Apparatus, system and method for applying optical gradient forces
US7324282B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B26/0808
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system of applying optical gradient forces to form a plurality of optical traps to manipulate small particles. The system includes a light source for generating a focused beam of light which is directed along an optical axis though a phase patterning optical element having a variable optical surface and which has a virtual lens encoded thereon. The optical element produces a plurality of beamlets that are coverged at a position between the optical element and a single transfer lens, and directed through the transfer lens to overlap at the back aperture of a focusing lens. The focusing lens coverges the beamlets to form a plurality of optical traps in the working focal region where particles to be examined, manipulated, or measured, are disposed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.