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Using sound to independently levitate a range of objects is achieved for the first time

Scientists develop acoustic tweezers capable of independently levitating a range of small-sized objects using sound waves. This technology offers several advantages over optical tweezers, including the ability to penetrate biological tissue safely and non-invasively, making it ideal for cell manipulation applications.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2018

New discovery improves use of optical tweezers

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method to improve the use of optical tweezers, allowing for more accurate measurements with less data and faster processing. This breakthrough enables the technique to be used in pharmaceutical research and study systems that are not in equilibrium.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2018

2+1 is not always 3

Researchers measured critical Casimir forces with two and three particles to demonstrate nonadditivity and show that these forces are crucial for designing micro-machines. The study used colloids immersed in fluid and optical tweezers to measure the effects of many-body interaction.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 2016

To touch the microcosmos

Researchers have developed a new technique called haptic optical tweezers, enabling scientists to 'feel' the microscopic structures under the lens. This technology allows users to explore the microworld by sensing and exerting piconewton-scale forces with trapped microspheres.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateSep 13, 2013

Newly demonstrated capabilities of low-powered nanotweezers may benefit cellular-level studies

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique for manipulating nanoparticles using low-power optical nanotweezers. The method, which operates at average power levels 100x lower than standard laser pointers, enables precise trapping and probing of fragile biological samples.

Optical nanoantennas enable efficient multipurpose particle manipulation

Researchers at University of Illinois have demonstrated the use of arrays of gold Bowtie Nanoantenna Arrays for multipurpose optical trapping and manipulation of submicrometer- to micrometer-sized objects. This enables highly efficient, optical tweezers with low-input power densities, useful for optofluidic applications and manipulatin...

Acoustic tweezers can position tiny objects

Researchers have developed acoustic tweezers that can position single cells or nanosized beads using sound waves, allowing for efficient manipulation without damaging live cells. The technology has significant advantages over existing methods in terms of versatility, miniaturization, and power consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 28, 2009

Liquid lens creates tiny flexible laser on a chip

Researchers create Liquid-Gradient Refractive Index (L-GRIN) lenses using water and calcium chloride, enabling precise control over light direction. These fluidic lenses can be fabricated on chips and have potential applications in optical tweezers and medical imaging.

SourcePenn State·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMay 11, 2009

DNA sewing machine

Researchers develop unique method to sew long DNA threads into shape using micron-sized hooks controlled by lasers, allowing for high-spatial resolution gene location detection. The technology has potential applications in DNA sequencing and molecular electronics.

SourceRoyal Society of Chemistry·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJul 10, 2008

Engineers demonstrate a new type of optical tweezer

Engineers at Harvard University have developed a novel optical tweezer that can perform calibrated force measurements with high precision. The device, consisting of a Fresnel Zone Plate fabricated on a glass slide, has the potential to revolutionize biological and microfluidic applications.

SourceHarvard University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 25, 2008

Optical tweezers prove Einstein right

Researchers have successfully measured the back-flow effect in Brownian motion, a phenomenon Einstein predicted but overlooked 100 years ago. The discovery uses optical tweezers technology to detect this effect, confirming a key aspect of Brownian motion theory.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 31, 2005

Teasing apart the molecules of life

Researchers devise new method combining optical trapping and single-molecule fluorescence to study DNA structural and mechanical changes. This technique allows scientists to study rare molecules essential for life and disease development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateFeb 24, 2003