Name: fabrication and testing of miniature automatic photophoretic trapping rigs
Uploaded: 2021-11-23T13:00:00.000+00:00
Duration: 6 min 57 s
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Fabrication and Testing of Miniature Automatic Photophoretic Trapping Rigs at JoVE.com

The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the National Science Foundation. NSF Award ID-1846477.

1. 3D printing and laser cutting of the required materials
<ol>
	<li>3D print the materials listed below
	<ol>
		<li>Print the lens holder using a filament FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer (see Table of Materials) as per the information provided in Supplementary File 1. This lens holder is for a 30 mm (diameter) lens (Figure 2). 
		NOTE: The file can be easily customized to fit other lenses.</li>
		<li>Next, print out the cantilever platform and the holder (Figure 2) (Supplementary File 2 and Supplementary File 3). 
		NOTE: This can take ~2-14 h, depending on the detail of the prints. The detail of the prints should not affect the trapping rate if enough of the trapping substance has been placed (step 5.3.4).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Using a 3D laser cutter (see Table of Materials), cut out the rig pieces (Figure 3) (Supplementary File 4-5). 
	NOTE: This cut can be done on any material of quarter-inch thickness, but wood is the recommended material. Supplementary File 4 contains the required rig pieces that fit on a 12 x 12 in piece of wood. Supplementary File 5 includes an optional light shield/blocker.</li>
	<li>Using a glass cutter (see Table of Materials), cut a standard test tube (~2.5 cm in diameter) roughly in half so that the half with two open ends is ~6.5 cm long.</li>
</ol>
2. Assembling the wooden rigs
NOTE: While assembling the wooden rig, instructions in steps 2.1 -2.5 may say &#34;slide,&#34; but pieces may require more force to be appropriately positioned and built.
<ol>
	<li>Place the base piece down with the Y emblem facing up (Figure 1A).</li>
	<li>Hold the two long side pieces on either side of the base while the first laser holder is slid in to place on one end and the first test tube holder on the other side (Figure 1B,C).</li>
	<li>Off to the side, slide both electromagnet holders onto the camera holder. Ensure that the magnet holders are separated by ~1 cm on each side (Figure 1D).
	<ol>
		<li>Slip the magnet holders and the camera holder as a unit next to the first test tube holder, spaced. Hence, 1 cm between the test tube holder and the first electromagnet holder (the edge of the camera holder past the electromagnet holder can serve as a reference for 1 cm) (Figure 1E). 
		NOTE: Both the camera holder and light shield are not required for the primary use of the miniature trapping system, but both are recommended for the uniformity of the rig setup.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Next, place the second test tube holder after both electromagnet holders so that there is ~1 cm space between the second test tube holder and the second electromagnet holder. 
	NOTE: In total, between the two test tube holders, there is ~4 cm of space (the camera mount has a width of 4 cm, for a positioning reference) (Figure 1F).
	<ol>
		<li>If using the optional light shield/blocker (Supplementary File 5), slide the light shield onto the opposite end of the test tube holders and electromagnet holders from the camera holder; this will help center and align the test tube and electromagnet holders.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Slide the second laser holder into place; no exact distance is required. The recommended distance is 3-4 cm, but this may need to vary depending on the length of the laser.</li>
	<li>If desired, an optical rail (see Table of Materials) can be slid under all the holders to align other elements of the trapping system. This will be particularly useful for aligning the lens with the laser and test tube (Figure 1G).</li>
	<li>Place the electromagnet (see Table of Materials) into the electromagnet holders (Figure 1H).</li>
</ol>
3. Connection of the circuit with the specified microcontroller board
<ol>
	<li>Plug in a computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the microcontroller board (see Table of Materials). Startup the microcontroller board and ensure that the operating system is functioning. No changes in the original microcontroller configurations are required, although both VNC (virtual network connection) and SSH (secure shell) can be selected if desired. This would allow remote access to the microcontroller.</li>
	<li>Build the electromagnet controlling circuit using a voltage regulator (see Table of Materials), a breadboard, and a few wires (Figure 4A). 
	&#8203;NOTE: All pin numbers for the microcontroller board are the GPIO (general purpose input and output) pins.
	<ol>
		<li>Place the voltage regulator in the breadboard so that each pin is in a different row to allow for proper usage.</li>
		<li>Wire the input pin of the voltage regulator to one of the 5V power pins on the microcontroller board.</li>
		<li>Wire the adjust pin of the voltage regulator to GPIO 23 on the microcontroller board.</li>
		<li>Connect the input wire of the electromagnet to the output pin of the voltage regulator. Then connect the output wire of the electromagnet to a ground pin on the microcontroller; this is best achieved when using another row in the breadboard to connect the two using an additional wire.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
4. Uploading the code for operating the system
NOTE: For uploading the code, either step 4.1 or step 4.2 needs to be followed. Step 4.1 provides instructions for the simple version of the code that does not use a camera. Step 4.2 provides instructions for the version that uses a camera.
<ol>
	<li>Perform the steps in alignment with the instructions provided in Supplementary File 6.
	<ol>
		<li>Open the terminal and navigate to the location to store the needed files. Create a new directory on the microcontroller board by typing the terminal command &#39;mkdir&#39; followed by the desired directory name. This directory will be used to store the files for running the trap rig.</li>
		<li>Insert Supplementary File 6 into the new directory. See the readme section at the beginning section of the file for details. After changing the test number to the desired amount, the program is ready to run. 
		NOTE: This file contains one needed variable called num_tries which controls how many tests to do in one run. This file always includes a few pauses, which can be shortened for quicker tests.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Run and view SQLite on the microcontroller board following the steps below. This requires Supplementary File 7-11 and a camera and the relevant expertise.
	<ol>
		<li>Install the needed database libraries onto the microcontroller board by typing in the terminal &#39;Sudo apt-get install SQLite browser&#39; and &#39;Sudo apt-get install sqlite3&#39;. This will allow the microcontroller board to automatically store all data from the tests using Supplementary File 9.</li>
		<li>Save Supplementary File 11, the camera script as main.py on the camera. This can be done through a file explorer or the integrated development environment (IDE) developed for the camera (see Table of Materials). 
		NOTE: IDE is recommended because it allows users to see the camera&#39;s output, which helps when ensuring that the camera is focusing correctly.</li>
		<li>Connect the camera to the microcontroller board. Use 4 pins, including the ground pin from the camera. Connect the ground pin must to the ground of the microcontroller board. The following pins should match as mentioned below:
		<ol>
			<li>Connect Camera pin 8 to GPIO 19: This pin sends the results of each trap back to the pi.</li>
			<li>Connect Camera pin 9 to GPIO 17: This pin gives the camera permission to start searching.</li>
			<li>Connect Camera pin 7 to GPIO 5: This is the camera status pin.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Create a directory to store all the files. After creating this directory, save the files as provided in Supplementary File 7-10 in the directory; rename them readme.txt, main.py, electromagnet.py, and test_insert.py, respectively.</li>
		<li>Read through Supplementary File 7 (ReadMe.txt). 
		NOTE: The readme file gives a good explanation of what each file does and the changes that might be needed on each file, such as the directory path of the database.</li>
		<li>Open the Database viewer installed in step 4.2.1. Click the new database button and save the database in the same directory as the other files. The new database must match the name of the database file found in test_insert.py.</li>
		<li>Inside the database, create a table inside the new database to save the data. The database has 5 fields, parameter_type, trapped, testname, testnum, and rigID. 
		NOTE: The table sections must be precise as specified or more changes will need to be made in Main.py and test_insert.py.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
5. Test Preparations
<ol>
	<li>Prepare the lens by placing the lens inside the lens holder. Ensure that the lens stays inside the holder during testing. Some hot glue might be needed here. 
	NOTE: The rig requires using a spherical bi-convex to ensure the proper formation of trapping regions.</li>
	<li>After preparing the lens (step 5.1), place the lens holder on the optical rail and the laser (see Table of Materials) in the laser holder. 
	NOTE: The suggested laser in the list of materials requires no calibration before use. Safety glasses must be worn anytime the laser is in use.
	<ol>
		<li>Using the lens and the laser or other light source, find the focal point of the laser and slide the lens holder along the optical rail until the focal point is centered over the electromagnet. 
		NOTE: This step is critical for trapping; if the focal point is not centered over the electromagnet, the cantilever platform will not raise particles into the focal point.</li>
		<li>Mark this point with a pencil on the wooden base for future reference. 
		NOTE: Each lens already comes with a focal length measurement, but these measurements are not always correct.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Prepare the trapping cite
	<ol>
		<li>Ensure that the laser is properly turned off again.</li>
		<li>Using a hot glue gun, glue a small button magnet (see Table of materials) of the same polarity as the electromagnet onto the flat surface of the platform so that the electromagnet will repel the platform. 
		NOTE: The polarity of the magnets must be matched appropriately so that the platform will be repelled by the electromagnet, pushing the particles into the beam of the laser so that trapping can occur.</li>
		<li>Take the 3D-printed, cantilever-like platform and coat the platform in black aluminum foil, which protects the platform from melting. 
		NOTE: Regular foil can be used, but it causes too much glare for the camera system to be used. Try using the black foil tape (see Table of materials), which works fine with the camera (Figure 5A). Foil is recommended because it can be easily replaced for testing other substances, but similar products can be used if desired.</li>
		<li>After covering the platform with the aluminum foil, place the selected particle type chosen by the user for testing on the slanted side of the platform (see Table of Materials for particle type options or see Figure 6A).</li>
		<li>Gently insert the cantilever arms into the circular holder so that the magnet side is facing out. Then gently insert the test tube into the same holder. If this has been done correctly, the magnet will almost be touching the glass (Figure 5B).</li>
		<li>Place the test tube onto the test tube holders so that the platform is centered over the electromagnet. If the magnet has been appropriately attached to the cantilever platform, the cantilever should appear to be in an upward position repelled by the electromagnet.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Place the camera in the camera holder to capture any traps that occur above/around the platform. Then double-check all other positionings (Figure 1I-J).</li>
</ol>
6. Beginning the test
NOTE: For testing, either step 6.1 or step 6.2 needs to be followed.
<ol>
	<li>If using instructions from step 4.1, press start in the file or start the file normally from the terminal.</li>
	<li>If using instructions from step 4.2, start this test from the terminal with the parameters as mentioned below.
	<ol>
		<li>Using terminal commands, run the file system once inside the proper directory with the command &#34;python3 main.py test_num parameter_type exact_parameter&#34;. The file main.py is provided in Supplementary File 8.</li>
		<li>Replace the test_num with the number of tests desired. Replace the Parameter_type by the type of parameter the test is focused on. 
		NOTE: For example, if tests were being done to determine what powered laser is best, Parameter_type would be replaced by laser_power, and the exact_parameter would be replaced by the optical output power of the current laser.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Smalley, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+photophoretic-trap+volumetric+display.">A photophoretic-trap volumetric display.</a> Nature. 553 (7689), 486-490 (2018).</li><li>Rohatschek, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Direction,+magnitude+and+causes+of+photophoretic+forces.">Direction, magnitude and causes of photophoretic forces.</a> Journal of Aerosol Science. 16 (1), 29-42 (1985).</li><li>Desyatnikov, A. S., Shvedov, V. G., Rode, A. V., Krolikowski, W., Kivshar, Y. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Photophoretic+manipulation+of+absorbing+aerosol+particles+with+vortex+beams:+theory+versus+experiment.">Photophoretic manipulation of absorbing aerosol particles with vortex beams: theory versus experiment.</a> Optics Express. 17 (10), 8201-8211 (2009).</li><li>Ke, P. C., Gu, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+trapping+force+in+the+presence+of+spherical+aberration.">Characterization of trapping force in the presence of spherical aberration.</a> Journal of Modern Optics. 45 (10), 2159-2168 (1998).</li><li>Blundell, B. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=On+the+uncertain+future+of+the+volumetric+3D+display+paradigm.">On the uncertain future of the volumetric 3D display paradigm.</a> 3D Research. 8, 11 (2017).</li><li>Smalley, D., Nygaard, E., Rogers, W., Gneiting, S. A., Qaderi, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Progress+on+photophoretic+trap+displays.">Progress on photophoretic trap displays.</a> Frontiers in Optics / Laser Science. , (2018).</li><li>Rogers, W., Laney, J., Peatross, J., Smalley, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Improving+photophoretic+trap+volumetric+displays.">Improving photophoretic trap volumetric displays.</a> Applied Optics. 58 (34), 363-369 (2019).</li><li>Peatross, J., Smalley, D., Rogers, W., Nygaard, E., Laughlin, E., Qaderi, K., Howe, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Volumetric+display+by+movement+of+particles+trapped+in+a+laser+via+photophoresis.">Volumetric display by movement of particles trapped in a laser via photophoresis.</a> SPIE Proceedings. 10723, 02 (2018).</li><li>Smalley, D., Poon, T., Gao, H., Kvavle, J., Qaderi, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Volumetric+Displays:+Turning+3-D+inside-out.">Volumetric Displays: Turning 3-D inside-out.</a> Optics and Photonics News. 29 (6), 26-33 (2018).</li><li>Shvedov, V. G., Hnatovsky, C., Rode, A. V., Krolikowski, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robust+trapping+and+manipulation+of+airborne+particles+with+a+bottle+beam.">Robust trapping and manipulation of airborne particles with a bottle beam.</a> Optics Express. 19 (18), 17350-17356 (2011).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The present protocol contains several essential steps that are critical to the automatic running of the trapping rig. First, the electromagnet must be appropriately attached to the microcontroller board through the specified circuit. Without the electromagnet, the total utility of the miniature test rig is lost. The electromagnet controls each trapping attempt by raising the particle reservoir on the cantilever platform up into the path of the laser. Each trap attempt is another cycle of raising and lowering the platform.
The camera is only used in step 4.2 as described in the protocol, but it is critical for that option. Step 4.2 requires a camera to detect if a particle has been trapped, allowing data collection from multiple rigs. If the camera is not attached correctly, the rig will not be able to attempt any trapping.
The third and most critical step, step 5.2.1, is aligning and focusing the laser. The lens must be placed so that the focal point occurs over the electromagnet. The cantilevered platform will pass through the focal point over the electromagnet, allowing for particles to trap. Suppose the focal point is not centered above the middle of the electromagnet. In that case, it becomes challenging to ensure that the cantilever platform carrying particles will pass through the focal point to create traps. This can lead to a lack of traps. It is also essential that the platform is elevated over the electromagnet so that the laser path is not constantly contacting the platform. This can cause the camera to report false positives. To more easily adjust the focal point's location, it is suggested to use an optical rail in the setup of the rig; this will allow users to easily slide the lens holder backward or forward to position the focal point properly. The laser and test tube/cantilever part are already aligned if the rig has been appropriately built; the use of the optical rail will keep the lens aligned with the other parts.
Two separate options are detailed in the Protocol, step 4.1 and step 4.2. The first option, step 4.1, is the original simple way to run the miniature tapping rig. This option relies on the human eye to detect particles instead of a camera system. This option is best for collecting smaller sets of data quickly or in situations where a live demonstration is desired. The first option was used during the first two experiments before the second option was created. The second option, step 4.2, uses a camera for automatic detection and trapping, allowing thousands of tests to be run and entered into a database without any human supervision. The accuracy of the camera depends on the exact testing condition; certain more reflective materials, when tested, appeared to have a less accurate trapping rate when compared to similar tests done with human detection. However, several parameters in the camera script can be changed to increase the camera's accuracy. The exact accuracy of the camera is something that can be improved, but it is also not a significant concern because the miniature rigs are meant for initial testing. The second option can also be easily modified to run two test rigs off a single microcontroller board; details for that modification are included in Supplementary File 7.
Current work is developing a more exact and consistent form of automatic trap detection through machine learning. This new machine learning detection system, when finished, will use convolutional neural networks to better detect trapped particles with a much higher rate of accuracy (above 95%), further bolstering the use and effect such miniature testing rigs can have on the future of photophoretic trap display research. 
In its current base form, the miniature trapping rig is limited in a few ways. These miniature rigs are unable to create actual OTDs by scanning the particle after a trap has occurred. The design also limits the possibility of scanners being added for future use in creating OTDs. Another limitation of the design is the need for additional components for a specific test to occur. For example, a variable optical attenuator was used to collect the data sets at different optical output power levels during the laser power test. Similarly, if a researcher wished to test laser wavelength in a future test, they would require several other lasers of comparable optical power with different wavelengths in addition to the laser used in this work. The rig would most likely require additional modifications to hold each laser, this process would limit the speed at which such a test could be conducted, but it would still be possible. This design is also determined by the need to 3D print a new lens holder for each lens. The design and application are also limited to spherical biconvex lenses, which produce spherical aberration to form regions where trapping can occur.
Going forward, future applications include continued testing and optimization of photophoretic trapping parameters. As briefly mentioned above, the miniature trapping rig could easily be modified into a basic inexpensive OTD system by adding scanners for the y-axis and x-axis control. The electromagnet-controlled particle delivery used in the miniature trapping rig could also be implemented in future advanced OTD systems.
The miniature trapping rig is ultimately unique and distinct in this field of research because it can be inexpensively and quickly fabricated, allowing for rapid mass testing. These rigs are meant to be lean systems designed for the initial testing and optimization of photophoretic trapping parameters. An individual rig can test at a rate of ~250 attempts per hour. Many other types of photophoretic trapping systems or rigs have been developed to have better automatic systems or accomplish more by scanning the particle to create an image after a successful trap1,8. These miniature trapping systems are not meant to replace the use of such systems. They are intended to quickly test parameters and conditions of photophoretic trapping to give researchers a better understanding of what makes for good photophoretic trapping. The miniature trapping rig will democratize photophoretic trap research and allow for a new wave of Edisonian experimentation and progression in this field of research.

The optical trap display (OTD) makes possible the display geometries seen in science fiction. It operates by trapping a particle through photopheresis and illuminating the particle1,2,3,4. Then, dragging that particle through space forms an image in the air that the viewer perceives as continuous per the persistence of vision5. This screenless 3D technology allows it to display geometries such as long-throw projections, tall sand tables, and wrap-around displays1. These geometries are uniquely compelling because they require no screen and create content that can be seen from virtually every angle.
Researchers at Brigham Young University found initial success in their first-generation photophoretic trapping system by using a beam expander and galvanometer scanners, along with several mirrors and one or more spherical lenses to create a photophoretic trap through spherical aberration1,4. This first-generation trapping rig also contained RGB (red-green-blue) lasers to allow for precise colored display illumination. Using this trapping system, OTDs are created by moving a single particle through a convoluted path. This approach limits the size of images to under a cubic centimeter and limits the complexity of real-time images to wireframes and other sparse content6,7. Furthermore, the scaling of this technology is limited by the inconsistency of photophoretic trapping8. If a single trap/particle system can be optimized, scaling the display could be achieved by replicating an optimized trap and synchronously trapping and scanning multiple particles9. Any problems with a single trap will be compounded in a multi-trap system, so careful optimization of trap and particle parameters is critical.
The optimization of an individual trap/trapping system requires extensive testing to be done for every parameter of the photophoretic trapping system7. Such parameters include particle type (substance, shape, size), laser power, laser wavelength, and numerical aperture (focal length, diameter, tilt). Testing and experimentation through trial and error for each parameter will optimize individual traps and multiple synchronous traps. Still, they will require large amounts of data to be collected.
In the past, the research and testing process for optimizing photophoretic trapping through spherical aberration has only been done by a handful of researchers across the world1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. Until recently, researchers at Brigham Young University have relied on a single, large, expensive trapping system to collect the data needed, which caused the process of testing and gathering data to be slow1,7. However, since introducing optical trap displays as a solution for 3D visualization in 20181, individuals of all age groups and from several continents have expressed a desire to participate in the research. Because of the generated interest in OTDs, researchers have wanted to find a way to allow all interested parties to participate in the research process. Previous generations of photophoretic trapping rigs, which contained beam splitters and galvanometers, were too expensive and time-consuming to mass-produce and crowdsource1,6, so a different solution was needed.
A new miniature photophoretic trapping rig has been developed, which allows all interested parties to participate in research and quickly test and gather data for all significant parameters mentioned above. They can be fabricated rapidly by anyone who has access to a 3D printer and laser cutter. This design attempts to minimize cost and complexity, mitigate risk, and maximize automation, interconnectivity, and flexibility (Figure 1). The new rig employs the most straightforward optical setup for photophoretic trapping possible: a single laser and lens10. The small rigs are simple to use once set up and can test at a rate of approximately 250 attempts per hour.
The data collected from these rigs from the tests of future citizen scientists and researchers will significantly help develop photophoretic trapping in its use for 3D visualization by allowing for the optimization of trapping parameters and individual traps.

<table><tbody><tr><td>1/4In Plywood</td><td>NA</td><td></td><td>Sized to fit in Laser-cutter (normally 1 x 1 ft)</td></tr><tr><td>3D FDM Printer</td><td>Raise 3D</td><td>Pro 2</td><td>Any equivalent equipment would suffice</td></tr><tr><td>3D Laser-cutter Printer</td><td>Glow Forge</td><td>Basic</td><td>Any equivalent equipment would suffice</td></tr><tr><td>5V Power Supply</td><td></td><td></td><td>AC/DC Adaptor</td></tr><tr><td>Alumiunum Powder</td><td>bioWORLD</td><td>10576</td><td>APS 17-30 micron</td></tr><tr><td>Black Aluminum Foil Tape</td><td></td><td>LLTP BF255 (on Amazon)</td><td>other types of foil (black foil) can be used instead if desired</td></tr><tr><td>Black Liquor</td><td></td><td></td><td>a recycled byproduct formed during the pulping of wood</td></tr><tr><td>Button Magnet</td><td>Mealos</td><td></td><td>8 x 2 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Class 3B Laser 405 nm (Tube Laser)</td><td></td><td>M-16A405-300-G</td><td>Any Optical Output Power and wavelength could be used for testing. For reproducing this work 405 nm and ~120 mW should be used</td></tr><tr><td>Diamond Nanoparticles 55-75%</td><td>SkySpring Nanomaterials</td><td>0512HZ</td><td>55-75% purity, APS 4-15 nm</td></tr><tr><td>Diamond Nanoparticles 95%</td><td>SkySpring Nanomaterials</td><td>0510HZ</td><td>95% purity, APS 3-4 nm</td></tr><tr><td>Electromagnet</td><td>Wuxue Wn Fang Electric</td><td>WP-P25/20</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Glass cutter</td><td>Dyna-cut</td><td>model 500-1</td><td>any standard glass cutter or wet-cutter could be used</td></tr><tr><td>Graphite powder</td><td>AeroMarine Products</td><td></td><td>325 Mesh, APS 44 microns</td></tr><tr><td>Jumper Wires</td><td>Elegoo</td><td></td><td>Male to Female wires and Male to Male wires are needed</td></tr><tr><td>Lens</td><td>Surplus Shed</td><td>L8435</td><td>32 mm Daimeter, 80 mm Focal Length. Any 32 mm lens will fit into current lens holder design</td></tr><tr><td>Nigrosin (Formalin-Nigrosin)</td><td>Innovating Science</td><td>IS5818</td><td>30 mL , actually found on Amazon</td></tr><tr><td>Open MV Camera</td><td>Open MV</td><td>M7</td><td>Any equivalent Open MV camera should work</td></tr><tr><td>Open MV IDE</td><td>Open MV</td><td></td><td>optional free to download integrated development enviroment from OpenMV</td></tr><tr><td>Optical Attenuator (Variable Neutral Density Filters)</td><td>THORLABS</td><td>NDC-100C-2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Optical Rail</td><td>THORLABS</td><td>RLA1200</td><td>12&#039;&#039; optical rail</td></tr><tr><td>Printer Toner (CISinks Universal Toner)</td><td>CISinks</td><td></td><td>TN420,TN450, TN540, TN660, TN720 Toner powder. Found on Amazon</td></tr><tr><td>Raspberry Pi</td><td>Raspberry PI</td><td>Pi-4 Model B</td><td>Any Pi 3 or 4, model B or B+ should suffice (referenced in text as a microcontroller board)</td></tr><tr><td>Tungsten Powder 12 Micron</td><td>Alfa Aesar</td><td>10401-22</td><td>APS 12 micron</td></tr><tr><td>Tungsten Powder 1-5 Micron</td><td>Alfa Aesar</td><td>10400-22</td><td>APS 1-5 micron</td></tr><tr><td>USB to Micro USB cord</td><td></td><td></td><td>Any company/ model will suffice</td></tr><tr><td>Voltage Regulator</td><td>STMicroelectronics</td><td>LM317t</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

fabrication and testing of miniature automatic photophoretic trapping rigs

This paper presents an automated, rapid-fab-compatible, photophoretic trap test rig to enable the democratization and crowdsourcing of volumetric display research. The rig can be constructed within 2 h using a laser cutter, 3-dimensional (3D) printer, and common hand tools. In its current form, the rig can be used to test the following critical parameters: particle type, trap type, numerical aperture, and airflow at a rate of approximately 250 samples per hour. With minor modification, the rig can be made to test an even larger set of parameters, such as laser power and laser wavelength, depending on the user's needs. The rig can use machine vision for automated data capture and analysis. The operation and construction of the test rig are described with concise, easy-to-follow steps. Results from a four-unit test rig 'farm' covering the power and particle type parameters are reported. This platform will broaden the scope and composition of optical trap display parameters and researchers through accessibility and democratization.

The principal result achieved by following the above protocol is creating a miniature photophoretic trapping rig, which can quickly test various parameters. So far, these rigs have been used to test two critical parameters, laser power, and particle type. The parallel running of multiple miniature rigs has allowed researchers to collect data with much larger sample sizes in a much quicker period of time.
The first test, conducted while developing the above protocol, was a laser power test. A single miniature rig was used during this test, without the camera detection system, as it had not yet been developed; instead, step 4.1 from the protocol was used. This required a researcher to be present for the data collection of all trap detections. The goal of this test was to determine the ideal laser power output for trapping to occur. By placing an optical attenuator (variable neutral density filter) between the laser and lens on the rig, the optical power of the laser was varried. Figure 7 shows the results of this experiment. A high optical power output corresponded with a higher rate of trapping. The laser at full power had the highest recorded trapping rate for this test. However, this test was limited to one laser with a maximum optical power of ~120 mW.
The second test was to determine which material or substance would have the highest rate of trapping. This test was conducted using a singular miniature test rig without the camera detection system. Ten different particles were tested with a sample size of 100 attempts for each particle (all the substances tested can be found in the Table of Materials with their descriptions). The sample size was limited to 100 because of the need to have a researcher watch each attempt for data collection. All the necessary data was collected in two working days. Figure 6A shows the results of the particle type test. Of the 10 materials/particles types tested, it was found that diamond nanoparticles (55-75%) and printer toner were the two best particle types with rates of 14% and 10%, respectively (Table 1).
After the first two tests, researchers felt limited to a singular rig that required active watching during testing; this led to step 4.2 outlined in the protocol. This option includes a camera detection system, which enables users to run several miniature test rigs at a time and does not require a user present for testing.
For testing this new camera system, a modified re-test of the particle type test was conducted. Only a few different particle types were selected from the 10 used initially to be re-tested for this new particle type test. The selected particles underwent a new round of testing. Using a test rig &#34;farm&#34; of four miniature test rigs, each of the selected particles had a total test sample size of 4,000 attempts. Once again, all necessary data was collected in two full workdays (Table 2). The primary purpose of this particle type re-test was to test the new camera system. This test allowed for comparing results from the initial particle type test, with a researcher reporting the traps, to the results from the camera detection system. The test results were slightly different than the original tests but still comparable (Figure 6B). The best particle type from the initial test, diamond nanoparticles 55-75%, was still the best in the re-test but did have a slightly lower trapping rate than before. The difference in results is most likely due to a bigger sample size and an imperfect camera detection system. Although the results for this particle test were slightly different than expected, when testing other parameters where the material stays constant, such as laser power or lens focal length, the results gathered by the camera script will be reliable.
The results from all three tests conducted are relative to the rigs they were performed on, but the trends found in the data will prove to be true when tested on other more precise photophoretic test rigs. The miniature test rigs are not meant to replace other test rigs entirely. Still, they are meant to allow researchers to explore all parameters and possibilities quickly and efficiently in edisonian (trial and error) testing to find trends and discoveries for further research on more precise rigs.
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig01.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Rig progression with the completed miniature photophoretic test rig. The figure corresponds with step 2 and its sub-steps. (A) Shows step 2.1. (B) Demonstrates step 2.2, the base with the two long sides. (C) Shows step 2.2, the rig&#39;s frame, a base with both sides, and the first laser holder and test tube holder. (D) Step 2.3 shows the camera holder combined with both electromagnet holders. (E) Step 2.3.1 offers the combination of Figures 1C,D. (F) Step 2.4, the second test tube holder and the second laser holder have been added. (G) The optional light shield and optical rail have been added. (H) The electromagnet is placed in its holder. (I) The laser and the test tube have been placed in their holders. (J) This shows the entire completed test tig without the power source for the microcontroller board. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig01large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig02.jpg" /> 
Figure 2: 3D-printed pieces. Included in this figure are the lens holder, circular platform holder, and cantilever platform. The design for the 3D-printed lens holder can be found in Supplemental File 1. This lens holder, when printed, is for a lens of 30 mm in diameter. Supplementary File 2-3 contain the designs for the platform holder and platform. The platform holder has four sets that the platform can use, but for the rig to work as designed, the platform should use the holes indicated in the figure. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig02large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 3" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig03.jpg" /> 
Figure 3: Labeled laser cut pieces. This figure labels the pieces of Supplementary File 4, which contains the file for all the laser-cut pieces except for the optional light shield. After printing, there should be 1 base, 2 sides, 2 laser holders, 2 test tube holders, 2 electromagnet holders, and 2 camera holders (only one is necessary). The optional light shield can be found in Supplementary File 5. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig03large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 4" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig04.jpg" /> 
Figure 4: Voltage regulator and electromagnet circuit. (A) For reference, when building the circuit. The voltage regulator has 3 pins, an adjust, input, and output. (B) This figure shows the completed circuit described in step 3. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig04large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 5" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig05.jpg" /> 
Figure 5: Platform preparations and test-tube trap cite. (A) Before testing can be done, the platform must be prepared. The reservoir of particles where the laser will shine to pick up particles will be placed on the platform immediately before testing. Black aluminum foil should be placed on the platform before the particles. This prevents the laser from melting through the platform. (B) During testing, the actual trapping of particles occurs within the test tube, ensuring consistent automatic motion of the platform for each trap attempt. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig05large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 6" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig06.jpg" /> 
Figure 6: Particle type test (manual) and (camera). (A) A test of 10 different particles was conducted to find the particle with the best trapping rate. (B) A second particle type test was conducted with a camera detection system. Only 4 of the original 10 particles were tested. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig06large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 7" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig07.jpg" /> 
Figure 7: Laser power test results. The rate of trapping for different laser power levels was measured during the laser power test. The higher powers produced higher rates of trapping. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/63113fig07large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<table fo:font-size="8px" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Black Liquor (powder)</td>
			<td>Black Liquor (paste)</td>
			<td>Tungsten (12 microns)</td>
			<td>Tungsten (1-5 microns)</td>
			<td>Aluminum Powder</td>
			<td>Printer Toner</td>
			<td>Graphite</td>
			<td colspan="2">Diamond Nanoparticles (95%)</td>
			<td colspan="2">Diamond Nanoparticles (55-75%)</td>
			<td>Nigrosin</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td colspan="2">1</td>
			<td colspan="2">5</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td colspan="2">2</td>
			<td colspan="2">3</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td colspan="2">1</td>
			<td colspan="2">3</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td colspan="2">1</td>
			<td colspan="2">3</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td colspan="2">5</td>
			<td colspan="2">14</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6.00%</td>
			<td>7.00%</td>
			<td>5.00%</td>
			<td>4.00%</td>
			<td>1.00%</td>
			<td>10.00%</td>
			<td>4.00%</td>
			<td colspan="2">5.00%</td>
			<td colspan="2">14.00%</td>
			<td>4.00%</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 1: Results of the particle type test that would have the best trapping rate. The total sample size of 100 attempts was performed in 4 sets of 25 for each material.
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Black Liquor Paste</td>
			<td>Diamond Nanoparticles 55-75%</td>
			<td>Graphite</td>
			<td>Tungsten (12 microns)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2.10%</td>
			<td>11.70%</td>
			<td>10.60%</td>
			<td>6.40%</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 2: Results of the particle type test conducted with a camera detection system. Data collected from SQLite database. Data was compiled initially in 4 sets of 1000 for a sample size of 4000 per material. Individual records for each set were not compiled from SQLite; only the total percentages were compiled.
Supplementary File 1: File_1-Lens Holder.stl. This contains the 3D printing file for the lens holder (see Figure 2). <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/File_1-Lens_Holder.stl" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>
Supplementary File 2: File_2-Platform.stl. This contains the 3D printing file for the cantilever platform (see Figure 2). <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/File_2-Platform.stl" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>
Supplementary File 3: File_3-Platform Holder.stl. This contains the 3D printing file for the platform holder (see Figure 2). <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/File_3-Platform_Holder.stl" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>
Supplementary File 4: File_4-Rig Pieces.odg. This contains the laser-cutting file for the rig pieces (see Figure 1 and Figure 3). <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/File_4-Rig Pieces.odg" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>
Supplementary File 5: File_5-Light Shield.odg. This contains the laser-cutting file for the optional light shield/blocker. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/File_5-Light Shield.odg" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>
Supplementary File 6: File_6-Opt1.system.py. This contains the entire code for the use of the instruction from step 4.1. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/File_6-Opt1.system.py.zip" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>
Supplementary File 7: File_7-Opt2.Read Me.txt. This contains the readme file with a few details for Supplementary Files 8-11. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/File_7-Opt2.ReadMe.txt" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>
Supplementary File 8: File_8-Opt2.main.py. This contains the main script for the instructions found in step 4.2. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/File_8-Opt2.main.py.zip" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>
Supplementary File 9: File_9-Opt2.electromagnet.py. This contains the script for step 4.2 that controls the electromagnet. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/File_9-Opt2.electromagnet.py.zip" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>
Supplementary File 10: File_10-Opt2.test_insert.py. This contains the script for step 4.2 that automatically uploads data into the database. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/File_10-Opt2.test_insert.py.zip" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>
Supplementary File 11: File_11-Opt2.camera_controller.py. This contains the script that needs to be uploaded to the camera during step 4.2.2. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/63113/File_11-Opt2.camera_controller.py.zip" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Fabrication and Testing of Miniature Automatic Photophoretic Trapping Rigs at JoVE.com

Fabrication and Testing of Miniature Automatic Photophoretic Trapping Rigs

This work describes and characterizes the fabrication of miniature automatic photophoretic trapping rigs.

This paper presents an automated, rapid-fab-compatible, photophoretic trap test rig to enable the democratization and crowdsourcing of volumetric display ...

fabrication-testing-miniature-automatic-photophoretic-trapping

Universidad San Sebastian

Research

JoVE Journal

Engineering

2.3K Views.  Brigham Young University. This work describes and characterizes the fabrication of miniature automatic photophoretic trapping rigs.

Video: Fabrication and Testing of Miniature Automatic Photophoretic Trapping Rigs

Optical Trapping of Nanoparticles

Optical trapping is a technique for immobilizing and manipulating small objects in a gentle way using light, and it has been widely applied in trapping and manipulating small biological particles. Ashkin and co-workers first demonstrated optical tweezers using a single focused beam1. The single beam trap can be described accurately using the perturbative gradient force formulation in the case of small Rayleigh regime particles1. In the perturbative regime, the optical power required for trapping a particle scales as the inverse fourth power of the particle size. High optical powers can damage dielectric particles and cause heating. For instance, trapped latex spheres of 109 nm in diameter were destroyed by a 15 mW beam in 25 sec1, which has serious implications for biological matter2,3.
A self-induced back-action (SIBA) optical trapping was proposed to trap 50 nm polystyrene spheres in the non-perturbative regime4. In a non-perturbative regime, even a small particle with little permittivity contrast to the background can influence significantly the ambient electromagnetic field and induce a large optical force. As a particle enters an illuminated aperture, light transmission increases dramatically because of dielectric loading. If the particle attempts to leave the aperture, decreased transmission causes a change in momentum outwards from the hole and, by Newton's Third Law, results in a force on the particle inwards into the hole, trapping the particle. The light transmission can be monitored; hence, the trap can become a sensor. The SIBA trapping technique can be further improved by using a double-nanohole structure.
The double-nanohole structure has been shown to give a strong local field enhancement5,6. Between the two sharp tips of the double-nanohole, a small particle can cause a large change in optical transmission, thereby inducing a large optical force. As a result, smaller nanoparticles can be trapped, such as 12 nm silicate spheres7 and 3.4 nm hydrodynamic radius bovine serum albumin proteins8. In this work, the experimental configuration used for nanoparticle trapping is outlined. First, we detail the assembly of the trapping setup which is based on a Thorlabs Optical Tweezer Kit. Next, we explain the nanofabrication procedure of the double-nanohole in a metal film, the fabrication of the microfluidic chamber and the sample preparation. Finally, we detail the data acquisition procedure and provide typical results for trapping 20 nm polystyrene nanospheres.

The following setup approach details low power optical trapping of dielectric nanoparticles using a double-nanohole in metal film.

Optical trapping is a technique for immobilizing and manipulating small objects in a gentle way using light, and it has been widely applied in trapping ...

A Microfluidic-based Hydrodynamic Trap for Single Particles

The ability to confine and manipulate single particles in free solution is a key enabling technology for fundamental and applied science. Methods for particle trapping based on optical, magnetic, electrokinetic, and acoustic techniques have led to major advancements in physics and biology ranging from the molecular to cellular level. In this article, we introduce a new microfluidic-based technique for particle trapping and manipulation based solely on hydrodynamic fluid flow. Using this method, we demonstrate trapping of micro- and nano-scale particles in aqueous solutions for long time scales. The hydrodynamic trap consists of an integrated microfluidic device with a cross-slot channel geometry where two opposing laminar streams converge, thereby generating a planar extensional flow with a fluid stagnation point (zero-velocity point). In this device, particles are confined at the trap center by active control of the flow field to maintain particle position at the fluid stagnation point. In this manner, particles are effectively trapped in free solution using a feedback control algorithm implemented with a custom-built LabVIEW code. The control algorithm consists of image acquisition for a particle in the microfluidic device, followed by particle tracking, determination of particle centroid position, and active adjustment of fluid flow by regulating the pressure applied to an on-chip pneumatic valve using a pressure regulator. In this way, the on-chip dynamic metering valve functions to regulate the relative flow rates in the outlet channels, thereby enabling fine-scale control of stagnation point position and particle trapping. The microfluidic-based hydrodynamic trap exhibits several advantages as a method for particle trapping. Hydrodynamic trapping is possible for any arbitrary particle without specific requirements on the physical or chemical properties of the trapped object. In addition, hydrodynamic trapping enables confinement of a "single" target object in concentrated or crowded particle suspensions, which is difficult using alternative force field-based trapping methods. The hydrodynamic trap is user-friendly, straightforward to implement and may be added to existing microfluidic devices to facilitate trapping and long-time analysis of particles. Overall, the hydrodynamic trap is a new platform for confinement, micromanipulation, and observation of particles without surface immobilization and eliminates the need for potentially perturbative optical, magnetic, and electric fields in the free-solution trapping of small particles.

In this article, we present a microfluidic-based method for particle confinement based on hydrodynamic flow. We demonstrate stable particle trapping at a fluid stagnation point using a feedback control mechanism, thereby enabling confinement and micromanipulation of arbitrary particles in an integrated microdevice.

The ability to confine and manipulate single particles in free solution is a key enabling technology for fundamental and applied science.  Methods for ...

Bioengineering

Construction of a High Resolution Microscope with Conventional and Holographic Optical Trapping Capabilities

High resolution microscope systems with optical traps allow for precise manipulation of various refractive objects, such as dielectric beads 1 or cellular organelles 2,3, as well as for high spatial and temporal resolution readout of their position relative to the center of the trap. The system described herein has one such "traditional" trap operating at 980 nm. It additionally provides a second optical trapping system that uses a commercially available holographic package to simultaneously create and manipulate complex trapping patterns in the field of view of the microscope 4,5 at a wavelength of 1,064 nm. The combination of the two systems allows for the manipulation of multiple refractive objects at the same time while simultaneously conducting high speed and high resolution measurements of motion and force production at nanometer and piconewton scale.

The system described herein employs a traditional optical trap as well as an independent holographic optical trapping line, capable of creating and manipulating multiple traps. This allows for the creation of complex geometric arrangements of refractive particles while also permitting simultaneous high-speed, high-resolution measurements of the activity of biological enzymes.

High resolution microscope systems with optical traps allow for precise manipulation of various refractive objects, such as dielectric beads 1 or cellular ...

Optical Trap Loading of Dielectric Microparticles In Air

We demonstrate a method to trap a selected dielectric microparticle in air using radiation pressure from a single-beam gradient optical trap. Randomly scattered dielectric microparticles adhered to a glass substrate are momentarily detached using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a piezoelectric transducer (PZT). Then, the optical beam focused on a selected particle lifts it up to the optical trap while the vibrationally excited microparticles fall back to the substrate. A particle may be trapped at the nominal focus of the trapping beam or at a position above the focus (referred to here as the levitation position) where gravity provides the restoring force. After the measurement, the trapped particle can be placed at a desired position on the substrate in a controlled manner. 
In this protocol, an experimental procedure for selective optical trap loading in air is outlined. First, the experimental setup is briefly introduced. Second, the design and fabrication of a PZT holder and a sample enclosure are illustrated in detail. The optical trap loading of a selected microparticle is then demonstrated with step-by-step instructions including sample preparation, launching into the trap, and use of electrostatic force to excite particle motion in the trap and measure charge. Finally, we present recorded particle trajectories of Brownian and ballistic motions of a trapped microparticle in air. These trajectories can be used to measure stiffness or to verify optical alignment through time domain and frequency domain analysis. Selective trap loading enables optical tweezers to track a particle and its changes over repeated trap loadings in a reversible manner, thereby enabling studies of particle-surface interaction.

A protocol for launching and stably trapping selected dielectric microparticles in air is presented.

We demonstrate a method to trap a selected dielectric microparticle in air using radiation pressure from a single-beam gradient optical trap. Randomly ...

Experimental Methods for Trapping Ions Using Microfabricated Surface Ion Traps

Ions trapped in a quadrupole Paul trap have been considered one of the strong physical candidates to implement quantum information processing. This is due to their long coherence time and their capability to manipulate and detect individual quantum bits (qubits). In more recent years, microfabricated surface ion traps have received more attention for large-scale integrated qubit platforms. This paper presents a microfabrication methodology for ion traps using micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, including the fabrication method for a 14 &#181;m-thick dielectric layer and metal overhang structures atop the dielectric layer. In addition, an experimental procedure for trapping ytterbium (Yb) ions of isotope 174 (174Yb+) using 369.5 nm, 399 nm, and 935 nm diode lasers is described. These methodologies and procedures involve many scientific and engineering disciplines, and this paper first presents the detailed experimental procedures. The methods discussed in this paper can easily be extended to the trapping of Yb ions of isotope 171 (171Yb+) and to the manipulation of qubits.

This paper presents a microfabrication methodology for surface ion traps, as well as a detailed experimental procedure for trapping ytterbium ions in a room-temperature environment.

Ions trapped in a quadrupole Paul trap have been considered one of the strong physical candidates to implement quantum information processing. This is due ...

Low-Cost Automated Flight Intercept Trap for the Temporal Sub-Sampling of Flying Insects Attracted to Artificial Light at Night

Sampling methods are selected depending on the targeted species or the spatial and temporal requirements of the study. However, most methods for passive sampling of flying insects have a poor temporal resolution because it is time-consuming, costly and/or logistically difficult to perform. Effective sampling of flying insects attracted to artificial light at night (ALAN) requires sampling at user-defined time points (nighttime only) across well-replicated sites resulting in major time and labor-intensive survey effort or expensive automated technologies. Described here is a low-cost automated intercept trap that requires no specialist equipment or skills to construct and operate, making it a viable option for studies that require temporal sub-sampling across multiple sites. The trap can be used to address a wide range of other ecological questions that require a greater temporal and spatial scale than is feasible with previous trap technology.

To study the impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN) on nocturnal flying insects, sampling needs to be confined to nighttime. The protocol describes a low-cost automated flight intercept trap that allows researchers to sample at user-defined periods with increased replication.

Sampling methods are selected depending on the targeted species or the spatial and temporal requirements of the study. However, most methods for passive ...

Environment

Construction and Operation of a Light-driven Gold Nanorod Rotary Motor System

The possibility to generate and measure rotation and torque at the nanoscale is of fundamental interest to the study and application of biological and artificial nanomotors and may provide new routes towards single cell analysis, studies of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, and mechanical actuation of nanoscale systems. A facile way to drive rotation is to use focused circularly polarized laser light in optical tweezers. Using this approach, metallic nanoparticles can be operated as highly efficient scattering-driven rotary motors spinning at unprecedented rotation frequencies in water.
In this protocol, we outline the construction and operation of circularly-polarized optical tweezers for nanoparticle rotation and describe the instrumentation needed for recording the Brownian dynamics and Rayleigh scattering of the trapped particle. The rotational motion and the scattering spectra provides independent information on the properties of the nanoparticle and its immediate environment. The experimental platform has proven useful as a nanoscopic gauge of viscosity and local temperature, for tracking morphological changes of nanorods and molecular coatings, and as a transducer and probe of photothermal and thermodynamic processes.

Plasmonic gold nanorods can be trapped in liquids and rotated at kHz frequencies using circularly-polarized optical tweezers. Introducing tools for Brownian dynamics analysis and light scatteringspectroscopy leads to a powerful system for research and application in numerous fields of science.

The possibility to generate and measure rotation and torque at the nanoscale is of fundamental interest to the study and application of biological and ...

Use of Dual Optical Tweezers and Microfluidics for Single-Molecule Studies

Visual biochemistry is a powerful technique for observing the stochastic properties of single enzymes or enzyme complexes that are obscured in the averaging that takes place in bulk-phase studies. To achieve visualization, dual optical tweezers, where one trap is fixed and the other is mobile, are focused into one channel of a multi-stream microfluidic chamber positioned on the stage of an inverted fluorescence microscope. The optical tweezers trap single molecules of fluorescently labeled DNA and fluid flow through the chamber and past the trapped beads, stretches the DNA to B-form (under minimal force, i.e., 0 pN) with the nucleic acid being observed as a white string against a black background. DNA molecules are moved from one stream to the next, by translating the stage perpendicular to the flow to enable the initiation of reactions in a controlled manner. To achieve success, microfluidic devices with optically clear channels are mated to glass syringes held in place in a syringe pump. Optimal results use connectors permanently bonded to the flow cell, tubing that is mechanically rigid and chemically resistant, and which is connected to switching valves that eliminate bubbles that prohibit laminar flow.

Visual, single-molecule biochemistry studied through microfluidic chambers is greatly facilitated using glass barrel, gas-tight syringes, stable connections of tubing to flow cells, and elimination of bubbles by placing switching valves between the syringes and tubing. The protocol describes dual optical traps that enable visualization of DNA transactions and intermolecular interactions.

Visual biochemistry is a powerful technique for observing the stochastic properties of single enzymes or enzyme complexes that are obscured in the ...

Biochemistry

Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers

During the development of a multicellular organism, a single fertilized cell divides and gives rise to multiple tissues with diverse functions. Tissue morphogenesis goes in hand with molecular and structural changes at the single cell level that result in variations of subcellular mechanical properties. As a consequence, even within the same cell, different organelles and compartments resist differently to mechanical stresses; and mechanotransduction pathways can actively regulate their mechanical properties. The ability of a cell to adapt to the microenvironment of the tissue niche thus is in part due to the ability to sense and respond to mechanical stresses. We recently proposed a new mechanosensation paradigm in which nuclear deformation and positioning enables a cell to gauge the physical 3D environment and endows the cell with a sense of proprioception to decode changes in cell shape. In this article, we describe a new method to measure the forces and material properties that shape the cell nucleus inside living cells, exemplified on adherent cells and mechanically confined cells. The measurements can be performed non-invasively with optical traps inside cells, and the forces are directly accessible through calibration-free detection of light momentum. This allows measuring the mechanics of the nucleus independently from cell surface deformations and allowing dissection of exteroceptive and interoceptive mechanotransduction pathways. Importantly, the trapping experiment can be combined with optical microscopy to investigate the cellular response and subcellular dynamics using fluorescence imaging of the cytoskeleton, calcium ions, or nuclear morphology. The presented method is straightforward to apply, compatible with commercial solutions for force measurements, and can easily be extended to investigate the mechanics of other subcellular compartments, e.g., mitochondria, stress-fibers, and endosomes.

Here, we present a protocol to investigate the intracellular mechanical properties of isolated embryonic zebrafish cells in three-dimensional confinement with direct force measurement by an optical trap.

During the development of a multicellular organism, a single fertilized cell divides and gives rise to multiple tissues with diverse functions. Tissue ...

Developmental Biology

Optical Trapping of Plasmonic Nanoparticles for In Situ Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Characterizations

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) enables the ultrasensitive detection of analyte molecules in various applications due to the enhanced electric field of metallic nanostructures. Salt-induced silver nanoparticle aggregation is the most popular method for generating SERS-active substrates; however, it is limited by poor reproducibility, stability, and biocompatibility. The present protocol integrates optical manipulation and SERS detection to develop an efficient analytical platform to address this. A 1064 nm trapping laser and a 532 nm Raman probe laser are combined in a microscope to assemble silver nanoparticles, which generate plasmonic hotspots for in situ SERS measurements in aqueous environments. Without aggregating agents, this dynamic plasmonic silver nanoparticle assembly enables an approximately 50-fold enhancement of the analyte molecule signal. Moreover, it provides spatial and temporal control to form the SERS-active assembly in as low as 0.05 nM analyte-coated silver nanoparticle solution, which minimizes the potential perturbation for in vivo analysis. Hence, this optical trapping-integrated SERS platform holds great potential for efficient, reproducible, and stable molecular analyses in liquids, especially in aqueous physiological environments.

Optical Trapping of Plasmonic Nanoparticles for In Situ Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Characterizations

The present protocol describes a convenient approach to integrating optical trapping and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to manipulate plasmonic nanoparticles for sensitive molecular detection. Without aggregating agents, the trapping laser assembles plasmonic nanoparticles to enhance the SERS signals of target analytes for in situ spectroscopic measurements.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) enables the ultrasensitive detection of analyte molecules in various applications due to the enhanced electric ...

Fabrication and Testing of Miniature Automatic Photophoretic Trapping Rigs

Summary

Explore More Videos

Chapters in this video

Optical Trapping of Nanoparticles

A Microfluidic-based Hydrodynamic Trap for Single Particles

Construction of a High Resolution Microscope with Conventional and Holographic Optical Trapping Capabilities

Optical Trap Loading of Dielectric Microparticles In Air

Experimental Methods for Trapping Ions Using Microfabricated Surface Ion Traps

Low-Cost Automated Flight Intercept Trap for the Temporal Sub-Sampling of Flying Insects Attracted to Artificial Light at Night

Construction and Operation of a Light-driven Gold Nanorod Rotary Motor System

Use of Dual Optical Tweezers and Microfluidics for Single-Molecule Studies

Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers

Optical Trapping of Plasmonic Nanoparticles for In Situ Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Characterizations