Figure 1

Series of video frames showing attachment of a functionalized silica bead to a silicon nanomembrane. The bead is false colored to improve image clarity. (a) The silica bead is trapped in three dimensions with a power of approximately 285 mW (shown immediately before the bead enters the trap). (b) The nanomembrane is moved toward the trapped bead using the microscope stage. (c) The bead is positioned immediately next to the nanomembrane and a bond forms, linking the two materials. (d) The nanomembrane rotates slightly in the plane into a preferred position with respect to the optical trap. The dimensions of the silicon nanomembrane are 50 × 50-μm, 220 nm thick.