Laser microdissection techniques have revolutionized the ability of researchers in general, and pathologists in particular, to carry out molecular analysis on specific types of normal and diseased cells and to fully utilize the power of current molecular technologies including P…
The atomic force microscope (AFM) has been successfully used to perform nanorobotic manipulation operations on nanoscale entities such as particles, nanotubes, nanowires, nanocrystals, and DNA since 1990s. There have been many progress on modeling, imaging, teleoperated or autom…
In this thesis two previously separate fields of study are brought together: optical micromanipulation and ultrashort laser research. Here, the benefits of combining the high peak powers of ultrashort pulsed lasers and conventional optical micromanipulation techniques are explor…
Over the last few decades, the use of light to control and manipulate microscopic particles has become widespread. These methods are enabling new areas of research to flourish across the physical and biological sciences. This thesis describes investigations into both optical tra…
Three projects are described in this thesis that combine microfabrication techniques with optical micromanipulation. The aim of these projects is to use expertise in microlithography and optical tweezing to create new tools for Lab-on-Chip devices. The first project looks at the…
This thesis investigates the application of a variety of optical techniques for the manipulation of single cells and their local micro-environment. The methodologies developed provide enhanced control over a single cell under study affording exquisite spatial and temporal contro…
Optical trapping of metal nanoparticles investigates phenomena at the interface of plasmonics and optical micromanipulation. This thesis combines ideas of optical properties of metals originating from solid state physics with force mechanism resulting from optical trapping. We e…