Developing our Next Generation BioPhotonics Workstation

Optical trapping and manipulation have established a track record for cell handling in small volumes. However, this cell handling capability is often not simultaneously utilized in experiments using other methods for measuring single cell properties such as fluorescent labeling. Such methods often limit the trapping range because of high numerical aperture and imaging requirements. To circumvent these issues, we are developing a BioPhotonics Workstation platform that supports extension modules through a long working distance geometry. Furthermore, a long range axial manipulation range is achieved by the use of counter-propagating beam traps coupled with the long working distance. This geometry provides three dimensional and real time manipulation of a plurality of traps - currently 100 independently reconfigurable - facilitating precise control and a rapid response in all sorts of optical manipulation undertakings. We present ongoing research activities for constructing a compact next generation BioPhotonics Workstation.