Abstract
Ultrathin optical fibers have emerged as efficient and versatile platforms for studying light-matter
interactions. Owing to their geometry, they are characterized by intense evanescent fields extending
beyond the fiber surface. These fields can carry both spin and orbital angular momentum of guided light.
Complex spatial intensity, phase, and polarization profiles can be generated at the fiber waist by
propagating higher order fiber modes. In this paper, we review applications of ultrathin optical fibers,
with an emphasis on optical manipulation at the micro- and nanoscale. We also discuss mode content
and angular momentum of light guided by ultrathin fibers.
