Manipulation of objects in potential energy landscapes
AssigneeNew York University
InventorsDavid Grier, Marco Polin, Sang-Hyuk Lee, Yael Roichman, Kosta Ladavac
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Abstract
Holographic optical traps using the forces exerted by computer-generated holograms to trap, move and otherwise transform mesoscopically textured materials. The efficacy of the present invention is based upon the quality and nature of the diffractive optical element used to create the traps and dynamically use them. Further a landscape of potential energy sites can be created and used to manipulate, sort and process objects.
Claims27
A method for manipulation of a plurality of objects comprising the steps of:
- providing a shaping source;
- applying the shaping source to create a spatially symmetric potential energy landscape;
- applying the potential energy landscape to a plurality of objects, thereby trapping at least a portion of the plurality of objects in the potential energy landscape;
- and
- spatially moving the potential energy landscape to manipulate the plurality of objects.
A method for manipulation of a plurality of objects, comprising the steps of:
- providing a source of objects locomotion;
- applying the source of objects locomotion to create a pattern of mass traps;
- applying the pattern of particle traps to a plurality of objects, thereby trapping at least a portion of the plurality of objects in the pattern;
- and
- moving the pattern of object traps to manipulate the plurality of objects.
A method of optimizing a plurality of optical traps, comprising:
- providing a beam of light from a light source;
- imprinting the collimated beam of light with computer-generated holography;
- propagating a plurality of independent beams of light from the collimated beam of light through a diffractive optical element;
- relaying the independent beams to an input aperture of a lens;
- focusing the independent beams on an objective focal plane;
- and
- focusing an undiffracted portion of the beam of light,
- wherein the beam of light converges as it passes through the diffractive optical element, causing the undiffracted portion of beam of light to focus upstream of the objective focal plane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.