Optical Tweezer Systems

Optical tweezers can measure properties of DNA, spectroscopy of trapped particles and can be used for cell sorting. Until now optical (or laser) tweezers have been used in optical laboratories or on complex microscopes. These new Elliot Scientific systems offer use in a class 1 laser environment via a compact desktop unit.

These Optical Tweezer Systems can be used in biochemistry laboratories, chemistry laboratories and the classroom with a turnkey system requiring little laser knowledge. They can also be used in education, where Elliot can supply kit versions for undergraduate laboratories and custom models for special applications.

Use of precision manual stages and high quality optics trap the particle in 3 dimensions such that the system can be used to easily manipulate particles of 1 micron to sub micron accuracy.

Careful choice of the internal diode laser, dielectric spheres, biological samples and cells can all be trapped and manipulated. Once trapped, the cell manipulation is carried out using conjugate beam steering optics. Alternatively, the particle can be trapped and the whole sample moved. Rotation of birefringent particles can be performed with polarisation optics. For those applications where more power is required an external laser can be injected.

For more information, visit: www.elliotscientific.com

Elliot Scientific
3 Allied Business Centre
Coldharbour Lane
Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 4UT
England
Phone: +44 1582 766 300   
Fax: +44 1582 766 340