Optical Tweezers

Optical Tweezers use light to move objects as small as a single atom. Optical tweezer systems use a laser beam focused by a high-quality microscope objective to produce an "optical trap" which is capable of grabbing a small particle at its center using light-scattering and gradient forces.

There are three primary types of optical tweezer systems. Microscope systems are built for researchers who want a basic optical tweezers solution with real-time, high-resolution capability, particle tracking, and a total software package.

Modular systems are for open architecture setups, with various modules used to provide different functions. Demonstration systems permit students to learn about the basic principles of light/matter forces, including the ideas of modern optics and photonics.