Optical trapping of a cube

The successful development and optimisation of optically-driven micromachines will be greatly enhanced by the ability to computationally model the optical forces and torques applied to such devices. In principle, this can be done by calculating the light-scattering properties of such devices. However, while fast methods exist for scattering calculations for spheres and axisymmetric particles, optically-driven micromachines will almost always be more geometrically complex. Fortunately, such micromachines will typically possess a high degree of symmetry, typically discrete rotational symmetry. Many current designs for optically-driven micromachines are also mirror-symmetric about a plane. We show how such symmetries can be used to reduce the computational time required by orders of magnitude. Similar improvements are also possible for other highly-symmetric objects such as crystals. We demonstrate the efficacy of such methods by modelling the optical trapping of a cube, and show that even simple shapes can function as optically-driven micromachines.

Project-based assessment for graduate coursework in physics

Project-based assessment, in the form of take-home exams, was trialed in an honours/masters level electromagnetic theory course. This assessment formed an integral part of the learning experience of the students, and students felt that this was effective method of learning.