Method and device for manipulating microscopic quantities of material
US6941033B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/1062
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of manipulating a microscopic quantity of material is disclosed wherein an optical fiber probe having a sharp tip with a hole fabricated therein is used to extract the material. The hole is sufficiently small that upon immersion of the sharp tip in the material a virtual seal forms to inhibit penetration of the material into the hole. A laser pulse is sent down the fiber probe to disrupt the seal and promote entry of the material into the hole. The probe can also be used in a reverse manner to deliver trapped material from the hole into a targeted region. The bole also permits an annular light intensity distribution at and near the exit of the probe tip which can be used to optically trap particles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.