Observation of a Single Beam Gradient Force Optical Trap for Dielectric Particles.

Optical trapping of dielectric particles by a single beam gradient force trap was demonstrated for the first time. This confirms the concept of negative light pressure due to the gradient force. Trapping was observed over the entire range of particle size from 10$mu$m to $wig$25nm in water. Use of the new trap extends the size range of macroscopic particles accessible to optical trapping and manipulation well into the Rayleigh size regime. Application of this trapping principle to atom trapping is considered.