Understanding thermal induced escape mechanism of optically levitated sphere in vacuum

Abstract

The escape phenomenon, mainly caused by thermal effects, is known as an obstacle to the further practical application of optical levitation system in vacuum. Irregular photophoresis induced by thermal effects can act as an amplifier of Brownian motion. Studies on this topic provide interpretation for particle escaping phenomenon during the pressure decreasing process, as well as valuable insights into the micro- and nanoscale thermal effects in optical trap in vacuum. In this paper, we derive and test a dynamic model for the motion of an optically levitated particle in a non-equilibrium state and demonstrate the escaping mechanism of heated particles. The result of theoretical investigations is consistent with experimental escape at 0.1mbar. This work reveals and provides a theoretical basis for the stable operation of laser levitated oscillator in high vacuum and pave the way for the practicability of ultra-sensitive sensing devices.