The effect of Mie resonances on trapping in optical tweezers

Abstract

We calculate trapping forces, trap stiffness and interference effects for spherical particles in optical tweezers using electromagnetic theory. We show the dependence of these on relative refractive index and particle size. We investigate resonance effects, especially in high refractive index particles where interference effects are expected to be strongest. We also show how these simulations can be used to assist in the optimal design of traps.