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Updated: May 26, 2026
10:35
Multimodal Imaging and Spectroscopy Fiber-bundle Microendoscopy Platform for Non-invasive, In Vivo Tissue Analysis
Published on: October 17, 2016
A multi-mode fiber probe for holographic micromanipulation and microscopy
Silvio Bianchi1, Roberto Di Leonardo
1Dipartimento di Fisica, Università Sapienza, I-00185 Roma, Italy. silvio.bianchi@uniroma1.it
Lab on a Chip
|December 16, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a method to transmit holographic micromanipulation through optical fibers. This innovation enables manipulation and imaging of microscopic particles deep within biological tissues using endoscopic probes.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Optical Engineering
- Microscopy
Background:
- Holographic tweezers enable precise manipulation of microscopic particles for studying colloids, macromolecules, and cells.
- Current holographic micromanipulation is limited to in vitro samples accessible by optical microscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the transmission of holographic patterns through a multimode optical fiber for remote micromanipulation.
- To enable manipulation and imaging of biological samples in previously inaccessible locations.
Main Methods:
- Direct measurement of the complex light propagator of a multimode optical fiber.
- Transmitting a micro-hologram through a 1-meter long, 60 μm core optical fiber.
- Generating dynamic arrays of focused spots at the fiber output for manipulation.
Main Results:
- Successfully transmitted micro-holograms through an optical fiber, creating controllable arrays of focused spots.
- Demonstrated interactive holographic micromanipulation of micron-sized beads at the fiber tip.
- Utilized the fiber as a probe for scanning fluorescence microscopy by scanning a single spot.
Conclusions:
- Developed a method to overcome the optical accessibility limitations of holographic micromanipulation.
- Paved the way for endoscopic holographic probes capable of in situ manipulation and imaging deep within biological tissues.
- Opened new possibilities for minimally invasive biological research and diagnostics.
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