Optical tweezers in a dusty universe

TL;DR

This paper explores the novel application of optical tweezers for trapping and analyzing extraterrestrial dust particles, using light scattering theory to enable space-related particle investigations in laboratory settings.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach to planetary exploration by applying optical tweezers and light scattering theory to trap and characterize space dust particles in laboratory conditions.

Findings

Optical tweezers can trap complex astrophysical particles.

Light scattering theory enables calculation of radiation pressure on particles.

Potential for space tweezers applications in planetary science.

Abstract

Optical tweezers are powerful tools based on focused laser beams. They are able to trap, manipulate and investigate a wide range of microscopic and nanoscopic particles in different media, such as liquids, air, and vacuum. Key applications of this contactless technique have been developed in many fields. Despite this progress, optical trapping applications to planetary exploration is still to be developed. Here we describe how optical tweezers can be used to trap and characterize extraterrestrial particulate matter. In particular, we exploit light scattering theory in the T-matrix formalism to calculate radiation pressure and optical trapping properties of a variety of complex particles of astrophysical interest. Our results open perspectives in the investigation of extraterrestrial particles on our planet, in controlled laboratory experiments, aiming for space tweezers applications: optical tweezers used to trap and characterize dust particles in space or on planetary bodies surface.