Methods of separating particles using an optical gradient
US6744038B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2015/1486
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for interacting light with particles, including but not limited to biological matter such as cells, in unique and highly useful ways. Optophoresis consists of subjecting particles to various optical forces, especially optical gradient forces, and more particularly moving optical gradient forces, so as to obtain useful results. In biology, this technology represents a practical approach to probing the inner workings of a living cell, preferably without any dyes, labels or other markers. The invention includes methods for separating particles in a medium where the particles having differing dielectric constants by providing a medium having a dielectric constant between the dielectric constants of the particles, subjecting the particles in the media to an optical gradient field, and separating the particles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.