Levitated Optomechanics (IMAGE) Rochester Institute of Technology Caption It's no trick of the eye; it's an optical trap. Levitated optomechanics can make a nanoparticle float in space. A finely focused laser beam forms an "optical tweezer" and creates a tiny, isolated laboratory for the study of delicate quantum states. RIT scientist Mishkat Bhattacharya tests his theoretical predictions on such experimental platforms used by his collaborator Nick Vamivakas at the University of Rochester's Institute of Optics. Credit J. Adam Fenster and Prof. A. N. Vamivakas, University of Rochester Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.