Selective Loading of a Micrometer-Scale Particle into a Magneto-Gravitational Trap by Sublimation-Activated Release

TL;DR

This paper introduces a sublimation-activated release technique for selectively loading micrometer-scale particles into magneto-gravitational traps, offering precise control, low loss, and versatility for complex geometries.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel sublimation-based method for selective particle loading into traps, improving precision and reducing loss compared to existing techniques.

Findings

Successfully loaded particles ranging from 8 to 100 micrometers.

Demonstrated selective loading with low particle release speed.

Versatile method applicable to various levitated systems.

Abstract

In this paper we discuss a technique for selectively loading a particle into a magneto-gravitational trap using the sublimation of camphor to release particles from a tungsten probe tip directly into the trapping region. This sublimation-activated release (SAR) loading technique makes use of micropositioners with tungsten probe tips, as well as the relatively fast rate of sublimation of camphor at room temperature, to selectively load particles having diameters ranging from $\SI{8}{\micro \meter}$ to $\SI{100}{\micro \meter}$ or more. The advantages of this method include its ability to selectively load unique particles or particles in limited supply, its low loss compared to alternative techniques, the low speed of the particle when released, and the versatility of its design which allows for loading into traps with complex geometries. SAR is demonstrated here by loading a particle into a magneto-gravitational trap, but the technique could also be applicable to other levitated optomechanical systems.