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Virtual Environment for Manipulating Microscopic Particles with Optical Tweezer

Published

Author(s)

Yong-Gu Lee, Kevin W. Lyons, Thomas W. LeBrun

Abstract

In this paper, we use virtual reality techniques to define an intuitive interface to a nanoscale manipulation device. This device utilizes optical methods to focus laser light to trap and reposition nano-to-microscopic particles. The underlying physics are simulated by the use of Lagrange mechanics. We also provide a unique control method for the manipulation of the particles. We let the user naturally grab and steer the particles. Behind the scene, a complex computation is performed to find the new location of the potential field induced by the laser beam that would move the particles accordingly. We use haptic feedback to constrain the steering motion within the physical capability of the potential field.
Citation
Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology

Keywords

nanoscale Assembly, nanotechnology, optical tweezer, virtual reality

Citation

Lee, Y. , Lyons, K. and LeBrun, T. (2003), Virtual Environment for Manipulating Microscopic Particles with Optical Tweezer, Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=822011 (Accessed March 29, 2024)
Created May 31, 2003, Updated October 12, 2021