Optically controlled grippers for manipulating micron-sized particles

Gibson, G., Barron, L., Beck, F., Whyte, G. and Padgett, M. (2007) Optically controlled grippers for manipulating micron-sized particles. New Journal of Physics, 9(1), p. 14. (doi: 10.1088/1367-2630/9/1/014)

Abstract

We report the development of a joystick controlled gripper for the real-time manipulation of micron-sized objects, driven using holographic optical tweezers (HOTs). The gripper consists of an arrangement of four silica beads, located in optical traps, which can be positioned and scaled in order to trap an object indirectly. The joystick can be used to grasp, move (lateral or axial), and change the orientation of the target object. The ability to trap objects indirectly allows us to demonstrate the manipulation of a strongly scattering micron-sized metallic particle.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Padgett, Professor Miles
• Authors: Gibson, G., Barron, L., Beck, F., Whyte, G., and Padgett, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: New Journal of Physics
• Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN (Online): 1367-2630
• Published Online: 23 January 2007
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2007 Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd.
• First Published: First published in New Journal of Physics 9 (1): 14
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher