Thorlabs Optical Tweezer
Thorlabs Optical Tweezer - Related Videos
06:59
Nanomanipulation of Single RNA Molecules by Optical Tweezers
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Cited by 13 •
2014
Optical tweezers have been used to study RNA folding by stretching individual molecules from their 5’ and 3’ ends. Here common procedures are described to synthesize RNA molecules for tweezing, calibration of the instrument, and methods to manipulate single molecules.
12:11
Using Optical Tweezers for the Generation of Hybrid Spheroids
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2025
In this paper, we propose a protocol for hybrid spheroid manufacturing using optical tweezers. This method allows precise control of the early stages of the spheroid formation process, which is unattainable by other methods.
08:48
Stretching Short Sequences of DNA with Constant Force Axial Optical Tweezers
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Cited by 5 •
2011
We illustrate the use of a constant force axial optical tweezers to explore the mechanical properties of short DNA molecules. By stretching DNA axially, we minimize steric hindrances and artifacts arising in conventional lateral manipulation, allowing us to study DNA molecules as short as ~100 nm.
06:53
Use of Dual Optical Tweezers and Microfluidics for Single-Molecule Studies
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Cited by 1 •
2022
Visual, single-molecule biochemistry studied through microfluidic chambers is greatly facilitated using glass barrel, gas-tight syringes, stable connections of tubing to flow cells, and elimination of bubbles by placing switching valves between the syringes and tubing. The protocol describes dual optical traps that enable visualization of DNA transactions and intermolecular interactions.
12:26
Optical Tweezers to Study RNA-Protein Interactions in Translation Regulation
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Cited by 5 •
2022
This protocol presents a complete experimental workflow for studying RNA-protein interactions using optical tweezers. Several possible experimental setups are outlined including the combination of optical tweezers with confocal microscopy.
FAQs
Stable trapping depends on the competition between two optical effects. The gradient force pulls a dielectric particle toward the region of highest light intensity near the focus, while scattering forces push it along the laser beam path. A stationary trap forms when these opposing contributions balance sufficiently, allowing the particle to remain localized rather than moving freely with the beam.
The microscope objective tightly focuses the laser beam, creating the concentrated optical field needed for a strong gradient force. Its focusing action determines where the trapping region forms and allows the instrument to position that region within a microscale system. This optical arrangement supports controlled particle placement while keeping the manipulation noncontact and suitable for precision engineering studies.
Dielectric particles respond to the focused optical field in a way that allows the gradient force to draw them toward the beam focus. Their interaction with the light is therefore central to forming a stable trap, because the gradient and scattering forces can act together to control position. This makes particle composition an important consideration when planning an optical-tweezer experiment.
A laser beam is directed through a microscope objective and focused within the target microscale environment. The focused beam creates the gradient and scattering forces that act on a suitable dielectric particle. Once the forces balance, the particle can be positioned and manipulated without direct contact. This arrangement provides the operational foundation for subsequent measurement or assembly tasks.
Engineers can apply the instrument when a project requires controlled particle positioning, force measurement, or microscale assembly. The overview identifies microfluidic, materials, and biological systems as relevant settings. In each case, noncontact manipulation helps researchers examine how particles move, interact, or contribute to engineered structures without introducing physical contact from a handling tool.
These systems support measurements and observations related to microscale mechanics, transport, and interactions. By controlling a particle’s position and examining the forces associated with its trapped state, researchers can study behavior within microfluidic, materials, or biological environments. The resulting control is especially useful when experiments require precision at small scales and minimal disturbance to the system.