Optothermal rotation of micro-/nano-objects in liquids

Abstract

Controllable rotation of micro-/nano-objects provides tremendous opportunities for cellular biology, three-dimensional (3D) imaging, and micro/nanorobotics. Among different rotation techniques, optical rotation is particularly attractive due to its contactless and fuel-free operation. However, optical rotation precision is typically impaired by the intrinsic optical heating of the target objects. Optothermal rotation, which harnesses light-modulated thermal effects, features simpler optics, lower operational power, and higher applicability to various objects. In this Feature Article, we discuss the recent progress of optothermal rotation with a focus on work from our research group. We categorize the various rotation techniques based on distinct physical mechanisms, including thermophoresis, thermoelectricity, thermo-electrokinetics, thermo-osmosis, thermal convection, and thermo-capillarity. Benefiting from the different rotation modes (i.e., in-plane and out-of-plane rotation), diverse applications in single-cell mechanics, 3D bio-imaging, and micro/nanomotors are demonstrated. We conclude the article with our perspectives on the operating guidelines, existing challenges, and future directions of optothermal rotation.

References in corpus (14)

• Optical alignment and spinning of laser-trapped microscopic particles
• Optically Levitated Nanodumbbell Torsion Balance and GHz Nanomechanical Rotor
• Ultrasensitive torque detection with an optically levitated nanorotor
• Transport in Charged Colloids Driven by Thermoelectricity
• Manipulation of Colloids by Nonequilibrium Depletion Force in Temperature Gradient
• Thermo-osmotic flow in thin films
• Optical Tweezers: Phototoxicity and Thermal Stress in Cells and Biomolecules
• Nano-Cross-Junction Effect on Phonon Transport in Silicon-Nanowire-Cages
• Hydrodynamic Manipulation of Nano-Objects by Thermo-Osmotic Flows
• Lateral Casimir force on a rotating particle near a planar surface
• Ultra-fast Vapor Generation by a Graphene Nano-ratchet
• Optically levitated rotor at its thermal limit of frequency stability
• Multiview microscopy of single cells through microstructure-based indirect optical manipulation
• Trace Expressions and Associated Limits for Non-Equilibrium Casimir Torque