Dynamic analysis and rotation experiment of an optical-trapped microsphere in air.

ABSTRACT

A dual-fiber optical trap system to trap and rotate a borosilicate microsphere has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The trapping system can be used as a probe to measure environmental parameters, such as torque, force, and viscosity of the surrounding medium. Under various conditions with different fiber misalignments, optical power, and fiber separation, the trapped sphere will exhibit three motion profiles including random oscillation, round rotation, and abnormal rotation. The power spectrum analysis method is used to measure rotation rates up to 385 Hz, which can be further increased by increasing laser power. In addition, simulation and experiment show consistent results in rotation rates and motion trajectory, which verifies the validity and accuracy of dynamic analysis.