Complete optical encapsulation of particulates

US8859950B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America, as represented by Secretary of the Navy · US

Inventors

• Bienvenido Melvin L. Pascoguin · Lemon Grove, US
• Ryan P. Lu · San Diego, US
• Ayax D. Ramirez · Chula Vista, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 25, 2012
• Grant date: Oct 14, 2014
• Expiry date: Jun 25, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G03H2001/0077
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods enable the capture and manipulation of minute particles. One method includes locating a particle on a specimen stage; generating a finite-length open-ended hollow tube laser output around the particle; generating opposing end-cap laser outputs at either end of the hollow tube laser output to enclose the particle; and moving at least one of the specimen stage, hollow tube laser output and end cap laser outputs to re-position the particle. Another method includes locating a particle on a specimen stage; generating a first finite-length open-ended hollow tube laser output around the particle; generating a second finite-length open-ended hollow tube laser output around the particle, whereby the particle becomes enclosed at the intersection of the first and second hollow tube laser outputs; and pivoting at least one of the first and second hollow tube laser outputs such that the particle is re-positioned.