Abstract

The optical processes involved in laser trapping and optical manipulation are explored theoretically and experimentally as a means of activating a micrometer-size gear structure. We modeled the structure by using an enhanced ray-optics technique, and results indicate that the torque present on the gear can induce the gear to rotate about the gear-arm plane center with light as the driving energy source. We confirmed these findings experimentally by using gears manufactured with conventional semiconductor techniques and from a layer of polyimide. It is expected that such a simple gear design activated by use of light could lead to an entire new class of micro-optical–electromechanical systems.

© 2001 Optical Society of America

Activation of microcomponents with light for micro-electro-mechanical systems and micro-optical-electro-mechanical systems applications

Robert C. Gauthier, R. Niall Tait, and Mike Ubriaco
Appl. Opt. 41(12) 2361-2367 (2002)

Optical levitation and trapping of a micro-optic inclined end-surface cylindrical spinner

Robert C. Gauthier
Appl. Opt. 40(12) 1961-1973 (2001)

Theoretical investigation of the optical trapping properties of a micro-optic cubic glass structure

Robert C. Gauthier and Athanasios Frangioudakis
Appl. Opt. 39(18) 3060-3070 (2000)

Experimental confirmation of the optical-trapping properties of cylindrical objects

Robert C. Gauthier, Mike Ashman, and Chander P. Grover
Appl. Opt. 38(22) 4861-4869 (1999)

Radiation-pressure-based cylindrically shaped microactuator capable of smooth, continuous, reversible, and stepped rotation

Robert C. Gauthier, Mike Ashman, Athanasios Frangioudakis, Howie Mende, and Shanjun Ma
Appl. Opt. 38(22) 4850-4860 (1999)