Micro-Dumbbells—A Versatile Tool for Optical Tweezers

Abstract

Manipulation of micro- and nano-sized objects with optical tweezers is a well-established, albeit still evolving technique. While many objects can be trapped directly with focused laser beam(s), for some applications indirect manipulation with tweezers-operated tools is preferred. We introduce a simple, versatile micro-tool operated with holographic optical tweezers. The 40 µm long dumbbell-shaped tool, fabricated with two-photon laser 3D photolithography has two beads for efficient optical trapping and a probing spike on one end. We demonstrate fluids viscosity measurements and vibration detection as examples of possible applications.

Light‐Powered Microrobots: Challenges and Opportunities for Hard and Soft Responsive Microswimmers

“…In addition to the examples shown in Figure 5, researchers have been exploring a number of different applications for light‐powered hard polymeric microrobots. In recent years, microrobotic waveguides, [ 114 ] microrobots with a segment covered by silver nanoparticles for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering studies, [ 83 ] microrobotic microsnap fits for cantilevers, [ 107 ] and microrobotic dumbbells for fluid viscosity characterization [ 115 ] were reported.…”

Light‐Powered Microrobots: Challenges and Opportunities for Hard and Soft Responsive Microswimmers

“…light-powered hard polymeric microrobots. In recent years, microrobotic waveguides, [114] microrobots with a segment covered by silver nanoparticles for surface-enhanced Raman scattering studies, [83] microrobotic microsnap fits for cantilevers, [107] and microrobotic dumbbells for fluid viscosity characterization [115] were reported.…”

Zinc Oxide @ Silica Core/Shell Microspheres for Single-Molecule Force Microscopy in Aqueous and Nonaqueous Solvents

“…By wielding advanced materials with optical tweezers, , a new toolkit arises for interrogating chemistry at the limits of space and time. In doing so, the microscope is transformed into a nN tensiometer, − a scanning probe with spatial − and spectroscopic − resolution, a photonic soldering iron, − or a local heat source. , It would be desirable to apply any combination of these tools with broad solvent compatibility. For single-molecule studies of polymers, dual trap optical tweezers allow for a single-molecule tether to be constructed between two microspheres (typically polystyrene or silica “beads”).…”