The goal of our project is the noninvasive optical manipulation of nano-objects with ultimate sizes, down to the single molecule. To this aim, we propose to combine high optical confinement techniques with molecular-level mastering of the conversion of light energy into mechanical work, following an integrated multi-disciplinary approach involving optical physicists and surface organic chemists.

Two strategies will be employed:

Field-gradient enhancement. They will be obtained through optimization of specifically-designedplasmonic nano-structures. The opportunities offered by their combination with nonlinearly-responsive molecular architectures will also be explored.

Molecular motors. The surface of the nano-object will be functionalized with photo-isomerizing azo molecular moieties. Simultaneously, we will evaluate the potential of light-controlled forces on spin-transition molecular magnets. It will be followed by the analysis of the mechanical interactions with functionalized and/or nano-structured surfaces, as well as with bulk soft-matter environments.