Angular Alignment and Optical Drive of Optically Trapped Micro-Components

Abstract

Laser-driven assembly and angular alignment of micro-components (micro-lens and micro-prisms) have been demonstrated. This optically induced angular alignment results from the transfer of the angular momentum of the laser light due to the photon spin produced by the birefringence of the trapped micro-components. The fabricated components (retardation=0.76λ) were made to align at desired angular positions by changing the direction of the vibration plane of the incident light. Continuous rotation was also possible by using a circularly polarized laser beam. Signal light control using optically driven micro-phase plate has also been demonstrated.