Computer-Generated Holographic Optical Tweezer Arrays

Eric R. Dufresne (1), Gabriel C. Spalding (2), Matthew T. Dearing (2), Steven A. Sheets (2) and David G. Grier (1)
(1) Dept. of Physics, James Franck Institute, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics
The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
(2)Dept. of Physics, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL 61702

Date: October 27, 2000

Abstract:

Holographic techniques significantly extend the capabilities of laser tweezing, making possible extended trapping patterns for manipulating large numbers of particles and volumes of soft matter. We describe practical methods for creating arbitrary configurations of optical tweezers using computer-generated diffractive optical elements. While the discussion focuses on ways to create planar arrays of identical tweezers, the approach can be generalized to three-dimensional arrangements of heterogeneous tweezers and extended trapping patterns.