Issue 16, 2023

Optothermal rotation of micro-/nano-objects

Abstract

Due to its contactless and fuel-free operation, optical rotation of micro-/nano-objects provides tremendous opportunities for cellular biology, three-dimensional (3D) imaging, and micro/nanorobotics. However, complex optics, extremely high operational power, and the applicability to limited objects restrict the broader use of optical rotation techniques. This Feature Article focuses on a rapidly emerging class of optical rotation techniques, termed optothermal rotation. Based on light-mediated thermal phenomena, optothermal rotation techniques overcome the bottlenecks of conventional optical rotation by enabling versatile rotary control of arbitrary objects with simpler optics using lower powers. We start with the fundamental thermal phenomena and concepts: thermophoresis, thermoelectricity, thermo-electrokinetics, thermo-osmosis, thermal convection, thermo-capillarity, and photophoresis. Then, we highlight various optothermal rotation techniques, categorizing them based on their rotation modes (i.e., in-plane and out-of-plane rotation) and the thermal phenomena involved. Next, we explore the potential applications of these optothermal manipulation techniques in areas such as single-cell mechanics, 3D bio-imaging, and micro/nanomotors. We conclude the Feature Article with our insights on the operating guidelines, existing challenges, and future directions of optothermal rotation.

Graphical abstract: Optothermal rotation of micro-/nano-objects

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
22 des. 2022
Accepted
25 jan. 2023
First published
25 jan. 2023
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 2208-2221

Optothermal rotation of micro-/nano-objects

H. Ding, Z. Chen, C. Ponce and Y. Zheng, Chem. Commun., 2023, 59, 2208 DOI: 10.1039/D2CC06955E

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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