MMI CellManipulator Optical Tweezers
Our powerful optical multibeam tweezers system for comfortable, ultra-precise and contact-free manipulation of cells or other microscopic particles; extremely customizable for a wide range of applications
Technology
The MMI CellManipulator is a powerful optical multibeam tweezers system based on the mechanical forces arising from a strongly focused laser beam. It enables comfortable, ultra-precise and contact-free manipulation of microscopic particles, single or living cells, or subcellular organisms and the measurement of intracellular activities. Thus, it can hold, move, rotate, join, separate, stretch or otherwise manipulate up to 2 x10 microscopic objects simultaneously or separately in three dimensions. The wavelength of the laser does not interfere with the integrity of living specimens. Cell sorting and cell positioning can also be accomplished together with the quadrant detector enabling the measurement of binding forces or viscosities at sub cellular level. Due to multiple ports and dual-level laser integration, the seamless use of different modules and imaging technologies is possible.
Automated quadrant detector calibrations routines allow routine force-distance measurements, so called Force Spectroscopy.
Even a feedback module is available for isometric force detections and force clamping.
The MMI CellManipulator is highly modular and can be mounted on numerous microscope brands from entry level, mid range to high end.
Technology
The MMI CellManipulator is a powerful optical multibeam tweezers system based on the mechanical forces arising from a strongly focused laser beam. It enables comfortable, ultra-precise and contact-free manipulation of microscopic particles, single or living cells, or subcellular organisms and the measurement of intracellular activities. Thus, it can hold, move, rotate, join, separate, stretch or otherwise manipulate up to 2 x10 microscopic objects simultaneously or separately in three dimensions. The wavelength of the laser does not interfere with the integrity of living specimens. Cell sorting and cell positioning can also be accomplished together with the quadrant detector enabling the measurement of binding forces or viscosities at sub cellular level. Due to multiple ports and dual-level laser integration, the seamless use of different modules and imaging technologies is possible.
Automated quadrant detector calibrations routines allow routine force-distance measurements, so called Force Spectroscopy.
Even a feedback module is available for isometric force detections and force clamping.
The MMI CellManipulator is highly modular and can be mounted on numerous microscope brands from entry level, mid range to high end.
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The principle of MMI CellManipulator
Optical Tweezers are capable of manipulating micrometer-sized dielectric particles, living cells, or subcellular organisms by exerting pico Newton forces via a highly focused laser beam. The beam is focused by sending it through a microscope objective. The narrowest point of the focused beam, known as the beam waist, contains a very strong light gradient. Dielectric particles are attracted along the gradient to the region of brightest light, the center of the beam. Using an infrared laser an invisible optical trap is created. |
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3D ray optics model is illustrating the scattering and the gradient force:
A: Scattering force: The reflection of rays produces momentum in the opposite direction, resulting in a net force along the direction of laser propagation. B: Gradient force: When the bead or cell is not in the beam’s center, the larger momentum change of the more intense rays causes a net force that pulls the bead back towards the center of the trap. C: Gradent force: When the bead or cell is literally centered in the beam, the net force points toward the focal point of the beam. |
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