Microvison-activated automatic optical manipulator for microscopic particles [microvison read microvision]

We have demonstrated an automatic optical manipulator that integrates microvision-based pattern recognition and optoelectronic tweezers (OET) for processing microscopic particles. This system automatically recognizes the positions and sizes of randomly distributed particles and creates direct image patterns to trap and transport the selected particles to form a predetermined pattern. By integrating the OET with a programmable digital micromirror device display (DMD), we are able to generate 0.8 million pixels of virtual electrodes over an effective area of 1.3 mm × 1 mm. Each virtual electrode is individually controllable for parallel manipulation of a large number of microscopic particles. Combining the automatic microvision analysis technology with the powerful optical manipulator, this system greatly increases the functionality and reduces the processing time for microparticle manipulation.