Abstract: A method and system for controlled fractionation of particles. A sample having a plurality of particles of different size distributions. A uniform array for the preparing of optical traps having a selected array lattice constant. The plurality of particles for inputting the plurality of particles to the uniform array of optical traps at a driving direction angle ? and the plurality of particles separating along different directions ?v based on variable particle attributes.

Abstract: A method for analyzing porosity of a particle and a medium disposed in the porosity of the particle. A video-holographic microscope is provided to analyze interference patterns produced by providing a laser source to output a collimated beam, scattering the collimated beam off a particle and interacting with an unscattered beam to generate the interference pattern for analyzation to determine the refractive index of the particle and a medium disposed in the porosity of the particle to measure porosity and the medium.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a plurality of objects. The method includes the steps of providing a shaping source, applying the shaping source to create a spatially symmetric potential energy landscape, applying the potential energy landscape to a plurality of objects, thereby trapping at least a portion of the plurality of objects in the,24 potential energy landscape, spatially moving the potential energy landscape to manipulate the plurality of objects; and extinguishing the potential energy landscape, thereby causing the plurality of objects to move freely when the potential energy landscape is extinguished.

Abstract: A method and system for manipulating object using a three dimensional optical trap configuration. By use of selected hologram on optical strap can be configured as a preselected three dimensional configuration for a variety of complex uses. The system can include various optical train components, such as partially transmissive mirrors and Keplerian telescope components to provide advantageously three dimensional optical traps.

Abstract: A method and system for micromanipulation of objects of any shape. The method and system creates various forms of holographic optical traps for a variety of commercial purposes. Some alternate forms of traps include a dark form of optical traps, optical vortices with different helical winding numbers and optical traps with variable phase profiles imprinted thereon.

Abstract: A method and system for assembling a quasicrystalline heterostructure. A plurality of particles is provided with desirable predetermined character. The particles are suspended in a medium, and holographic optical traps are used to position the particles in a way to achieve an arrangement which provides a desired property.

Abstract: A method and system for performing three-dimensional holographic microscopy of an optically trapped one dimensional structure. The method and system use an inverted optical microscope, a laser source which generates a trapping laser beam wherein the laser beam is focused by an objective lens into a plurality of optical traps. The method and system also use a collimated laser at an imaging wavelength to illuminate the structure created by the optical traps. Imaging light scattered by the optically tapped structure forms normalized intensity holograms that are imaged by a video camera and analyzed by optical formalisms to determine light field to reconstruct 3-D images for analysis and evaluation.

Abstract: Optical solenoid beams, diffractionless solutions of the Helmholtz equation whose diffraction-limited in-plane intensity peak spirals around the optical axis, and whose wavefronts carry an independent helical pitch. The solenoid beams have the noteworthy property of being able to exert forces on illuminated objects that are directed opposite to the direction of the light's propagation. Optical solenoid beams therefore act as true tractor beams that are capable of transporting material back toward their source.

Abstract: A method and system for controlled fractionation of particles. A sample having a plurality of particles of different size distributions. A uniform array for the preparing of optical traps having a selected array lattice constant. The plurality of particles for inputting the plurality of particles to the uniform array of optical traps at a driving direction angle and the plurality of particles separating along different directions based on variable particle attributes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a specific fraction from a heterogeneous fluid-borne sample using optical gradient forces in a microfluidic or fluidic system are presented. Samples may range in size from a few nanometers to at least tens of micrometers, may be dispersed in any fluid medium, and may be sorted on the basis of size, shape, optical characteristics, charge, and other physical properties. The selection process involves passive transport through optical intensity field driven by flowing fluid, and so offers several advantages over competing techniques. These include continuous rather than batch-mode operation, continuous and dynamic tunability, operation over a wide range of samples, compactness, and low cost.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system and method for projecting holographic optical traps whose intensity maxima are extended along specified paths in three dimensions with specified amplitude and phase profiles along those paths. Specifying paths that constitute knotted loops and phase profiles that direct radiation pressure along the knotted paths yields optical traps that exert knotted force fields. Knotted optical force fields have uses for inducing motion along knotted paths, with applications including the generation of knotted electric current loops in plasmas.

Abstract: An in-line holographic microscope can be used to analyze on a frame-by-frame basis a video stream to track individual colloidal particles' three-dimensional motions. The system and method can provide real time nanometer resolution, and simultaneously measure particle sizes and refractive indexes. Through a combination of applying a combination of Lorenz-Mie analysis with selected hardware and software methods, this analysis can be carried out in near real time. An efficient particle identification methodology automates initial position estimation with sufficient accuracy to enable unattended holographic tracking and characterization.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing and using three dimensional optical ring traps. The method and system includes applying a single phase hologram to be able to independently control shape and force profile of an optical trap but without employing orbital angular momentum for the control parameter of an optical ring trap to manipulate an object.

Abstract: A system and method for creating extended optical traps for applying optical forces to a material to be manipulated for a commercial application. The system and method include applying a hologram of appropriate characteristics to a beam of light wherein the hologram characteristics include a transverse optical component to apply optical forces transverse to an optical axis of the system. A shape phase component achieves this transverse optical component and also intensity gradient components can be applied via the hologram to provide programmable extended optical traps for a selectable commercial application.

Abstract: A method and system for manipulating object using a three dimensional optical trap configuration. By use of selected hologram on optical strap can be configured as a preselected three dimensional configuration for a variety of complex uses. The system can include various optical train components, such as partially transmissive mirrors and Keplerian telescope components to provide advantageously three dimensional optical traps.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a plurality of objects. The method includes the steps of providing a shaping source, applying the shaping source to create a spatially symmetric potential energy landscape, applying the potential energy landscape to a plurality of objects, thereby trapping at least a portion of the plurality of objects in the potential energy landscape, spatially moving the potential energy landscape to manipulate the plurality of objects; and extinguishing the potential energy landscape, thereby causing the plurality of objects to move freely when the potential energy landscape is extinguished.

Abstract: A method and system for manipulating object using a three dimensional optical trap configuration. By use of selected hologram on optical strap can be configured as a preselected three dimensional configuration for a variety of complex uses. The system can include various optical train components, such as partially transmissive mirrors and Keplerian telescope components to provide advantageously three dimensional optical traps.

Abstract: A method and system for assembling a quasicrystalline heterostructure. A plurality of particles is provided with desirable predetermined character. The particles are suspended in a medium, and holographic optical traps are used to position the particles in a way to achieve an arrangement which provides a desired property.

Abstract: A method and system for assembling a quasicrystalline heterostructure. A plurality of particles is provided with desirable predetermined character. The particles are suspended in a medium, and holographic optical traps are used to position the particles in a way to achieve an arrangement which provides a desired property.

Abstract: Systems and methods for encoding information in the topology of superpositions of helical modes of light, and retrieving information from each of the superposed modes individually or in parallel. These methods can be applied to beams of light that already carry information through other channels, such as amplitude modulation or wavelength dispersive multiplexing, enabling such beams to be multiplexed and subsequently demultiplexed. The systems and methods of the present invention increase the number of data channels carried by a factor of the number of superposed helical modes.