Raman spectra and optical trapping of highly refractive and nontransparent particles

We measured the Raman spectra of single optically trapped highly refractive and nontransparent microscopic particles suspended in a liquid using an inverted confocal laser-tweezers-Raman-spectroscopy system. A low-power diode-laser beam of TEM00 mode was used both for optical trapping and Raman excitation of refractive, absorptive, and reflective metal particles. To form a stable trap for a nontransparent particle, the beam focus was located near the top of the particle and the particle was pushed against a glass plate by the axial repulsive force. Raman spectra from single micron-sized crystals with high index of refraction including silicon, germanium, and KNbO3, and from absorptive particles of black and color paints were recorded. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of R6G and phenylalanine molecules absorbed on the surface of a trapped cluster of silver particles was also demonstrated.