抄録
This paper presents a summary and consideration of recent advances in optical trapping-induced
formation of a millimeter-scale domain composed of clusters of amino acids or proteins. Molecules and/
or clusters in solution are gathered by optical trapping into a one-micrometer focal volume, where local
concentration is increased. The increase in local concentration overcomes an energy barrier leading to
liquid-liquid phase separation, and then the local resultant domain extends into a millimeter-scale due to
interactions with molecules/clusters of surroundings, eventually forming a millimeter-scale cluster
domain characteristic of optical trapping. Crystallization is induced through the domain formation, and
growth rate and polymorphism are governed by concentration and orientation of clusters in the domain
depending on laser polarization direction. This domain represents a new material state with high
potential for application in laser trapping.
