Controlled modulation of laser beam and dynamic patterning of colloidal particles using optical tweezers

We present controlled generation of complex-structured beam profiles using diffractive optical element and demonstrate multiple dynamic trapping of colloidal particles. The phase element is programmed to generate various tailored optical fields having structures, similar to that of number three, spiral, and circle but in a tractable manner. Thus, the generated spatially tailored optical fields are confined to focal volume in optical tweezers. This enabled real-time trapping of multiple microscopic objects whereby its transverse organization was controlled in a dynamic manner from one structure to another with the help of spatial light modulator. Such a controlled beam shaping finds potential applications in biophotonics, super resolution imaging, and measurement of biophysical parameters, cell sorting, and micro-manipulation of colloidal particles.