Demonstration of multi-dimensional optical binding in counter-propagating laser beams with variable beam properties

Abstract

We report on dynamic modifications of the size of micro-structures self-arranged in counter-propagating laser beams by means of beams width changing. In contrast to previous published results, where the optically bound structures were kept stationary without dynamic control, here we present a method that allows dynamic modification of the self-arranged structure employing shrinking or enlargement of the cage where the particles are kept. We show the full potential of this method and demonstrate tunable optical self-arrangement of particles in one-dimension using a pair of counter-propagating Bessel beams or Gaussian beams, in two-dimensions far from the surface using a pair of counter-propagating elliptical Gaussian beams, in three-dimensions using three pairs of counter-propagating Gaussian beams arranged in space. Moreover, we present the first demonstration of optically bound revolving structure size of which can be tuned in a pair of counter-propagating Laguerre-Gaussian beams.