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Title: Opto-refrigerative tweezers
Optical tweezers offer revolutionary opportunities for both fundamental and applied research in materials science, biology, and medical engineering. However, the requirement of a strongly focused and high-intensity laser beam results in potential photon-induced and thermal damages to target objects, including nanoparticles, cells, and biomolecules. Here, we report a new type of light-based tweezers, termed opto-refrigerative 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. This novel and 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.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2001650
PAR ID:
10333438
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Science Advances
Volume:
7
Issue:
26
ISSN:
2375-2548
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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