Combined optical micromanipulation and interferometric topography

TLDR: An all-optical platform delivering pN force resolution in parallel with nano-scale structural imaging of the biological sample by combining optical tweezers with interferometric quantitative phase microscopy, opening avenues to a wide range of new research possibilities and applications in biology.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to a system. According to various embodiments the present disclosure provides a system. The system includes a movable sample stage configured to receive a sample. The movable sample stage includes a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. A portion of the first major surface and the second major surface can be transparent. An excitation light source is aligned with and is in optical communication with the first major surface of the sample stage. A microscope objective is disposed on the second major surface and is substantially aligned with the excitation light source. A laser source is in optical communication with the sample stage. A dichroic mirror is aligned with the microscope objective and is configured to direct light emitted from the laser in a first direction towards the microscope objective.