Optically Controlled Thermophoretic Trapping of Single Nano-Objects

Brownian motion is driven by thermal fluctuations and becoming more efficient for decreasing size and elevated temperatures. Here, we show that despite the increased fluctuations local temperature fields can be used to localize and control single nano-objects in solution. By creating strong local temperature gradients in a liquid using optically heated gold nanostructures, we are able to trap single colloidal particles. The trapping is thermophoretic in nature, and thus no restoring body force is involved. The simplicity of the setup allows for an easy integration and scalability to large arrays of traps.