Actuation of microfabricated tools using multiple GPC-based counterpropagating beam traps

We explore the functionalities of a generalized phase contrast (GPC) -based multiple-beam trapping system for the actuation of various microfabricated SiO2 structures in liquid suspension. The arrays of optical traps are formed using two counterpropagating light fields, each of which is spatially reconfigurable in both cross-sectional geometry and intensity distribution, either in a user-interactive manner or under computer supervision. Design of microtools includes multiple appendages with rounded endings by which optical traps hold and three-dimensionally actuate individual tools. Proof-of-principle demonstrations show the collective and user-coordinated utility of multiple beams for driving microstructured objects. The potential to integrate these optically powered microtools may lead to more complex miniaturized machineries – a closely achievable goal with the real-time reconfigurable optical traps employed in this work.