Mapping two-dimension trapping potential of nanoparticles in an optical trap

Combining confocal microscopy and optical tweezers, we map out the spatial distribution of the particle concentrations of quantum dots, fluorescent HIV pseudo virus particles and polystyrene nanospheres in an optical trap. By analyzing the Boltzmann distribution of local particle concentrations, we obtain the two-dimension single particle trapping potential profile at the center of the optical trap in the direction perpendicular to the beam propagation. We compare the trapping potential energies of pseudo HIV vesicles and same-sized polystyrene spheres. We also compare the trapping potential energy of polystyrene spheres of a focused Gaussian beam and two modes of cylindrical vector beams.