We propose the formation of mesoscopic orbitals in strongly focused light. By modulating the phase, amplitude and polarization distribution at the exit pupil, one may create annular intensity distributions in the focal region. These distributions can be used to trap nanoparticles due to the gradient light forces. By using paramagnetic particles in a rotating magnetic field, aligned magnetic dipoles traverse orbital trajectories in the gradient trap. Moreover, we show that the particles may hop from one orbit to another, where the hopping rate can be tuned by the magnitude of the external magnetic field.
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