Hyperbolic metamaterial induced optical pulling of distinct Rayleigh particles: Single particle or cluster of heterogeneous objects

Abstract

In the field of optical manipulation, there has been a phenomenon where an illuminated object is propelled towards the direction of the light beam due to the momentum carried by the quanta of light known as photon ℏκ. Nonetheless, there is currently no work in literature that describes a method to draw all types of objects, including single and clustered nanoparticles, using a single optical setup. In this study, we propose a generic optical setup that utilizes the anomalous reflections of light generated by hyperbolic metamaterial to enable an Optical Tractor Beam (OTB) effect over a heterogeneous cluster of particles and single particle arrangements. We conducted numerous full-wave simulations to observe the optical force pattern under various conditions, such as varying wavelengths, interparticle distances, and particle distributions, as well as investigations in a variety of surrounding media, including air, half-submerged in water, and fully submerged in water. Our optical setup has been subjected to a near-field OTB effect from the clustered Rayleigh-sized particles, as well as single particles for all varied environments. This article demonstrates the mechanisms and outcomes that offer a fresh new avenue toward manipulating nanoscale homogeneous and heterogeneous objects, including dielectric, plasmonic, and chiral nanoparticles.