Optically induced dielectrophoretic force

H. Hwang, D.-H. Lee, W. Choi and J.-K. Park, Enhanced discrimination of normal oocytes using optically induced pulling-up dielectrophoretic force, Biomicrofluidics, 3, 014103 (2009). 

Dielectrophoretic forces, though, can be induced by means other than an applied electric signal through electrodes. Optical tools can be implemented to modify an applied electric field, making these methods more susceptible for dynamic as opposed to static manipulation of electric fields with surface electrodes. Dielectrophoresis applications are not limited to particulate manipulation either. With properly configured surface-electrode geometry, it is possible to induce fluid motion and create nanoliter-sized droplets. Additionally, dielectrophoretic forces can be utilized to manipulate particles to buUd micro- and nanostructures such as wires. 

An electrode-less approach to induce localized dielectrophoretic forces can be created by light illumination in optically induced dielectrophoresis. This technique utilizes low-power optical beams to manipulate particles and cells. Consider an AC electric signal applied across two parallel electrodes with a film of photocon-ductive layer in between. This generates a uniform electric field across the film however,... 

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