Elliot Scientific has added new systems to its already successful Optical Tweezer E3100 and E3200 ranges. Optical tweezers have found many applications in the Sciences; such as DNA property measurement, particle spectroscopy and cell sorting. Until now optical (or laser) tweezers have been confined to specialised researchers using complex microscopes. These new systems offer the ability to retrofit existing microscopes and bring optical tweezing into the lab at an affordable price.

E3300 single spot system
The new E3300 is a single spot system designed for trapping and manipulation of micron sized particles. The system comprises an optical module containing the laser, beam steering optics and the microscope interface. The optical module attaches to the microscope either through an additional unit, such as an epi-fluorescence attachment, or a camera port.

The laser beam containing the trapped particle can be directed anywhere within the field of view by manually steering the conjugate optics. Alternatively, the particle can be held trapped in place and the bulk sample moved around it using the microscope XY stage. For applications involving rotation of birefringent particles, an optional polarization optic and rotation mount can be added.

E3400 multiple beam computer controlled system
The flagship E3400 is for users wishing to undertake multiple beam particle trapping and manipulation experiments. Unlike the E3300, beam control on the E3400 is provided by high speed acousto-optic deflectors driven by a computer controlled module. The supplied software is designed to allow for the creation and independent manipulation of multiple optical traps anywhere within the field of view in X and Y directions. A high-speed GigE interface camera allows visualization of the particles making trapping and tracking easy.

E3400 Control Software
Traps are created and positioned in the unique, simple to use software by mouse control. They can be single spots, line or circular arrays. The spacing, orientation and number of traps can be easily adjusted via the control panel and traps can be added or removed at any time without affecting the existing ones. Multiple arrays and spots can be manipulated totally independently of each other and a number of sample movies showing this in action are available to view and for download from www.elliotscientific.com.

A range of interfaces for both systems are available dependant on the make and model of microscope.