Electromagnetically driven motion at the nanoscale

Motion gives machines their real utility and motion requires forces! Electromagnetic forces can be produced at the micro- and nano-scales over the entire spectrum, from microwave to optics. Although both fields of research have evolved rather independently, in this presentation, I will explain that they rely on a common thread throughout the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Combining low and high frequency forces using a plasmonic tweezer can control the motion of extremely small objects, such as molecules with only a few kDa. This combination is also advantageous because of their different action ranges that enable a better control at long and short distances.