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.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.2301.04297,
title = {Optothermal rotation of micro-/nano-objects in liquids},
author = {Hongru Ding and Zhihan Chen and Carolina Ponce and Yuebing Zheng},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2301.04297},
year = {2023}
}