Laser Micromanipulation

Laser micromanipulation - the trapping, movement and rotation of microscopic particles by a focussed laser beam or beams - is a widely used and powerful tool for both basic research and practical application.

Optical forces, used for trapping and moving small objects, result from the transfer of momentum from light to an object. Similarly, the transfer of angular momentum results in optical torques, allowing trapped particles to be rotated or aligned.

We are interested in both applied and theoretical aspects of laser trapping and micromanipulation.