Optical Tweezers Applications explores how focused laser beams act as microscopic hands, manipulating particles in biology, physics, and materials science. It explains how “light traps” function, detailing light momentum transfer and gradient forces. The book demonstrates a range of applications, like manipulating DNA molecules and assembling nanomaterials, crucial for advancements in disease diagnostics and material fabrication.
The book begins with the fundamentals of optical trapping, explaining how lasers create forces to move microscopic particles. It progresses through different types of optical tweezers, discussing necessary instrumentation and techniques. Dedicated chapters cover biological applications, such as studying molecular motors and DNA elasticity, and materials science applications, including colloidal crystal assembly and nanowire fabrication.
This book stands out by comprehensively covering both the theory and practical applications of optical tweezers. It emphasizes the underlying physics and real-world impact, providing readers with the knowledge to utilize optical tweezers in their research. It connects physics, biology, and materials science, highlighting how optical tweezers aid our understanding of cellular mechanics and enable the construction of novel materials.
