Optics 2026

Non-contact manipulation of particles provides an attractive platform for precision handling of microscale objects without mechanical contact or surface contamination. In this work, we investigate the controlled optical manipulation of a sphere stably suspended using a combined magneto-acoustic levitation scheme. The experimental configuration integrates acoustic radiation forces with a magnetic field to establish a stable three-dimensional trapping environment for the particle. Building upon this levitation platform, we introduce a focused laser beam as an additional, remotely controlled actuation mechanism for translating the levitated sphere.Unlike conventional magneto-acoustic levitation approaches, where the primary objective is stable suspension or magnetic/acoustic positioning, our approach demonstrates laser-induced displacement of the levitated particle while maintaining acoustic and magnetic confinement. By controlling the position and/or intensity of the focused 400-480nm laser beam, the optical force acting on the sphere can be used to induce directed motion within the levitation region. The resulting particle displacement is experimentally characterized as a function of laser position and operating conditions, while the acoustic and magnetic fields provide the restoring and stabilizing forces required for non-contact manipulation.The demonstrated light-driven motion introduces an additional degree of freedom to magneto-acoustic particle control and provides a route toward hybrid optical–acoustic–magnetic manipulation. Such a platform may enable remotely programmable transport, positioning, and assembly of levitated particles for contactless micro-manipulation, materials processing, and precision experimental systems. The results establish laser-induced translation as a complementary actuation mechanism for magneto-acoustically levitated particles.

Khan Sher is a PhD scholar in Optical Engineering at the Group of Integrated Multidisciplinary Discovery (IMD) Laboratory, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC). His research explores the intersection of nonlinear optics, nano-optics, ultrafast optics, and quantum optics with a focus on photonic applications in Quantum Engineered Systems, He brings over ten years of research experience at NED University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan, alongside a decade of industry practice at K-Electric Ltd, Pakistan. He holds a Master of Engineering in Micro System Design (Integrated Circuits) and a BE in Electrical Engineering from Pakistan, His research bridges nonlinear light matter interactions and quantum engineered photonics, transforming fundamental optical phenomena into innovative and functional photonic technologies.