Multi-Trap Optical Tweezers for DNA Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical tweezers systems are limited in their ability to simultaneously and controllably manipulate multiple DNA molecules, as they typically allow only one or two traps at a time, making it difficult to study interactions between multiple DNA sections and proteins, and are not suitable for continuous, stable force calibration.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using multiple simultaneously active trapping beams with controllable optics and light detectors, allowing for the independent control and monitoring of multiple optical traps by overlapping detector beams with trapping beams, enabling continuous manipulation and monitoring of multiple DNA molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If time-shared optical tweezers are used to manipulate multiple DNA molecules, then multiple locations can be addressed, but the trapping is not continuous in time making them unstable and force-calibration problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single laser beam into multiple separate trapping beams using beam-splitting optics. Each trapping beam is directed to a different location through independent controllable mirrors, creating multiple simultaneous optical traps. This segmentation allows continuous trapping at multiple positions without time-sharing, resolving the stability and calibration issues while maintaining the ability to manipulate multiple DNA molecules.
2Reliability
If traditional optical tweezers are used with one or two traps, then force calibration is stable, but only one or two DNA molecules can be studied at a time limiting data throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the trapping function into multiple independent beams, each maintaining stable force calibration while operating simultaneously. The beam-splitting architecture ensures each trap receives sufficient optical power for reliable calibration, enabling parallel study of multiple DNA molecules and thereby increasing data throughput without sacrificing calibration stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional optical system where a single apparatus can simultaneously perform force calibration and manipulation of multiple DNA molecules. The controllable mirrors and beam-splitting optics enable the system to adapt to different experimental configurations, studying multiple molecules in parallel while maintaining the reliability needed for force measurements.
3Productivity
If multiple trapping beams are used simultaneously, then multiple DNA molecules can be manipulated continuously, but the device complexity increases with additional optics and detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs beam-splitting optics to divide a single laser source into multiple trapping beams, avoiding the need for multiple independent laser systems. Each beam is controlled by independent mirrors, allowing continuous simultaneous manipulation of multiple DNA molecules while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through efficient use of optical components.
4Measurement precision
If detector beams are overlapped with trapping beams, then independent monitoring of multiple traps is enabled, but the system requires additional optical paths and filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function with the trapping beams by overlapping detector beams with the trapping beams at the sample location. Wavelength filtering separates the detection signal from the trapping light, enabling independent monitoring of multiple traps. This merging approach reduces the need for separate detection optical paths while maintaining measurement precision through spectral discrimination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the continuous manipulation and monitoring of multiple DNA molecules in three dimensions, allowing for the study of protein-DNA interactions and increasing data throughput by maintaining stable, continuous force application on multiple traps.
Implementation Method 1
The physical principle can be explained by the momentum transfer (force) between the incident photons and the trapped objects that occurs upon refraction
Implementation Method 2
the momentum transfer (force) between the incident photons and the trapped objects that occurs upon refraction
Implementation Method 3
controllable optics, such as controllable mirrors, configured to receive and redirect the trapping beams
Implementation Method 4
a wavelength filter is disposed in a light path between the sample volume and one of the light detectors. The wavelength filter is configured to pass light with the wavelength of the detector beam to the detector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus (100) and method for controlling a plurality of simultaneously active optical traps (OT1,OT2,OT3). In one method, trapping beams (TB1,TB2,TB3) are provided and redirected for individually controlling a respective position (X,Y) of optical traps (OT1,OT2,OT3) formed by focusing of the redirected trapping beams in a sample volume (SV). Light (L11,L20) from the sample volume (SV) corresponding to the optical traps is received. A path of a detector beam (AB) is overlapped with one of the trapping beams (TB3), wherein the detector beam has a distinct wavelength (λA) from that of the overlapping trapping beam (TB3). In one channel, the light from the sample volume is filtered according to wavelength, and only the filtered light having the wavelength (λA) of the detector beam (AB) is measured.