Axial Light-force Sensor
- Technology Benefits
- Lower cost and smaller than present research devicesEnvironmental effects are minimized which would lower the facility costs. Users would no longer need a vibration-free environment
- Technology Application
- Force analysis on single cells, viruses, DNA, RNA, and other NanomoleculesBiophysics, enzymology research, and possibly drug discoveryMeasurement of the elastic, viscous, and structural properties of nanomoleculesNanomaterial structural research and molecular motor mechanics
- Detailed Technology Description
- None
- Supplementary Information
- Patent Number: US7133132B2
Application Number: US2004943716A
Inventor: Bustamante, Carlos J. | Smith, Steven B.
Priority Date: 19 Sep 2003
Priority Number: US7133132B2
Application Date: 17 Sep 2004
Publication Date: 7 Nov 2006
IPC Current: G01N002100 | G01B001126
US Class: 356338 | 356343 | 250251
Assignee Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
Title: Light-force sensor and method for measuring axial optical-trap forces from changes in light momentum along an optic axis
Usefulness: Light-force sensor and method for measuring axial optical-trap forces from changes in light momentum along an optic axis
Summary: For trapping and manipulating tiny objects using laser light and measuring pico-Newton external force of particles e.g. glass, plastic or oil droplets, in all three orthogonal axes in biological applications.
Novelty: Dual beam optical particle trap in biological applications, uses detectors that measure changes in power deflections and power concentrations of light beams leaving trap region
- Industry
- Optics
- Sub Category
- Laser
- Application No.
- 7133132
- Others
-
Tech ID/UC Case
17318/2004-011-0
Related Cases
2004-011-0
- *Abstract
-
Commercially available optical tweezers can move objects using laser light, but they are generally not used to measure forces exerted on those objects, since accurate force calibration is difficult. Research in the field of optical trapping has led to the development of optical tweezers that measure forces (transverse to optic axis) by changes in light-momentum. Force calibration is greatly simplified by using this method. However, in measuring the light force on a trapped object, it is also desirable to obtain all three vector components of that force.
Representing an improvement on the light-momentum force-sensor, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have developed an axial light-force sensor. A system incorporating the Berkeley improvement permits simultaneous measurements of the axial and transverse forces acting on a trapped particle. Like the transverse sensor, the axial force sensor is calibrated from measured constant values: the speed of light, the objective focal length, and the power sensitivity of the planar photo-diode. Thus calibration is not affected by particle shape, laser power, particle refractive index, or sharpness of the trap focus. In addition, a highly-miniaturized, ultra stable, optical trap system has been developed that should permit a low cost instrument with force-measuring capabilities for use in normal lab environments.
- *IP Issue Date
- Nov 7, 2006
- *Principal Investigator
-
Name: Carlos Bustamante
Department:
Name: Steven Smith
Department:
- Country/Region
- USA
