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的潜力，用于使用光来创建和控制极端梯度力。 这些产生的光学力可用于操作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，其中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，由开槽纳米梁产生的光学力可以用于提高通信系统、计算机和便携式电子设备的关键能力，其中越来越需要更高带宽、更低功率、更稳定、更紧凑和更轻重量的设备。拟议的研究还将有助于教育和培训STEM领域的技术工人。 特别是，该计划将（a）通过让学生接触IBM的设施和人员，在合作环境中弥合研究生水平和工业研究之间的差距;（B）促进综合教学和研究，包括本科生的研究经验;及（c）培养对STEM的兴趣-12名学生通过参与外展活动。这项研究的目标是通过设计，制造，以及开槽纳米梁结构的表征。 该方法首先通过时域有限差分模拟探索开槽纳米梁的临界尺寸的变化如何影响结构的品质因数、模式体积、机械稳定性和梯度光学力。 然后，将制造具有所需特性的开槽纳米梁，并对其进行表征，用于小分子和纳米颗粒的光学传感和操纵，以及光机械相互作用。 这项活动的智力意义包括：（a）开发设计规则，以指导理解高品质因数或低模式体积对各种应用是否最有益;（B）提高光流体检测和捕获痕量或有限分析物体积的小分子和纳米颗粒的能力;以及（c）光学机械能力的进步，以主动操纵纳米结构并重新配置主动光学部件。

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.