The term optofluidics defines an emergent research field that combines microfluidics and optics. In many biological applications the two technologies are used in combination-microfluidics for sample delivery and optics for sensing. The implementation of optics in the microfluidic platform enables an unprecedented level of integration. Moreover, optofluidic devices are easily and highly reconfigurable, which can be a significant advantage for manipulating and handling biological samples.

Optical Manipulation or Optical Tweezers use light to manipulate microscopic objects as small as a single atom. The radiation pressure from a focused laser beam is able to trap small particles. In the biological sciences, these instruments have been used to apply forces in the pN-range and to measure displacements in the nm range of objects ranging in size from 10 nm to over 100 mmOptical Tweezers have been used to trap dielectric spheres, viruses, bacteria, living cells, organelles, small metal particles, and even strands of DNA. Applications include confinement and organization (e.g. for cell sorting), tracking of movement (e.g. of bacteria), application and measurement of small forces, and altering of larger structures (such as cell membranes).

This workshop is free of charge. Everyone is welcome!