which over the course of the project was investigated. The triggering mechanism was identified to be the light coupling inside of the Si3N4 probe, with photostriction being identified as the most likely cause of the bending itself. |
| Exploitation Route | Investigation of optical forces in structured light as well as research on soft biological samples |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Chemicals,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |