Search

We develop a computationally efficient method for the theoretical analysis of thermophoresis of nanoparticles and adatoms on crystalline surfaces (thermal tweezers) for efficient parallel nanofabrication. The analysis of surface diffusion of particles or adatoms in the presence of strong temperature gradients is conducted through the direct determination of probability distributions for diffusing particles, using the numerical solution of the Smoluchowski diffusion equation with varying (temperature-dependent) diffusion constant. The local values of the diffusion constant are determined from the Fokker–Planck equation for the considered crystalline potential of the substrate and local temperature. Steady-state and nonsteady-state particle distributions on the surface are obtained and analyzed in the presence of optically-induced strong temperature gradients. Detailed comparison of this approach with the previously obtained results from the Monte Carlo simulations of the Langevin equation is conducted, demonstrating high computational efficiency, and accuracy of the new method in the high-friction regime. Applicability conditions for the developed method are also determined and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conduct the detailed numerical investigation of a nanomanipulation and nanofabrication technique—thermal tweezers with dynamic evolution of surface temperature, caused by absorption of interfering laser pulses in a thin metal film or any other absorbing surface. This technique uses random Brownian forces in the presence of strong temperature modulation (surface thermophoresis) for effective manipulation of particles/adatoms with nanoscale resolution. Substantial redistribution of particles on the surface is shown to occur with the typical size of the obtained pattern elements of ∼100 nm, which is significantly smaller than the wavelength of the incident pulses used (532 nm). It is also demonstrated that thermal tweezers based on surface thermophoresis of particles/adatoms are much more effective in achieving permanent high maximum-to-minimum concentration ratios than bulk thermophoresis, which is explained by the interaction of diffusing particles with the periodic lattice potential on the surface. Typically required pulse regimes including pulse lengths and energies are also determined. The approach is applicable for reproducing any holographically achievable surface patterns, and can thus be used for engineering properties of surfaces including nanopatterning and design of surface metamaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This Letter considers an ‘ultimate’ nanofocusing system with arguably the largest field enhancements achievable in plasmonic nanofocusing structures. These enhancements appear far beyond those required for single molecule detection. The proposed structure is demonstrated to be ∼4 orders of magnitude more efficient for trapping of small nanoparticles and single molecules, than the tip-assisted trapping. It does not require direct irradiation of the tip, and this will enable highly targeted delivery of the optical energy to nanoscale regions as small as a few nanometers (e.g., inside living cells) for trapping, imaging, localized heat discharge, and superior sensing in a new generation of nano-optical detectors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we report the results of the detailed monitoring and analysis of combustion emissions from fast moving diesel trains. A new highly efficient monitoring methodology is proposed based on the measurements of the total number concentration (TNC) of combustion aerosols at a fixed point (on a bridge overpassing the railway) inside the violently mixing zone created by a fast moving train. Applicability conditions for the proposed methodology are presented, discussed and linked to the formation of the stable and uniform mixing zone. In particular, it is demonstrated that if such a mixing zone is formed, the monitoring results are highly consistent, repeatable (with typically negligible statistical errors and dispersion), stable with respect to the external atmospheric turbulence and result in an unusual pattern of the aerosol evolution with two or three distinct TNC maximums. It is also shown that the stability and uniformity of the created mixing zone (as well as the repeatability of the monitoring results) increase with increasing length of the train (with an estimated critical train length of ~10 carriages, at the speed of ~150km/h). The analysis of the obtained evolutionary dependencies of aerosol TNC suggests that the major possible mechanisms responsible for the formation of the distinct concentration maximums are condensation (the second maximum) and thermal fragmentation of solid nanoparticle aggregates (third maximum). The obtained results and the new methodology will be important for monitoring and analysis of combustion emissions from fast moving trains, and for the determination of the impact of rail networks on the atmospheric environment and human exposure to combustion emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, the authors demonstrate that random Brownian forces can be used for effective trapping and manipulation of nanoparticles and molecules on surfaces in the presence of strong temperature modulation. Substantial (approximately two orders of magnitude) increase in the modulation of particle concentration (trapping efficiency) compared to thermophoresis in a bulk medium is predicted and explained by a periodic potential of interaction between a particle/molecule and the crystalline surface. As a result, a new nanofabrication and manipulation technique for creating optically induced complex surface structures with nanoscale resolution below tens of nanometers is proposed and developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]