Rotational dynamics of optically trapped polymeric nanofibers

TL;DR

This paper investigates the rotational behavior of polymeric nanofibers under optical trapping, demonstrating a method to induce and measure rotation, and providing a theoretical model that matches experimental results.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to apply torque to nanofibers via tilting with polarized light and offers a comprehensive theoretical framework for their rotational dynamics.

Findings

Rotation frequencies up to 10 Hz measured

Experimental data aligns with T-Matrix theoretical calculations

Rotation depends on trapping power, fiber length, and tilt angle

Abstract

The optical trapping of polymeric nanofibers and the characterization of the rotational dynamics are reported. A strategy to apply a torque to a polymer nanofiber, by tilting the trapped fibers using a symmetrical linear polarized Gaussian beam is demonstrated. Rotation frequencies up to 10 Hz are measured, depending on the trapping power, the fiber length and the tilt angle. A comparison of the experimental rotation frequencies in the different trapping configurations with calculations based on optical trapping and rotation of linear nanostructures through a T-Matrix formalism, accurately reproduce the measured data, providing a comprehensive description of the trapping and rotation dynamics.