Abstract

Atmospheric science requires robust methods for probing and manipulating single aerosol particles. We examine the utility of emerging techniques using optical tweezers in this area by demonstrating the use of holographic optical tweezers [1] generated using a phase only liquid crystal spatial light modulator for the three dimensional trapping and manipulation of arrays of airborne particles. We show that single and multiple aerosol droplets, of the order of 10 microns in diameter, can be stably trapped and controllably fused using optical techniques.

© 2007 IEEE