Abstract

A tightly focused laser beam can optically trap individual metallic nanoparticles. While in the trap, the particles will absorb part of the incident light and release this energy in the form of heat into the surroundings. The light-to-heat conversion efficiency of metallic nanoparticles can be quantified by the use of a bio-compatible assay and, if all experimental parameters are known, it can also be theoretically predicted by finite element modeling. Here we present results on optical manipulation and heating properties of a variety of metallic nanoparticles. Also, we demonstrate how they can be used for thermoplasmonic cancer therapy and effectively minimize tumors in living mice.

© 2017 Optical Society of America