Â鶹ÒùÔº

September 9, 2022 report

Optofluidic force induction allows for real-time nanoparticle characterization

by , Â鶹ÒùÔº

Optofluidic force induction allows for real-time nanoparticle characterization
Schematics of the optofluidic force induction (OF2i) scheme. (a) Particles are immersed in a fluid and are pumped through a microfluidic channel. A weakly focused Laguerre-Gaussian laser beam with an OAM propagates in the same direction as the particle flow, and exerts optical forces on the nanoparticles. By monitoring the light scattered by the particles through a microscope objective, one obtains information about the scattering cross sections and via particle tracking the velocities of the individual particles. (b) Simulated trajectories for two selected particles. Because of the OAM particles move along spiral-shaped trajectories, thus suppressing collisions and particle blockage in the focus region. (c) The optical force Fopt,z and the fluidic force Ffluid,z acting on a particle control the flow in the propagation direction z , the optical force Fopt,x provides optical 2D trapping in the transverse direction x (the trapping force along y is not shown). Credit: Â鶹ÒùÔºical Review Applied (2022). DOI: 10.1103/Â鶹ÒùÔºRevApplied.18.024056

A team of researchers at Brave Analytics GmbH, working with a colleague from the Gottfried Schatz Research Center and another from the Institute of Â鶹ÒùÔºics, all in Austria, has developed a device that is capable of conducting real-time nanoparticle characterization. The group published their work in the journal Â鶹ÒùÔºical Review Applied.

Over the past several decades, product engineers have increasingly added nanoparticles to products to give them desired qualities—to thicken or color paints, for example. The types of nanoparticles used depend on many factors, such as their composition and shape, which are generally easily determined. The size of the nanoparticles is also important to ensure consistency, but figuring out how big they are has proven to be more challenging. One approach called dynamic light scattering has been found to work well, but only with tiny nanoparticles. In this new effort, the researchers created a device that can be used to determine the size of larger nanoparticles.

The new device is based on optofluidic force induction (OF2i). It consists of a clear cylinder and a . In use, the cylinder is filled with water into which sample nanoparticles have been added—in this case, tiny bits of polystyrene. The laser is fired in a way that allows the light to travel in a spiral through the water, forming a water vortex.

The is used in two ways: to push the nanoparticles through the water and to track their motion. In such a setup, the amount of acceleration experienced by a given nanoparticle will depend on its size. The researchers suggest it is similar to a sailboat. Two boats of the same size experiencing the same force of wind will be pushed at different speeds if they have differently sized sails. And because the laser forms a vortex, the nanoparticles travel in a spiral, making collisions less likely.

The light scattered after bouncing off of the nanoparticle can then be viewed with a time-lapse microscope, which can reveal the paths taken by the individual nanoparticles. Analysis of the shape of such trajectories can be used to determine changes in velocity due to the force exerted by the and in so doing reveal the size of the nanoparticles. Testing showed the device capable of measuring in the range of 200 to 900 nm.

Written for you by our author —this article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

More information: Marko Å imić et al, Real-Time Nanoparticle Characterization Through Optofluidic Force Induction, Â鶹ÒùÔºical Review Applied (2022).

© 2022 Science X Network

Citation: Optofluidic force induction allows for real-time nanoparticle characterization (2022, September 9) retrieved 28 August 2025 from /news/2022-09-optofluidic-induction-real-time-nanoparticle-characterization.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Researchers use silicon nanoparticles to visualize coalescence of quantized vortices that occur in superfluid helium
167 shares

Feedback to editors
Load comments (0)