Sample manipulation device and method

A method for manipulating a sample using a sample manipulation device, the method comprising:

• receiving information of a predetermined area of a field of view of an objective of the sample manipulation device;
• receiving manipulation data comprising at least one manipulation path, wherein the manipulation path is a path on the sample;
• receiving an image of the sample captured by a detector of the sample manipulation device;
• determining, based on the predetermined area and the manipulation path in relation to the image of the sample, whether at least a part of the manipulation path is within or outside the predetermined area;
• upon determining that the manipulation path is entirely outside the predetermined area, manipulating the sample along the manipulation path using a manipulation light beam emitted by a manipulation light source and a scanning unit configured to move the manipulation light beam within the field of view;
• and
• based upon a determination determining that at least a part of the manipulation path is inside the predetermined area, moving the sample using a sample positioning unit such that the manipulation path is entirely outside the predetermined area.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium having program steps stored thereon, the program steps, when executed by a computer processor, causing performance of a method for manipulating a sample using a sample manipulation device, the method comprising:

• receiving information of a predetermined area of a field of view of an objective of the sample manipulation device;
• receiving manipulation data comprising at least one manipulation path, wherein the manipulation path is a path on the sample;
• receiving an image of the sample captured by a detector of the sample manipulation device;
• determining, based on the predetermined area and the manipulation path in relation to the image of the sample, whether at least a part of the manipulation path is within or outside the predetermined area;
• upon determining that the manipulation path is entirely outside the predetermined area, manipulating the sample along the manipulation path using a manipulation light beam emitted by a manipulation light source and a scanning unit configured to move the manipulation light beam within the field of view;
• and
• upon determining that at least a part of the manipulation path is inside the predetermined area, moving the sample using a sample positioning unit such that the manipulation path is entirely outside the predetermined area.