Realization of freeform optical conveyor by universal metasurface

Abstract

In this thesis, a dynamic electric field distribution that can act as a "freeform optical conveyor" is implemented using a universal metasurface that can function independently from different incident polarization states and incidence polarization control. It makes it possible to move particles having a size from a sub-micrometer to hundreds of micrometers in a three-dimensional arbitrary path inside the fluid without a physical structure. In the past, there have been studies about optical tweezers and optical conveyors using optical force, but there were several limitations such as the limitation of the path, and these limitations can be overcome through this study. Ultimately, this freeform optical conveyor can implement advanced functionalities as follows. Through real-time control of light, the network configuration of fluid channels can be changed. The movement speed of particles can also be controlled differently depending on the zone. And various functions such as splitter, circulator, and accumulator can be controlled in real-time.