Particle sorting using optically induced asymmetric double-well potential

We studied the sorting of micro-scale objects by use of an optically induced asymmetric double-well potential. Migration events, driven by Brownian motion, were experimentally investigated for various particle sizes, inter-well distances, and optical intensities. Temporal evolution of the measured sorting efficiency qualitatively agreed well with theoretical predictions. We found that the sorting performance was improved by introducing temporal modulation on the potential landscape. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.