Improved backscattering detection in photonic force microscopy near dielectric surfaces with cylindrical vector beams

Abstract Cylindrical vector beams are used to improve back scattering detection in photonic force microscopy measurements near a dielectric surface. We compare back focal plane interferometry signals acquired on a quadrant photodiode when optical trapping a latex microparticle with gaussian, radial, and azimuthal beams. We find a consistent reduction of the interference pattern generated by the superposition of light backscattered by the trapped particle and backreflected by the dielectric surface. We contrast experimental findings with a model based on light scattering theory in the T - matrix formalism.