Amphibious Hybrid Laser Tweezers for Fluid and Solid Domains
Runlin Zhu1, Tianci Shen1, Zhaoqi Gu1
1Laboratory of Integrated Opto-Mechanics and Electronics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China.
ACS Nano
|August 15, 2024
Summary
This study introduces amphibious hybrid laser tweezers, a novel optical manipulation system. It enables precise control of micro/nano-objects in both liquid and solid environments using a single continuous wave laser, overcoming previous limitations.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Nanotechnology
- Optics
Background:
- Conventional optical tweezers excel in fluid environments but struggle with solid surfaces due to adhesion forces.
- Existing methods often require specialized setups or are limited to specific environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a versatile optical manipulation system capable of operating in both fluid and solid domains.
- To overcome the limitations of conventional optical tweezers on solid interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a single continuous wave (CW) laser modulated with short durations.
- Generating strong photothermal forces by exceeding the dynamic thermal equilibrium time of objects.
- Seamlessly integrating CW laser-based optical tweezers with pulsed laser-based photothermal shock tweezers.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful manipulation and trapping of micro/nano-objects on solid interfaces.
- Achieved ultrawide force generation from femto-newtons to micro-newtons.
- Developed an amphibious system applicable in both fluid and solid environments.
Conclusions:
- The amphibious hybrid laser tweezers offer a cost-effective and simple solution for optical manipulation across diverse environments.
- This technique expands the applicability of optical manipulation, paving the way for advanced applications in various scientific and technological fields.
