Liquid Crystal Laser Manipulation System for Controlling Microscopic Particles

摘要

A novel optical manipulation system for controlling three-dimensional positions and rotation of trapped microscopic rods is proposed by using a liquid crystal (LC) device with unique functions such as an anamorphic lens property in addition to both variable-focusing and deflection properties. Arranging the control voltages of the LC optical device, the laser beam can be focused with any elliptical cross section. The trapped slender object is aligned along the rotatable major axis of the elliptically shaped laser beam spot and can be shifted three-dimensionally.