Stable suspension of targets by optical levitation

Abstract

Many studies or experiments deal with the effects of light energy, but the radiation pressure due to the interaction between a light beam and a material body is less often considered. In this paper, we shall show how, using the radiation pressure force exerted by laser beams, we are able to trap and stably maintain submillimeter particles in a fixed position, free from any support. © 1982 Optical Society of America