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Lang Lab

Optical Trapping for Undergraduates

AUTHORS

Appleyard D.C. , Vandermeulen K. , Lee H. , Lang M.J. . American Journal of Physics. 2007 ; 75(1). 5-14

ABSTRACT

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The detailed design of a robust and inexpensive optical trap system is presented. The system features high-sensitivity back focal plane position detection, mechanically controlled specimen stage movement, and fluorescence imaging to provide broad experimental applications. Three educational experimental modules are described to cover basic concepts in optical trapping and biophysics at a level appropriate for undergraduate students.