Trapping of nanofabricated SiO$_2$ high-aspect-ratio discs in an optical lattice

Abstract

We describe the nanofabrication and loading of lithographically patterned, high aspect ratio $10$ $μ$m diameter silicon dioxide discs with thickness of $400$ nm into an optical standing wave trap in vacuum. We obtain motional spectra of the center of mass motion of the discs using a combination of interferometric and imaging methods. The method is capable of high-efficiency loading and optical trapping using small numbers of objects, of the order of a few particles, with customized geometries and sizes compatible with wafer scale nanofabrication methods. Disc-like particles in optical traps have been identified as promising candidates for detectors of high frequency gravitational waves or as sensitive accelerometers.