Optical trapping with superfocused high-M2 laser diode beam

Abstract

Many applications of high-power laser diodes demand tight focusing. This is often not possible due to the multimode nature of semiconductor laser radiation possessing beam propagation parameter M2 values in double-digits. We propose a method of 'interference' superfocusing of high-M2 diode laser beams with a technique developed for the generation of Bessel beams based on the employment of an axicon fabricated on the tip of a 100 μm diameter optical fiber with highprecision direct laser writing. Using axicons with apex angle 140º and rounded tip area as small as 10 μm diameter, we demonstrate 2-4 μm diameter focused laser 'needle' beams with approximately 20 μm propagation length generated from multimode diode laser with beam propagation parameter M2=18 and emission wavelength of 960 nm. This is a few-fold reduction compared to the minimal focal spot size of 11 μm that could be achieved if focused by an 'ideal' lens of unity numerical aperture. The same technique using a 160º axicon allowed us to demonstrate few-μm-wide laser 'needle' beams with nearly 100 μm propagation length with which to demonstrate optical trapping of 5-6 μm rat blood red cells in a water-heparin solution. Our results indicate the good potential of superfocused diode laser beams for applications relating to optical trapping and manipulation of microscopic objects including living biological objects with aspirations towards subsequent novel lab-on-chip configurations.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2078957
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Aston Institute of Photonics Technology (AIPT)
Additional Information: G. S. Sokolovskii ; V. V. Dudelev ; V. Melissinaki ; S. N. Losev ; K. K. Soboleva ; A. G. Deryagin ; V. I. Kuchinskii ; M. Farsari ; W. Sibbett and E. U. Rafailov, "Optical trapping with superfocused high-M2 laser diode beam", Proc. SPIE 9343, Laser Resonators, Microresonators, and Beam Control XVII, 93430Q (March 3, 2015). Copyright 2015 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.2078957
Event Title: Laser Resonators, Microresonators, and Beam Control XVII
Event Type: Other
Event Dates: 2015-02-09 - 2015-02-12
Uncontrolled Keywords: Bessel beams,laser diodes,optical manipulation,superfocusing,Applied Mathematics,Computer Science Applications,Electrical and Electronic Engineering,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials,Condensed Matter Physics
ISBN: 978-1-6284-1433-2
Last Modified: 26 Mar 2024 08:07
Date Deposited: 06 Jul 2015 09:15
Full Text Link: http://proceedi ... ticleid=2194909
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Conference contribution
Published Date: 2015-03-03
Authors: Sokolovskii, G.S.
Dudelev, V.V.
Melissinaki, V.
Losev, S.N.
Soboleva, K.K.
Deryagin, A.G.
Kuchinskii, V.I.
Farsari, M.
Sibbett, W.
Rafailov, E.U. (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-4152-0120)

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