Optical trap

A system for forming an optical trap comprising two or more photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) and at least one source of radiation for inputting radiation to the photonic crystal fibers, the fibers being operable to provide counter-propagating outputs for forming the optical trap, wherein the radiation source is a broadband supercontinuum source.

A system for forming an optical trap comprising two or more photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) and at least one source of radiation for inputting radiation to the photonic crystal fibers, the fibers being operable to provide counter-propagating outputs for forming the optical trap, the system further comprising at least one source for providing multiple wavelengths for inputting to the PCFs, wherein discrete wavelengths of light are used, each to form a separate optical trap and the light of at least one of the wavelengths is arranged to form a standing wave trap that is sensitive to a particular particle size and/or shape and/or refractive index.