Embedding arrays of microspheres with optical trapping for micro scale device manufacture

Abstract

In the twenty years since Ashkin’s influential paper, optical trapping has become a widely used technique in a wide range of research areas. The work in this paper uses the technique of optical trapping as an approach to the production of novel surfaces. The optical trapping capability alongside laser micromachining allows for the production of functional surface material combinations in specific and accurate arrays. This is achieved by using a laser to trap and ‘pull’ a microsphere down to a microscope slide surface which has a thin resin coating and then using either the trapping laser or a secondary laser source to selectively cure the resin with the spheres embedded on the resin surface. This capability could lead to applications in a variety of fields, including micro assembly, for example the ability to create a reusable mask with defined geometry for use in near field processing.In the twenty years since Ashkin’s influential paper, optical trapping has become a widely used technique in a wide range of research areas. The work in this paper uses the technique of optical trapping as an approach to the production of novel surfaces. The optical trapping capability alongside laser micromachining allows for the production of functional surface material combinations in specific and accurate arrays. This is achieved by using a laser to trap and ‘pull’ a microsphere down to a microscope slide surface which has a thin resin coating and then using either the trapping laser or a secondary laser source to selectively cure the resin with the spheres embedded on the resin surface. This capability could lead to applications in a variety of fields, including micro assembly, for example the ability to create a reusable mask with defined geometry for use in near field processing.