Abstract

The hybrid plasmonic mode in a narrow gap, between a nanoparticle and a metal film with surface plasmon polaritons, strongly enhances the electromagnetic field and the induced optical forces. Here, we employ the plasmonic mode to achieve dynamic trapping and manipulation of nanoparticles and nanowires on a flat metal surface. We reveal that the plasmonic forces can trap metallic, dielectric and semiconductor nano-objects, and control its position and orientation. Finally we show potential applications of such plasmonic tweezers in surface-enhanced Raman scattering and fabrication of lab-on-a-chip nanowire devices.

© 2016 Optical Society of America