Three-dimensional enantiomeric recognition of optically trapped single chiral nanoparticles

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a novel method combining optical trapping and polarimetric chiral recognition to identify enantiomers of single metallic nanoparticles in situ, enabling advanced control and manipulation at nanoscales.

Contribution

It introduces an integrated setup for trapping and in situ chiral recognition of single nanoparticles using polarization measurements of scattered light.

Findings

Successful optical trapping of single chiral nanoparticles.

In situ enantiomeric recognition via Stokes vector measurement.

Potential for precise manipulation of chiral nanostructures.

Abstract

We optically trap freestanding single metallic chiral nanoparticles using a standing-wave optical tweezer. We also incorporate within the trap a polarimetric setup that allows to perform in situ chiral recognition of single enantiomers. This is done by measuring the S_3 component of the Stokes vector of a light beam scattered off the trapped nanoparticle in the forward direction. This unique combination of optical trapping and chiral recognition, all implemented within a single setup, opens new perspectives towards the control, recognition, and manipulation of chiral objects at nanometer scales.