Rapid computational cell-rotation around arbitrary axes in 3D with multi-core fiber

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Optical manipulation
• Cell biology

Background:

• Optical trapping is crucial for manipulating biological samples like cells.
• Fiber-based dual-beam traps offer low photodamage and high stiffness for large cell manipulation.
• Precise 3D cell rotation is needed for advanced applications but is not yet achieved in dual-beam traps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel dual-beam optical trap capable of precise 3D cell rotation.
• To demonstrate real-time holographic control of cell orientation and rotation axis.
• To overcome limitations of existing dual-beam traps for advanced cell manipulation.

Main Methods:

• A multi-core fiber (MCF) was transformed into a phased array using wavefront shaping.
• Computationally programmable light and holographic control were employed to shape the light field.
• Real-time holographic control of light-field distribution was achieved within 0.1 seconds.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated real-time controlled rotation of HL60 cells about all 3D axes with high freedom.
• Achieved precise control of cell orientation and rotation axis using holographic light through an MCF.
• Obtained a resolution close to the diffraction limit for cell manipulation.

Conclusions:

• This novel MCF-based dual-beam trap allows precise 3D cell rotation, a first for such systems.
• The technology offers high flexibility beyond bulky optics, enabling lab-on-a-chip applications.
• Potential applications include contactless cell surgery, refractive index tomography, and cell-elasticity measurements.