Trapping of nanofabricated SiO 2 high-aspect-ratio discs in an optical lattice

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.