Automated manipulation of non-spherical micro-objects using optical tweezers combined with image processing techniques

Abstract

Automated optical trapping of non-spherical objects offers great flexibility as a non-contact micromanipulation tool in various research fields. Computer vision control enables fruitful applications of automated manipulation in biology and material science. Here we demonstrate fully-automated, simultaneous, independent trapping and manipulation of multiple non-spherical objects using multiple-force optical clamps. Customized real-time feature recognition and trapping beam control algorithms are also presented.