Open AccessLight fields with an axially expanded intensity distribution for stable three-dimensional optical trapping
Author(s) -
Susanne Zwick,
Christian Schaub,
Tobias Haist,
Wolfgang Osten
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.019941
Subject(s) - axial symmetry , trapping , optics , intensity (physics) , optical tweezers , light intensity , light field , cardinal point , field (mathematics) , physics , materials science , optical force , ecology , mathematics , quantum mechanics , pure mathematics , biology
We introduce a new kind of light field to improve and simplify the trapping process of axially displaced particles. To this end we employ a light field with an axially expanded intensity distribution, which at the same time enables stable axial trapping. We present simulations of the axial intensity distribution of the novel trapping field and first experimental results, which demonstrate the improvement of the reliability of the axial trapping process. The method can be used to automate trapping of particles that are located outside of the focal plane of the microscope.