Soon after the invention of the laser, it was first demonstrated that a laser beam could controllably manipulate small particles - a pioneering development that later won Arthur Ashkin the 2018 Nobel prize. His proof-of-principle paved the way for the technological breakthrough that became known as optical tweezers, leading to a whole catalogue of new methods to optically cool, rotate, sort and assemble a wide range of different particles. Over more than fifty years this field has grown almost beyond recognition, and it now represents a cutting edge of modern optics. The non-contact nature of optical manipulation offers huge advantages when investigating and fabricating matter at nanoscale dimensions, enabling many precision techniques that other methodologies simply cannot match.

The extended and updated second edition of this book expands its broad survey of the wide-ranging field of optical nanomanipulation. It aims to establish and differentiate the physical principles of this phenomenon, while providing a snapshot portrait of many of the most prominent and up-to-date applications. Primary emphasis is placed on cultivating an understanding of the mechanisms, all of which have a fundamental photonic origin, behind the operation of numerous related optical effects. To this end, the first few chapters introduce and develop core theory, focusing on both the role and physical significance of key parameters, and they reveal the detailed interplay between the key material and optical properties. Where appropriate, both classical and photonic (i.e. quantum) representations are discussed. Equations are purposely kept to a minimum; only a broad background in optical physics is assumed. The book is suitable for students and lecturers alike.