Advances on studying optical forces: optical manipulation, optical cooling and light induced dynamics

Optical forces is a unique phenomenon derived from light-matter interaction. It took centuries before people were finally able to measure, and manipulate this extremely tiny force. Over the past 50 years, the research on optical forces has gone through tremendous progress as it has gradually evolved into a powerful tool with broad applications in physics, biology, chemistry, aerospace science and so on. This paper provides a comprehensive review of fundamental as well as significant applications about optical forces from the microscale to the macroscale. Starting from optical manipulation and ending with light-induced dynamics, the exciting advances are systematically surveyed and discussed. This distinct phenomenon not only greatly extends our understanding of light and photons, but also exploits promising potential in science and engineering that could better serve human beings.