Particle guidance system

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for using a beam of energy, specifically laser light ( ), to transport, suspend or trap non-atomic size particles ( ) within a hollow-core optical fiber ( ), manipulating the particles ( ) along the fiber ( ) over distances and depositing them on a substrate ( ). A laser generates a beam ( ) focused on a fiber ( ) entrance ( ). A source ( ) delivers particles ( ) to the entrance ( ). Particles ( ) are drawn into the beam ( ) and propelled through the core ( ) of the fiber ( ). Forces (F -F ) on a particle ( ) generated by reflection, absorption and refraction of laser light ( ) keep the particle ( ) close to the fiber's center and propel it along the fiber's length. A variety of micron-size particles, including solids, solid dielectrics, semiconductors, liquids, aerosols and living cells are conveyed. The invention is adapted to direct-writing of micron-sized features ( ) on surfaces, for example, microcircuits and microcircuit components for “smart” credit cards and biological implants, to recording emission spectra of trapped particles and to many other such uses. Deposited material ( ) is treated by laser light ( ) by particle melting, decomposition, sintering or other chemical and mechanical reactions caused by laser interaction with the particle. Resulting, treated depositions have desirable mechanical and electrical properties for electronics and micro-electronic-mechanical system applications.