Abstract
Since the invention of optical traps based on a single laser beam, the potential experienced by a trapped specimen has been assumed harmonic, in the central part of the trap. It has remained unknown to what extent the harmonic region persists and what occurs beyond. By employing a new method, we have forced the trapped object to extreme positions, significantly further than previously achieved in a single laser beam, and thus experimentally explore an extended trapping potential. The potential stiffens considerably as the bead moves to extreme positions and therein is not well described by simple Uhlenbeck theories.
Highlights
Since the invention of optical traps based on a single laser beam, the potential experienced by a trapped specimen has been assumed harmonic, in the central part of the trap
Since the invention of optical tweezers based on a single laser beam in the eighties by Arthur Ashkin [1], it has been common notion that they exert a harmonic potential on the trapped object
The trapping potential has, in practice, been considered harmonic and this property has formed the basis for using optical tweezers as force transducers
Summary
Since the invention of optical tweezers based on a single laser beam in the eighties by Arthur Ashkin [1], it has been common notion that they exert a harmonic potential on the trapped object This property has been utilized for performing very accurate force-distance measurements on nano-scale biological systems such as molecular motors [2, 3, 4]. [7], where the lateral trapping efficiency versus lateral displacement is explicitly given having taken spherical aberrations into account This ray optics calculation does not predict a linear relation between lateral force and distance, for small displacements the relation can be approximated as linear. A stiffening of the potential is predicted but was never experimentally verified
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
