GOALI: Slotted nanobeams for creating and controlling gradient optical forces

这项工作将研究新建立的开槽纳米梁平台利用光产生和控制极端梯度力的潜力。这些产生的光力可用于操纵护理点诊断工具中的流体，或用于国土安全或环境监测中的应用，这些应用迫切需要对低浓度和有限体积的小分子和纳米颗粒进行高灵敏度检测。此外，狭缝纳米光束产生的光力可用于提高通信系统、计算机和便携式电子设备的关键能力，这些设备越来越需要更高的带宽、更低的功耗、更稳定、更紧凑和更轻的重量。拟议的研究还将有助于教育和培训STEM领域的熟练工人。特别是，该项目将(a)通过让学生在协作环境中接触IBM的设施和人员，弥合研究生水平和工业研究之间的差距；(b)促进教学与科研的结合，包括本科生的研究经历；(c)通过参与外展活动，培养K-12学生对STEM的兴趣。本研究的目的是通过设计、制造和表征开槽纳米梁结构来促进对梯度光力的理解。该方法首先通过时域有限差分模拟探索开槽纳米梁的关键尺寸变化如何影响结构的质量因子、模态体积、机械稳定性和梯度光力。具有所需性能的开槽纳米光束将被制造和表征，用于小分子和纳米颗粒的光学传感和操作，以及光力学相互作用。这项活动的智力意义包括：(a)制定设计规则，以指导人们理解高质量因子还是低模式体积对各种应用最有利；(b)光流体检测和捕获微量或有限分析物体积的小分子和纳米颗粒的能力的进步；(c)光力学能力的进步，以主动操纵纳米结构和重新配置主动光学元件。

This work will investigate the potential of the newly established slotted nanobeam platform for creating and controlling extreme gradient forces using light. These generated optical forces could be used to manipulate fluids in point-of-care diagnostic tools or for applications in homeland security or environmental monitoring where there is a critical need for high sensitivity detection of small molecules and nanoparticles in low concentrations and limited volumes. Further, the optical forces created by slotted nanobeams could be used to advance key capabilities of communications systems, computers, and portable electronic devices where higher bandwidth, lower power, more stable, more compact, and lighter weight devices are increasingly needed. The proposed research will also help to educate and train skilled workers in STEM fields. In particular, this program will (a) bridge the gap between graduate-level and industrial research by exposing students to IBM facilities and personnel in a collaborative setting; (b) promote integrated teaching and research, including undergraduate research experiences; and (c) foster interest in STEM for K-12 students through participation in outreach activities.The goal of this research is to advance the understanding of gradient optical forces through the design, fabrication, and characterization of slotted nanobeam structures. The approach is to first explore through finite-difference time-domain simulations how changes in the critical dimensions of the slotted nanobeams affect the quality factor, mode volume, mechanical stability, and gradient optical forces of the structures. Slotted nanobeams with desired properties will then be fabricated and characterized for optical sensing and manipulation of small molecules and nanoparticles, as well as optomechanical interactions. The intellectual significance of this activity involves: (a) development of design rules to guide understanding of whether high quality factor or low mode volume is most beneficial for various applications; (b) advancement of optofluidic capabilities to detect and capture small molecules and nanoparticles in trace quantities or in limited analyte volumes; and (c) advancement of optomechanical capabilities to actively manipulate nanostructures and reconfigure active optical components.