Phys.org June 26, 2021
The requirement of a strongly focused and high-intensity laser beam results in potential photon-induced thermal damages to target objects, including nanoparticles, cells, and biomolecules. Researchers at UT Austin have developed a new version of optical tweezers which exploit solid-state optical refrigeration and thermophoresis to trap particles and molecules at the laser-generated cold region. While laser refrigeration can avoid photothermal heating, the use of a weakly focused laser beam can further reduce the photodamages to the target object. The noninvasive optical tweezing technique will bring new possibilities in the optical control of nanomaterials and biomolecules for essential applications in nanotechnology, photonics, and life science…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Working principle of ORT. Credit: Science Advances 25 Jun 2021, Vol. 7, no. 26, eabh1101Â