Large Infrared Optical Tweezer Array

Abstract

A summary of an attempt to build a large optical tweezer array for trapping cancer cell nuclei is described. Our system was ultimately unable to trap a large array of cell nuclei but was able to trap a large array of polystyrene beads. Our optical trap array method is described as well as its drawbacks and advantages and the potential modifications that could improve the systems performance. The system utilized an amplitude-modulated spatial light modulator to generate an array of individually addressable optical traps. The optical source for trapping radiation was a neodymium-doped yttrium vanadate crystal laser (Nd:YVO4) which produces light at a wavelength of 1064 nm. (The system utilized a Texas Instruments digital micro-mirror device as a spatial light modulator, a Zeiss Axio-Imager microscope to view the sample and focus the laser light, and a Spectra-Physics CW, Nd:YVO4,1064 nm laser.)