Virtual Environment for Manipulating Microscopic Particles with Optical Tweezer

Published

July 1, 2003

Author(s)

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

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

Volume

108(4)

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

nanoscale assembly, nanotechnology, optical tweezer, virtual reality

Citation

LeBrun, T. , Lyons, K. and Lee, Y. (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=822040 (Accessed October 14, 2025)