Study on nanosecond pulse laser propulsion microspheres based on a tapered optical fiber in water environment

Abstract

This study establishes a laser propulsion system with a pulsed laser at the tip of a tapered optical fiber, and investigates the interaction between polystyrene (PS) microspheres and nanosecond laser pulses in water. The system can effectively control the generation of laser energy and spot, achieving precise microsphere propulsion. Additionally, we employ a laser propulsion system with a conical fiber structure to separate and remove PS microsphere clusters in water. This type of laser propulsion system is characterized by simple operation and precise positioning, and based on these features, the study of PS microsphere propulsion using the conical fiber laser propulsion system holds potential applications in underwater laser cleaning and underwater microstructure manipulation.