Manipulating Microscopic Objects. A Study on Optical Tweezers and Acoustic Levitation

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2023 in the subject Physics - Applied physics University of Aberdeen language: English abstract: This thesis investigates two powerful techniques for manipulating and studying microscopic particles: optical tweezers and acoustic levitation. Optical tweezers use the force of light to trap and manipulate small particles while acoustic levitation uses sound waves to levitate particles in mid-air. The first part of the thesis focuses on the construction and optimization of an optical tweezers system. The system is build using high-powered laser optics for focusing the laser beam and a position detection and control system. the second part of this thesis explores the use of acoustic levitation for the manipulation of micro spheres. The acoustic levitation system is designed and constructed using 72 transducers. The system is characterized using measurements of the acoustic field and the resulting levitation forces. The levitation of micro spheres is demonstrated. This thesis would provide a detailed investigation of two powerful techniques for the manipulation of microscopic particles.