Sample chip

Abstract

A sample chip includes a body portion; and a cover portion disposed on the body portion; wherein an upper surface of the body portion includes a plurality of microchannels in which objects are introduced for examination and manipulation by optical traps. In one embodiment, at least one of the microchannels includes a barrier which holds the objects so that they can be held and manipulated by the optical traps. In another embodiment, at least one of the microchannels includes a sample chamber at which the barrier is disposed. The number of microchannels and their configuration can vary, and the microchannels may intersect, the sample chamber being disposed at the intersection. The barrier includes at least one of a plurality of barrier structures which are integrally formed or removably disposed in the sample chamber. The barrier structures can take different shapes and can be in any combination of shapes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.