Faster, cheaper, safer optical tweezers for the undergraduate laboratory

摘要

We describe an optical tweezers experiment suitable for a third-year undergraduate laboratory course. Compared to previous designs, it may be set up in about half the time and at one-third the cost. The experiment incorporates several features that increase safety. We also discuss how to use stochastic methods to characterize the trap's strength and shape. (C) 2002 American Association of physics Teachers. [References: 15]