Optical Vortex Trap State Evaluation via Focal Position Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques fail to accurately evaluate whether a micro object in a medium is optically trapped with an optical vortex.

Innovation Solution

A micro object control apparatus comprising a light source, optical vortex generation unit, objective lens, imaging unit, analysis unit, and movement unit, which captures and analyzes image data to evaluate the state of the optical trap by comparing motion information at different focal positions of the optical vortex.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional optical vortex techniques are used to trap micro objects, then the micro object can be optically trapped and controlled, but it is not possible to accurately evaluate whether the micro object is optically trapped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaluation accuracy of optical trap stateVSAvoiddetection of optical trap state

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces image data as an intermediary to indirectly evaluate the optical trap state. Instead of directly measuring the trap state, the system captures images of the micro object and analyzes its motion characteristics from these images, using the image data as a mediator to infer trap state information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical or optical measurement of trap state with image-based analysis. By substituting direct detection with image capture and motion analysis, the system achieves accurate evaluation of the optical trap state without requiring complex direct measurement apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the focal position of the optical vortex is fixed, then the optical trapping is simple to operate, but the ability to evaluate optical trap state at different positions is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaluation capability at different focal positionsVSAvoidsystem complexity for focal position adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the focal position of the optical vortex adjustable and dynamic. By enabling the focal position to be changed along the optical axis and analyzing motion at multiple positions, the system gains versatility in evaluating optical trap states under different conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the evaluation process into multiple focal positions. Instead of a single fixed position, the system performs analysis at different focal positions along the optical axis, dividing the evaluation into discrete positional segments to comprehensively assess trap state characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 accurate evaluation of the optical trap state and secure manipulation of micro objects, applicable for micro machine driving, viscosity measurement, and temperature estimation.

Implementation Method 1

an objective lens for optically trapping the micro object by focusing the optical vortex output from the optical vortex generation unit and irradiating the micro object in the medium with the focused optical vortex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical trapping: Optical Tweezers

Implementation Method 2

the optical vortex is also distinctive in that it has an orbital angular momentum. When the micro object in the medium is irradiated with the optical vortex which has the orbital angular momentum, the micro object receives the angular momentum from the optical vortex to revolve around the propagation axis along an orbit having the large light intensity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOrbital angular momentum: Angular Momentum

Data Source

PatentUS9965867B2Particle control device

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK

AI summary

A micro object control apparatus for controlling motion of a micro object within a medium includes a light source, an optical vortex generation unit, an objective lens, an imaging unit, an analysis unit, and a movement unit. The analysis unit acquires first motion information of the micro object based on the image data in which the micro object optically trapped with the optical vortex is imaged by setting the focal position of the optical vortex to a first position, acquires second motion information of the micro object based on the image data in which the micro object optically trapped with the optical vortex is imaged by setting the focal position of the optical vortex to a second position, and evaluates a state of an optical trap of the micro object with the optical vortex by comparing the first motion information and the second motion information.