Interaction between particles and multiple optical potential wells: trapping, transition, and transfer.

Abstract

We demonstrate an all fiber-integrated optical trapping platform that generates multiple optical potential wells for multi-channel particle trapping and controllable inter-trap translocation. In this configuration, the seven-core fiber (SCF) core generates multiple Bessel-like beams within the single-mode fiber (SMF) cladding, thereby creating three-dimensional optical-trap arrays on the end face of optical fiber tweezers (OFTs). Using these OFTs, we achieved non-contact optical trapping of three yeast cells. Experimental observations of particle trapping positions showed strong agreement with theoretical predictions. Furthermore, by modulating the light intensity in individual cores of the seven-core fiber, we demonstrated axial positional switching of a single yeast cell between two adjacent optical traps. Finally, we propose that OFTs could serve as foundational components for all-optical microfluidic chip integration and as versatile tools in biomedical and life science applications.