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Optical Trapping of Nanoparticles
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Macro-optical trapping for sample confinement in light sheet microscopy
Zhengyi Yang1, Peeter Piksarv2, David E K Ferrier3
1SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, St. Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK.
Biomedical Optics Express
|August 27, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a novel light sheet microscope using optical forces to trap samples, eliminating the need for immobilizing agents. This innovation enables imaging of live, mobile specimens with reduced photo-damage and expanded applications.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Optical Engineering
- Microscopy
Background:
- Light sheet microscopy offers 3D imaging with low phototoxicity but typically requires sample embedding (e.g., agarose) or anesthesia.
- Current methods can restrict live sample development and hinder imaging of mobile organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a light sheet microscopy technique that immobilizes samples using only optical forces.
- To overcome limitations associated with traditional sample mounting and anesthesia in light sheet imaging.
Main Methods:
- An integrated light sheet microscope was designed utilizing counter-propagating laser beams to generate optical forces.
- Optical trapping was employed to hold specimens without physical contact or chemical agents.
Main Results:
- Successfully trapped and acquired sectional images of tobacco plant cells.
- Demonstrated optical trapping of living Spirobranchus lamarcki larvae for imaging.
Conclusions:
- The optical trapping approach in light sheet microscopy eliminates the need for physical embedding or anesthesia.
- This method significantly broadens the scope of live and mobile specimens amenable to high-resolution 3D imaging.
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