Nanoparticle On-demand Loading System

Trapped nano-scale particles are rapidly emerging as a powerful platform in high-precision sensing applications, as they can be used as highly sensitive transducers for various physical quantities. Optically levitated nanospheres in high vacuum, in particular, experience little friction and hence are promising for ultra-sensitive detection of mechanical and electromagnetic forces. However, in most laboratory demonstrations of these nanomechanical devices, trap loading is initially achieved via nanoparticle spraying from an aqueous solution, which is incompatible with field applications. Therefore, an on-demand nanoparticle loading solution allowing fast (< 10 s preparation) and direct loading of the trapped nanoparticle sensor directly under high vacuum is a prerequisite to field deployment of these novel sensors in the future. To address this need, Opto-Atomics Corp. (OAC) proposes to continue developing a new Nanoparticle On-demand Loading System (NOLS). NOLS provides the following advantages over current particle-launch and trap-loading techniques: (1) fast, on-demand trap loading fully compatible with high vacuum operation; (2) reliable, dry particle-launching scheme for nanoparticles with a diameter less than 100 nm; and (3) low SWaP and enhanced system compatibility. Partnering with our research institution collaborator and subcontractor, OAC will design and assemble a fully-operational integrated system and confirm its ability to quickly load particles into desired trap configurations, all in a low-SWaP package.