The University of Chicago

Brian A Koss

David G Grier

Jennifer E Curtis

Eric R Dufresne

Sven Holger Behrens

A method for creating large numbers of high-quality optical traps in arbitrary three-dimensional configurations and dynamically reconfiguring the traps under computer control. The method uses computer-generated diffractive optical elements to convert one or more optical tweezers into one or more optical vortices. The method involves combining the optical vortex technique with the holographic optical tweezer technique to create multiple optical vortices in arbitrary configurations. The method also involves employing the rotation induced in trapped particles by optical vortices to assemble clusters of particles into functional micromachines, to drive previously assembled micromachines, to pump fluids through microfluidics channels, to control flows of fluids through microfluidics channels, to mix fluids within microfluidics channels, to transport particles, to sort particles and to perform other related manipulations and transformations on matter over length scales.

Use of multiple optical vortices for pumping, mixing and sorting

A method and apparatus for control of optical trap arrays and formation of particle arrays using light that is in the visible portion of the spectrum. The method and apparatus provides a laser and a time variable diffractive optical element to allow dynamic control of optical trap arrays and consequent control of particle arrays and also the ability to manipulate singular objects using a plurality of optical traps. By avoiding wavelengths associated with strong absorption in the underlying material, creating optical traps with a continuous-wave laser, optimizing the efficiency of individual traps, and trapping extended samples at multiple points, the rate of deleterious nonlinear optical processes can be minimized.

Apparatus for using optical tweezers to manipulate materials

A method of use for holographic optical traps or gradients in which repetitive cycling of a small number of appropriately designed arrays of traps are used for general and very complex manipulations of particles and volumes of matter. Material transport results from a process resembling peristaltic pumping, with the sequence of holographically-defined trapping or holding manifolds resembling the states of a physical peristaltic pump.

Optical peristaltic pumping with optical traps

Multiple optical vortices for manipulating particles

A method for creating large numbers of high-quality optical traps in arbitrary three-dimensional configurations and dynamically reconfiguring the traps under computer control. The method uses computer-generated diffractive optical elements to convert one or more optical tweezers into one or more optical vortices. The method involves combining the optical vortex technique with the holographic optical tweezer technique to create multiple optical vortices in arbitrary configurations. The method also involves employing the rotation induced in trapped particles by optical vortices to assemble clusters of particles into functional micromachines, to drive previously assembled micromachines, to pump fluids through microfluidics channels, to control flows of fluids through microfluidics channels, to mix fluids within microfluidics channels, to transport particles, to sort particles and to perform other related manipulations and transformations on matter over length scales

Growing community of inventors

Chicago, IL, United States of America

Brian A Koss