Abstract
We present the general expressions force and torque on a dipolar particle of arbitrary linear birefringence. We use the derived equations to model the behavior of the anisotropic particle kyanite in the field of a light-transmitting optical nanofiber submerged in water. We examine the qualitative and quantitative features of the motion of the particle. We find that the steady-state orientation of the particle has one of its body-frame axes fixed perpendicular to the plane of the electric field while the other two rotate without stopping in the plane of the electric field. The rate at which the particle spins is nearly fixed but has small oscillations which represent less than 2% of its magnitude. This causes the force on the particle to oscillate, giving rise to vibration modes in the particle as it transverses its helical trajectory around the nanofiber.
Advisor
Kelvey, Robert
Second Advisor
Leary, Cody
Department
Mathematics; Physics
Recommended Citation
Owusu-Ansah, Carlos, "Trajectory of an Anisotropic Particle Near a Light-Transmitting Optical Nanofiber" (2021). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 9381.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/9381
Keywords
optical fiber, optical nanofiber, force, torque, trajectory, light, birefringence, anisotropy, anisotropic particle, kyanite
Publication Date
2021
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2021 Carlos Owusu-Ansah