Self-aligned spatial filtering using laser optical tweezers

Appl Opt. 2006 Sep 1;45(25):6429-34. doi: 10.1364/ao.45.006429.

Abstract

We present an optical spatial filtering device that has been integrated into a microfluidic system and whose motion and alignment is controlled using a laser optical tweezer. The lithographically patterned micro-optical spatial filter device filters out higher frequency additive noise components by automatically aligning itself in three dimensions to the focus of the laser beam. This self-alignment capability is achieved through the attachment of a refractive optical element directly over the circular aperture or pinhole of the spatial filter. A discussion of two different spatial filter designs is presented along with experimental results that demonstrate the effectiveness of the self-aligned micro-optic spatial filter.

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Filtration / instrumentation*
  • Lasers*
  • Lenses*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Micromanipulation / instrumentation*
  • Micromanipulation / methods
  • Optics and Photonics / instrumentation