Theoretical description of optofluidic force induction

TL;DR

This paper provides a detailed theoretical framework for optofluidic force induction (OF2i), an optical technique for real-time nanoparticle characterization with high sensitivity and throughput.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive theoretical model of OF2i, including equations, assumptions, and insights for future improvements.

Findings

Developed a detailed theoretical model of OF2i

Validated assumptions underlying the OF2i technique

Discussed potential directions for future research

Abstract

Optofluidic force induction (OF2i) is an optical nanoparticle characterization scheme which achieves real-time optical counting with single-particle sensitivity and high throughput. In a recent paper [\v{S}imi\'c et al., Phys. Rev. Appl. 18, 024056 (2022)], we have demonstrated the working principle for standardized polystrene nanoparticles, and have developed a theoretical model to analyze the experimental data. In this paper we give a detailed account of the model ingredients including the full working equations, provide additional justification for the assumptions underlying OF2i, and discuss directions for further developments and future research.