Optical Trapping - Real Laser Tractor Beams

[Nefarious]

Wow! I gotta give that a try. I will post pics if i get it to work.

 

[aXit]

I got it working with a green.

150mw, focused to infinity, with mouse optical sensor lens right in front, gave me a nice focal point about 2mm away from the lens.

I couldn't get it to stay there for more than a few seconds though.

 

[Things]

I got some really cool pics of optical trapping a few months ago:

 

[aXit]

Things, how big is that laser head? The beam seems to be quite large at the aperture.

 

[Things]

It's one of these modules from here.

Not sure if that pic was taken when I had a LOC built into the module, but I bought like 4 or 5 of these a while back to play around with:

DealExtreme: $26.87 Genuine New Wish 5V Red Stage Laser Module (100mW)

They were originally $16, I guess I got in at the right time

 

[Asherz]

So this is how lightsabers work

If this could be some how incorporated into a lense it would be awesom

 

[randomlugia]

Here's the other thread: http://laserpointerforums.com/f50/my-laser-makes-red-lit-dot-thin-air-36182.html

Nice videos. It's weird how they combine into one dot, I've never seen that before.

 

[jamilm9]

this is so cool i can only get mine to last for 2 seconds

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

I too was able to get a spot for a couple seconds -- BUT ---

Things -- You have that tornado tube project. Plug it up and set it for this. The tube can provide a small, stable condition for this with the fans off.

HMike

 

[JFrost]

How long will the ball last?

 

[LarryDFW]

Several variables determine how long the optical trap will last:

1. Sharpness of the focal point -
Ideal particle stability is a wide beam focused to a point
Collimated to a thin fine beam will allow several traps along the beam (like my photo).

2. Air Movement can overcome the trapping force.

LarryDFW

 

[Things]

Any air movement will ruin the effect, it needs to be done in almost complete stability.

 

[Tech_Junkie]

Looks like they are using the same principal for optical tweezers.

 

[Things]

Yep, thats exactly what it's used for

 

[Nefarious]

Very nice TJ! I've tried to trap with my dilda, but I can't get a steady hold. Just a brief second, then it's gone

 

[Nordhavn]

Anyone try this simulator here?

It lets you vary laser power and place the target outside of the beam waist.

PhET Optical Tweezers and Applications - Optical Tweezers, Optical, DNA, Laser

Neat stuff!