Optical vortex trapping of particles

Summary form only given. We demonstrate that a low-index dielectric particle can be stably trapped in three-dimensions using a stationary, focused Gaussian beam containing an optical vortex. This work is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of three-dimensional trapping of a spherical low-index particle using a single, stationary beam. Vortex traps allow the trapping of low- and high-index particles with less risk of damage and better isolation.